Bryant Evolution 180C Review

Bryant’s Evolution 180C is one of the company’s top-of-the-line models, so this means it has some of the best specifications and features of all their air conditioners, as well as one of the highest price tags. The 180C is a high-efficiency unit with a high SEER rating, ENERGY STAR® certification, and excellent energy performance and cost-savings, which is why it was named the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR® 2019. If you're looking to upgrade to a high-efficiency cooling system and have a larger budget to accommodate a more advanced air conditioner, then the 180C might be the model for you.

About the Bryant Evolution 180C

Average Price (with installation): $5000 - $7500+

Top Features

• Rated Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR® 2019
• Excellent SEER rating
• Very quiet performance
• Great labour and parts warranty
• Remote system control available
• Lasting and reliable performance

The Bottom Line

Air conditioners in Bryant’s premium-tier Evolution series are more expensive than some comparable models from other brands, but the 180C does have some great features and specifications. This includes a variable-speed inverter-driven compressor, ultra-quiet operation, a better warranty than most other Bryant models, and features that protect the unit from damage and promise many years of reliable performance.

In Depth Review

Bryant Evolution 180C Product Specifications:

Compressor: Variable-speed
SEER: Up to 20.5
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 58
Tonnage: 2 to 5 tonnes

Features Overview

Advanced Compressor: The Evolution 180C is equipped with a variable-speed compressor that promises excellent humidity control, temperature consistency, quiet operation, and energy efficiency. The inverter-driven compressor can make incremental adjustments to the speed to reduce energy use and increase comfort.

Durability: Bryant focuses on reliable and long-lasting products, so the Evolution 180C comes with many features that protect the system from wear, tear, corrosion, and the elements. This includes a louvered cabinet, sheet metal construction, baked-on powder paint finish, high- and low-pressure switches, filter drier, and suction pressure transducer.

High-Tech System Control: As an Evolution series model, the 180C is compatible with Bryant’s Evolution Connex control, a Wi-Fi enabled management system that lets you control your cooling settings remotely. When paired with the Evolution Connex control, the 180C offers even better humidity control, minimal temperature fluctuations, enhanced reliability, zone control, advanced diagnostics, and service alerts and maintenance reminders.

Other Key Features

• AeroQuiet System II design for quiet operation
• Compressor sound blanket
• Quiet-mount split post compressor grommets
• Forward-swept fan blade
• Puron refrigerant that doesn’t deplete ozone
• Multiple temperature sensors

Warranty Information

Most Bryant air conditioners come with a parts warranty, but the Evolution 180C comes with the standard 10-year parts limited warranty as well as an additional three-year labour limited warranty that’s not available with other models. Eligibility for these warranty terms is dependent upon registration, which must be done within 90 days of installing the new unit.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Bryant Evolution 180C versus Legacy 116B

The Legacy 116B is a less advanced air conditioner than the Evolution 180C in that it has a SEER rating of 16, a decibel rating of 76, and a single-speed compressor. In other words, the Legacy 116B is a more basic air conditioner, but it still promises a high efficiency rating, quiet operation, and durable performance, and all for a fraction of the price of the Evolution model. You could save $2,500 or more with the Legacy 116B compared to the Evolution 180C, making it much more suitable for homeowners on a budget.

Model Comparison by Features: Bryant Evolution 180C versus Preferred 124ANS

The Preferred 124ANS isn't as efficient (SEER 14), quiet (decibel rating of 66), or advanced as the Evolution 180C, but it does have a few features the 180C doesn’t. For one thing, it’s more budget-friendly, coming in between $3,420 and $4,420. The big perk the 124ANS offers, however, is a compact size, which makes it ideal for small houses, homes where space and storage are at a premium, and even multi-family homes.

Model Comparison by Tier: Bryant Evolution 180C versus Evolution 186B

Bryant’s 186B is similarly an Evolution series air conditioner, but it’s more basic and more affordable than the 180C. The Evolution 186B has a single-stage compressor instead of a variable-speed one, a SEER rating of 16, a noise rating that’s 10 decibels higher, and it doesn’t come with the three-year labour warranty that the 180C has. What the 186B has going for it, however, is that it could cost about $2,000 less than the more advanced 180C.