Payne PA16NW Review

The PA16NW is a high-efficiency and economical air conditioner that has a single-stage scroll compressor. This cooling system is quite standard compared to some of the features and technologies that are available today, but it is still a quiet, efficient, dependable, and high-quality unit that will keep your family cool and comfortable for many summers. Payne’s PA16NW is an excellent option for young families, first-time homeowners, people on a budget, or anybody looking for a reliable and basic air conditioner that will cut energy bills and last through many seasons.  

About the Payne PA16NW

Average Price (with installation): $3500 - $5500

Top Features

• Affordable for lower budgets
• High-efficiency operation
• Quiet and soft performance
• ENERGY STAR® certification may qualify for rebates
• Protective features for extra durability
• Weather- and corrosion-resistance
• Built for lasting performance
• Advanced scroll compressor

The Bottom Line

Payne’s PA16NW is quite basic in terms of modern air conditioners, but it is budget-friendly, high-efficiency, durable, and long-lasting. This model is a good option if you want a better air conditioner that will save you money on energy bills but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on an upgrade. The PA16NW does have a higher-tech scroll compressor so that this air conditioner will be more efficient, quieter, and more durable than a cheaper model with a standard compressor style. Finally, the PA16NW has been built to provide reliable performance for many summers and is backed by a good warranty, so it’s a safe investment.

In Depth Review

Payne PA16NW Product Specifications:

Compressor: Single-stage
SEER: Up to 17
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 73
Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tonnes

Features Overview

The scroll compressor powering the PA16NW is more sophisticated than a standard compressor. One of the benefits is that it has fewer moving parts, produces less vibration, and consequently operates quieter than regular compressors. Another advantage is that scroll compressors are more efficient, so you'll use less energy operating the PA16NW and cut your monthly energy bills. Finally, scroll compressors are more durable, so the PA16NW will reliably perform for longer than a competitor model with a standard compressor.

Other Key Features

• Weather and debris protection from the tight wire grille panels
• Corrosion-resistant features and components
• Single-speed fan motor
• Moisture damage prevention with the filter drier
• Wire grille panels allow easy access to clean the coil
• R-410A refrigerant doesn’t deplete the ozone
• Added durability and protection from the elements thanks to the galvanized steel cabinet

Warranty Information

Payne air conditioners like the PA16NW have standard five-year limited parts warranties, meaning the company will provide replacement parts if a component fails or malfunctions in the first five years after purchase. However, if you register the unit within 90 days of installation, the five-year warranty extends to a 10-year parts warranty, doubling the protection on your investment and providing further peace of mind.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Payne PA16NW versus PA13NA

If budget is your main concern and you're looking for the most affordable air conditioner from Payne, then the PA13NA will save you about $600 compared to the PA16NW. These two models are comparable in terms of the warranty, compressor, specifications, and other features, but the PA13NA only has a SEER rating of 13 and isn't ENERGY STAR qualified. As such, the cheaper model won’t deliver the same monthly energy savings, won’t be eligible for rebates that the PA16NW might qualify for, and it only just meets federal energy efficiency minimums.

Model Comparison by Features: Payne PA16NW versus PA17NA

There's only one air conditioner in Payne’s product line that really stands out as superior to the PA16NW, and that is the PA17NA. Unlike the single-stage PA16NW, the PA17NA has a two-stage scroll compressor, and this means it can provide better humidity control and superior temperature maintenance with fewer fluctuations. Two-stage compressors also tend to be more energy efficient and quieter, because they can operate at a lower and more cost-effective stage most of the time to maintain the right temperature, and only ramp up to the higher stage when necessary to compensate for heat waves or sudden temperature increases.

Model Comparison by Tier: Payne PA16NW versus PA16NA

Payne’s PA16NW and PA16NA air conditioners are nearly identical in most respects, and there are only a few slight differences that separate them. For one thing, the PA16NA is marginally cheaper, but only by about $200. As a result, the PA16NA also operates a little louder than the PA16NW, though only by three decibels. Similarly, the PA16NW has a slightly higher Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating than the PA16NA, though the two do have the same Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, and will save you similar amounts on your monthly cooling bills.