Bryant Evolution 189BNV Review

The Evolution 189BNV is one of the only variable-speed air conditioners in Bryant's line. It has one of the highest efficiency ratings of all their cooling systems, and at just 56 decibels, it also boasts the quietest performance. Thanks to the variable-speed compressor, the 189BNV also promises superior humidity control, temperature maintenance and consistency, minimal temperature fluctuations, excellent energy use, and cost-savings on your power bills. When it's time to upgrade your cooling system, Bryant's 189BNV is an excellent option if you want quiet, efficiency, reliability, and durability.

About the Bryant Evolution 189BNV

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

Top Features

• Ultra-quiet operation
• Excellent efficiency rating and ENERGY STAR® qualification
• Compact size ideal for smaller homes and discreet installation
• Good warranty
• Superior humidity control
• Eliminates most temperature fluctuations
• Dependable and reliable performance
• Great energy and cost-savings

The Bottom Line

When silence and comfort are equally important in your household, Bryant's Evolution 189BNV air conditioner will satisfy both requirements. This model is one of the most advanced air conditioners from Bryant, and it also promises energy-savings, humidity control, consistent temperatures, and a compact size that makes the unit unobtrusive. The 189BNV will require a larger budget than their more standard models, but it could be well worth the extra investment because of the additional energy savings and advanced comfort management.  

In Depth Review

Bryant Evolution 189BNV Product Specifications:

Compressor: Variable-speed
SEER: Up to 19
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 56
Tonnage: 2 to 4 tonnes

Features Overview

Inverter-driven variable-speed compressor: The compressor that comes with the Evolution 189BNV is one of the most advanced there is for air conditioners. It's an inverter-driven compressor with variable-speed capabilities, meaning it can operate at 25 percent capacity and make incremental adjustments as necessary to maintain the right temperature and control humidity, all while lowering energy use and reducing noise.

Whisper-quiet operation: Every Bryant air conditioner is designed for quiet operation, but the Evolution 189BNV takes the cake when it comes to reduced noise levels, soft starts, and smooth ramp-ups. The variable-speed compressor is part of this, but this model also has the AeroQuiet System II design to guarantee quiet operation further. This includes a compressor sound blanket, forward-swept fan blade, pressure equalizer valve, and quiet split-post compressor grommets.

Durable and long-lasting: The Evolution 189BNV has been built to last. The unit is constructed with durable and high-quality materials that protect the unit from damage, including a filter drier, pressure switches, powder paint finish, sheet metal cabinet, coil guard, and more.

Other Key Features

• Can be paired with the Evolution Connex control for remote management
• Additional humidity control when managed with the Evolution Connex
• Zone temperature control available for customized comfort levels
• Uses an environmentally responsible Puron refrigerant
• Maintenance reminders and service alerts available through the Evolution Connex control
• Compatible with most two-stage thermostats

Warranty Information

Bryant air conditioners like the 189BNV come with a standard five-year limited parts warranty, and there's an additional labour warranty available for purchase as well. As long as you register the unit within 90 days of installation, the parts warranty becomes a registered 10-year warranty.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Bryant Evolution 189BNV versus Evolution 180B and Legacy 113A

As mentioned, the 189BNV is one of the most advanced models from Bryant, but it's neither the most expensive nor the most affordable air conditioners in the company's line. By comparison, the Evolution 180B costs an average of $5,500 or more, whereas lower-end models like the Legacy 113A might only cost about $3,500.

Model Comparison by Features: Bryant Evolution 189BNV versus Legacy 113A

You could save $1,000 or more by opting for Bryant's more affordable Legacy models, and whereas the 113A typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000, there are also many drawbacks with the budget-friendly air conditioner. For one thing, it's a standard air conditioner in that it's single-stage and only has a SEER rating of 13. The low-efficiency rating means it won't save you nearly as much on your monthly energy bills, and it may not qualify for energy efficiency minimums in certain areas. Moreover, because it's only a single-stage air conditioner, it won't be as quiet, won't provide the same humidity control, won't eliminate temperature fluctuations, and won't be able to promise steady and even temperature maintenance.

Model Comparison by Tier: Bryant Evolution 189BNV versus Evolution 186B

Like the Legacy 113A, the Evolution 186B is only equipped with a single-stage compressor, and that means it's not as good as the Evolution 189BNV in terms of temperature consistency, humidity control, quiet operation, or energy efficiency. It does cost roughly $500 less than the 189BNV, but you won't see the same energy savings with the 186B, so it may not be worth the reduced purchase price.