Bryant Preferred 126B Review

When it comes to tiers, options, and pricing, the Preferred 126B is Bryant’s middle air conditioner offering. It is mid-range in terms of Bryant’s price range, efficiency levels, specifications, and even decibel ratings. This particular model has a single-stage scroll compressor that’s longer-lasting than standard ones, and operates at a quieter level as well. It’s also a more efficient compressor design, so the 126B has an ENERGY STAR® qualifying efficiency rating, and could save you hundreds of dollars or more on annual energy bills.

About the Bryant Preferred 126B

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

Top Features

• High-efficiency unit that’s ENERGY STAR® qualified
• Scroll compressor promises better efficiency, durability, and quiet
• Good selection cooling capacities
• Noise-reduction features
• Damage-protection features
• Lasting and reliable performance
• Can be operated remotely with a smart thermostat and app

The Bottom Line

The Preferred 126B may be one of Bryant’s mid-range air conditioners, but you could increase your budget slightly and get a more sophisticated model with better specifications. On the other hand, you could also spend a little less and still get a Bryant air conditioner that’s comparable to the 126B. That being said, this model does have a high-efficiency rating, good specifications and features, and a decent warranty, and it also promises quiet operation, cost-savings, and lasting, dependable performance.

In Depth Review

Bryant Preferred 126B Product Specifications:

Compressor: Single-stage
SEER: Up to 16
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 72
Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tonnes

Features Overview

Quiet operation: When operating in its most common cooling setting, the Preferred 126B isn't any louder than a dishwasher or vacuum. Many features enable this quiet performance, including a sound compressor blanket and the unit’s sophisticated scroll compressor. Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts and don’t vibrate the way regular compressors do, so they don’t make as much noise, and you get a home that’s both quiet and comfortable.

Easy and convenient control: The Preferred 126B is compatible with Bryant’s Housewise Wi-Fi control, a smart thermostat that can be managed using an app on your smartphone or tablet. This lets you program, manage, and monitor your cooling system from just about anywhere. You can even set maintenance and service alerts to keep your air conditioner running optimally, and use the thermostat to manage humidity levels on those muggy summer days better.

Other Key Features

• Enjoy improved indoor air quality
• Refrigerant isn't ozone-depleting
• Pressure switches
• Filter Drier
• Coil guard
• Powder paint finish
• Heavy-gauge sheet metal cabinet

Warranty Information

As soon as you install the Preferred 126B, register the unit within 90 days to be eligible for the full 10-year limited parts warranty. Otherwise, the parts warranty will expire after just five years. And if you hate the idea of having to pay for an HVAC technician to repair your air conditioner if something goes wrong, there's an optional labour warranty you can purchase separately when you buy the unit.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Bryant Preferred 126B versus Evolution 180B and Legacy 113A

The Preferred 126B is a middle-of-the-road air conditioner in terms of features, specifications, and price. The most expensive model in Bryant’s line is the Evolution 180B, and it averages $5,600 with the installation. On the other end of the spectrum is the Legacy 113A, which averages $3,355. The more expensive model comes with more attractive features like a quieter noise level and a higher SEER rating, whereas the cheaper model has more standard specifications like a lower efficiency rating and no ENERGY STAR certification.

Model Comparison by Features: Bryant Preferred 126B versus Evolution 187BNC

The Preferred 126B is made with quality materials and components that are designed to withstand time, regular wear and tear, and the elements, just like all other Bryant air conditioners. However, there are two models in the line that offer even more durability, and those are the coastal air conditioners, including the Evolution 187BNC. This model is superior in many ways: it has a SEER rating of 17, a decibel rating of 70, a two-stage scroll compressor, even more, durability features to protect from corrosion, and an additional five-year parts warranty for coastal corrosion.   

Model Comparison by Tier: Bryant Preferred 126B versus Preferred 127A

The Preferred 127A is a slightly more expensive model by a couple of hundred dollars compared to the Preferred 126B, but unless you're on a budget, then the 127A might be a better option for an upgrade. The main difference is the 127A has a two-stage scroll compressor, and this means it promises better efficiency, improved temperature maintenance, reduced temperature fluctuations, and increased humidity control. Although the 126B has a scroll compressor, it still only has one stage, and that means the model is quite basic in terms of what's available these days.