Bryant Evolution 187BNC Review

The Evolution coastal air conditioner 187BNC is a unique design from Bryant that is specially engineered to survive the harsh environment of coastal climates, which can be particularly hard on metals and appliances because of the salt in the air. As such, the 187BNC is built to be stronger and more durable than other Bryant models, and it comes with a better warranty. On top of that, the 187BNC also stands up to other Bryant air conditioners in terms of efficiency, reliability, quiet performance, smart energy use, and temperature and humidity management.

About the Bryant Evolution 187BNC

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

Top Features

• Specifically designed for harsh coastal climates
• Two-stage compressor
• High efficiency and ENERGY STAR® certified
• Quiet operation
• Scroll compressor offers better durability and efficiency
• Ensures consistent temperature and humidity levels
• Great warranty upon registration

The Bottom Line

If you want a Bryant air conditioner and live in a coastal region, then the Evolution 187BNC is the model for you. It has everything you'd expect from a Bryant air conditioner, including a high-efficiency rating, good humidity and temperature control, and reliable and quiet performance, as well as extra features and an additional warranty to protect against sea air.

In Depth Review

Bryant Evolution 187BNC Product Specifications:

Compressor: Two-stage
SEER: Up to 17
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 70
Tonnage: 2 to 4 tonnes

Features Overview

Special Coastal Design: Coastal air is full of salt and contaminants that can wreak havoc on your air conditioner, cause corrosion, and reduce the life expectancy of the unit. Bryant created the Evolution coastal air conditioner to withstand the additional threats of sea air, and the 187BNC has extra features that protect the unit from the elements and a limited warranty that will provide replacements for parts that do become corroded.  

Two-Stage Scroll Compressor: The 187BNC compressor is superior in many ways, including that it’s two-stage instead of one, and that it’s a scroll design rather than a standard one. With the two stages, the compressor can run at a lower speed most of the time, and this saves energy, reduces noise, and controls humidity and temperature fluctuations. The scroll design further eliminates noise by reducing vibrations, increases efficiency, and improves the durability of the unit.

Convenient operation: Even though the 187BNC is compatible with most two-stage thermostats, you can increase convenience, performance, and lifespan by pairing it with the Wi-Fi enabled Evolution Connex control. With this system, you can manage your temperature settings from anywhere in the world, get maintenance reminders that will help extend the life of the unit, set up alerts that will tell you when service is required, and improve your comfort levels by managing temperature and humidity levels more precisely.

Other Key Features

• High- and low-pressure switches protect the compressor from damage
• Filter drier prevents water damage
• Uses Puron refrigerant that doesn’t deplete the ozone
• Durability ensured by the DuraGuard Plus protection system
• Quiet ECM fan motor
• Baked-on powder paint finish protects from the elements
• Heavy-gauge sheet metal cabinet ensures durability
• A louvered steel guard protects the coil

Warranty Information

Like all Bryant air conditioners, the 187BNC comes with a standard five-year limited parts warranty, which extends to 10 years as long as you register the unit within 90 days of installation. Beyond that, this model also has a five-year coastal corrosion parts limited warranty that protects the unit against the type of corrosion and wear caused by coastal air. Finally, you can also buy an additional labour warranty that will cover technician costs should you need any repairs.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Bryant Evolution 187BNC versus Evolution 180B

The Evolution 180B is the most expensive air conditioner in Bryant’s line and will run you between $5,000 and $6,000 with installation. By comparison, the 187BNC is mid-range in terms of price for Bryant air conditioners. If budget is your major concern, however, there are more affordable models from Bryant, including models in the Legacy series that can cost as little as $3,000 to $4,000.

Model Comparison by Tier: Bryant Evolution 187BNC versus Evolution 180B

Although the 180B is more expensive, it has the same two-stage compressor as the 187BNC. The 180B is, however, more efficient and has the highest SEER rating (21) of any Bryant air conditioner, and it operates at an even lower decibel rating. Nonetheless, the 180B doesn’t have the same protections against sea air, so if you do live near the coast, then the 187BNC is your best bet for a new air conditioner.

Model Comparison by Features: Bryant Evolution 187BNC versus Bryant 187B

The Evolution 187BNC and 187B are nearly identical air conditioners in most regards, including their price points, efficiency and SEER ratings, specifications like compressor type, decibel rating, and more. The one thing that separates the two units is the coastal corrosion package that comes with the 187BNC because the additional durability features and warranty aren't available with the 187B.