Bryant Legacy 116B Review

Legacy series models from Bryant are standard air conditioners that include the 116B, a single-stage air conditioner with an advanced scroll compressor. Thanks to the more advanced compressor, the Legacy 116B offers better efficiency, longer-lasting performance, and quieter operation than other air conditioners in this class. This model has a high-efficiency rating that qualifies the unit for ENERGY STAR® certification, so you'll definitely save money on your monthly energy bills, and you might even be eligible for certain government or manufacturer energy rebates after the purchase.

About the Bryant Legacy 116B

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

Top Features

• Sophisticated scroll compressor
• Improved durability and energy efficiency
• Quiet and smooth performance
• ENERGY STAR® qualifying efficiency rating
• Cost-savings
• Can be managed with the Housewise Wi-Fi thermostat

The Bottom Line

Because the Legacy 116B is a Bryant model and has a more high-tech compressor, you might pay a little more for this unit than you might a comparable air conditioner from a competitor brand. However, the Legacy 116B comes with a good warranty and promises quiet and lasting performance, high-quality construction, convenient and remote programming options, and significant energy savings thanks to the high-efficiency rating.

In Depth Review

Bryant Legacy 116B Product Specifications:

Compressor: Single-stage
SEER: Up to 16.5
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 76
Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tonnes

Features Overview

Housewise Wi-Fi thermostat: The Housewise thermostat is an advanced control system you can use to operate the Legacy 116B, and that includes programming your comfort levels and monitoring the system remotely with the smartphone or tablet app. With this thermostat, you can also program automatic maintenance reminders and service alerts that will tell you when to service the unit, which will ensure lasting performance and efficiency.

Other Key Features

• Uses Puron refrigerant that’s not ozone-depleting
• Water damage prevented with the filter drier
• Heavy-gauge sheet metal cabinet extends lifespan
• Protection from the elements with a baked-on powder paint finish
• Dense wire coil guard

Warranty Information

When you buy a Bryant air conditioner, your investment is protected by a five-year limited parts warranty that will provide replacement parts for your air conditioner should a component fail or malfunction. Moreover, when you register the new unit within 90 days of installation, the parts warranty extends to 10 years. For additional protection, you can also purchase a labour warranty that will cover the costs of a technician’s services when you do need repairs or maintenance.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Bryant Legacy 116B versus Evolution 187B

The Legacy 116B is one of Bryant’s entry-level air conditioners, so it also falls at the lower end of the Bryant price range. As you would expect, there are plenty of models in the line that are more expensive than the Legacy 116B, and that includes the premium-tier Evolution 187B. For the more advanced model, you could expect to pay between $4,030 and $5,030. For the higher price, you'd get a SEER rating of 17, a decibel rating of 70, and an even more sophisticated two-stage scroll compressor that promises better humidity control, temperature maintenance, energy efficiency, and cost-savings.

Model Comparison by Features: Bryant Legacy 116B versus Preferred 123A

Bryant’s Preferred 123A is one of their mid-range models, and as such, it does cost slightly more than the Legacy model. However, that’s not to say the Preferred model is superior, because it has a lower SEER rating of 13, the same single-stage scroll compressor, and a very similar decibel rating. Moreover, because of the lower SEER rating, the Preferred 123A doesn’t qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, may not meet efficiency minimums in certain areas, and won’t be eligible for any energy rebates that for which the Legacy 116B might be eligible.

Model Comparison by Tier: Bryant Legacy 116B versus Legacy 114CNC

The Legacy 116B is a standard model in Bryant’s line, whereas the 114CNC has explicitly been designed for harsh coastal climates. Both models have been built with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the elements, but the 114CNC has additional features and specifications to protect the unit and components from the corrosive effects of sea air. The coastal model is in a similar price range as the 116B, has the same warranty terms, has a similar decibel rating, and has the same compressor style, but it does have a lower SEER rating of 14.