American Standard Platinum 18 Review

The highest air conditioner line that American Standard offers is the Platinum line. The Platinum 18 is the introduction to this line and features a multi-stage compressor, meaning that your air conditioner can make micro-adjustments to cool your home while also saving on energy. AccuLink™ technology ensures that all components work in harmony and with a SEER of 18, this powerful unit can cool your home during the hottest summers. 

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4500 - $6000

Top Features

• SEER rating of 18
• Multi-stage compressor
• ENERGY STAR® certified

The Bottom Line

The Platinum 18 is a great model if you live somewhere with incredibly hot summers and need a model that can keep up with demanding cooling needs. Though the upfront cost may be more than you anticipate, you are likely to get energy savings since the multi-stage compressor can operate from 30% to 100% capacity based on what’s required. It has technology that makes it a durable unit that resists the pressures of weathering.

In-Depth Review

American Standard Platinum 18 Specifications:

• Compressor type: Multi-stage
• AccuLink™ technology that maintains consistent temperature by communicating between all systems
• Duration™ variable speed compressor makes automatic changes in temperature to avoid gaps and keep a comfortable home environment
• Compressor sound insulator to significantly reduce noise associated with the operation
• Spine Fin™ coil that transfers heat effectively and resists corrosion to last longer
• Variable speed fan motor to meet cooling needs more efficiently and quietly
• Heavy-duty steel louvers to protect the internal coil from debris and damage

The American Standard Platinum 18 is a powerful air conditioning unit that is best suited in consistently hot temperatures. It runs efficiently and can use anywhere from 30% capacity to 100% in order to meet demands. This makes it energy-efficient and it can lower your bills when upgrading from a less accommodating unit. It operates quietly and is weather-resistant with various corrosion-treatments.

More Key Features

• Durabase™ basepan that is resistant to cracks and corrosion 
• 57-75 dB noise level (average conversation is about 60 dB)
• Refrigerant that is ozone-safe and won’t pollute the environment
• SermaGuard™ rust-resistant screws that are zinc-coated to ensure the lifespan of the unit 

Warranty Information

The American Standard warranty for their Platinum models is slightly better than their average warranties. Once you register, your Platinum 18 is covered by a 12-year limited warranty on the compressor, a 10-year limited warranty on the outdoor coil and a 10-year limited warranty on parts. If you don’t register on time, you’ll still get the default 5-year limited warranty. There are also options to purchase extended warranties and transferability if you see yourself moving houses later on.

Comparable Models by American Standard

Model Comparison by Price - American Standard Platinum 18 versus American Standard Silver 16

The American Standard Silver 16 is a good model that is affordable and energy-efficient. Though it has a 17 SEER rating and only one compressor, it is still a reliable unit to cool your home without too much strain. Like the Platinum 18, it uses rust-resistant screws, a treated basepan to avoid cracking and powder-coated panels to weather the elements. The Platinum 18 has the AccuLink™ communicating control board that the Silver 16 lacks. 

Model Comparison by Features - American Standard Platinum 18 versus American Standard Gold 17

The American Standard Gold is on the higher end of air conditioners, so it stacks up against the Platinum 18 relatively well. They both have a SEER rating of 18 and use multi-stage compressors to conserve energy and have an added boost for extreme weather changes. However, the Gold 17 doesn’t have the sound insulator, but it is covered by the same warranty. Both models are designed to resist cracks and weathering.

Model Comparison by Tier - American Standard Platinum 18 versus American Standard Platinum 20

The Platinum tier for American Standard consists of the Platinum 18 and the Platinum 20. The Platinum 20 has a SEER rating of 22 and is an extremely powerful unit that is best used in environments with consistently sweltering hot summers. Both models are durable and designed for extreme weather. They have sound insulators to reduce operational noise and multi-stage compressors as well as variable-speed fans.