Payne PA17NA Review

The PA17NA is a stand-out in the Payne product line because it’s their only air conditioner that boasts a two-stage compressor. This model promises better efficiency, humidity control, and temperature maintenance than any of their other models, so it does come with a slightly higher price tag. Like comparable Payne air conditioners, the PA17NA has a high efficiency rating and ENERGY STAR® certification, as well as a good warranty to back the product. If you enjoy quiet, energy-savings, and advanced humidity and temperature control, then the PA17NA may well be worth the additional upfront cost for what it will provide in terms of precise comfort settings.  

About the Payne PA17NA

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

Top Features

• Advanced two-stage compressor provides exceptional efficiency and performance
• Improved humidity control
• Eliminates most temperature fluctuations
• Quiet and durable scroll compressor
• Good warranty
• Durable and long-lasting
• Weather- and corrosion-resistant features
• Low-stage operation saves energy and money
• Economical

The Bottom Line

The PA17NA is the most expensive air conditioner from Payne, but it’s also the most advanced and the only one that can promise superior humidity control and reduced temperature fluctuations. The two-stage compressor is well-equipped to maintain a consistent temperature through the summer months, no matter how hot or humid the days get, and it also promises reduced energy use and increased cost-savings for many years.

In Depth Review

Payne PA17NA Product Specifications:

Compressor: Two-stage
SEER: Up to 17
ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
Decibel rating: As low as 73
Tonnage: 2 to 5 tonnes

Features Overview

The major benefits of the PA17NA include the two-stage compressor, scroll design, affordable price, and the many protective features that promise lasting and reliable performance. The two-stage compressor has a high and low speed, so the unit can operate at a lower stage most of the time to keep your home at the ideal temperature and humidity level, all while saving you on energy bills. The scroll compressor also promises quieter operation than a typical compressor, as well as increased durability.

Other Key Features

• Quiet performance
• Corrosion-resistant parts and components
• Weather-protective tight wire grille
• Uses a more eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant
• A galvanized steel cabinet offers enhanced durability and weather protection
• High- and low-pressure switches prevent damage to the compressor
• Filter drier stops moisture damage from happening
• Single-speed fan
• Tight wire grille panels protect the unit and allow access for coil cleaning

Warranty Information

The PA17NA comes with a limited parts warranty, but the terms depend on whether you register the unit within 90 days of installation. Without registration, the standard warranty lasts five years. With registration, the standard warranty doubles to a 10-year registered warranty.

Comparable Models by Bryant

Model Comparison by Price: Payne PA17NA versus PA15NC

Payne air conditioner price points don’t vary that much, and there isn't a huge difference between the cheapest and priciest units in their product line. The PA17NA is the most expensive air conditioner they offer, and it averages $3,700 with the installation. By comparison, the PA15NC is one of their mid-range and mid-efficiency models, and it averages $3,050 with the installation. For reference, the most affordable model in the Payne line is the PA13NA, and it costs roughly $1,000 less than the PA17NA.

Model Comparison by Features: Payne PA17NA versus PA15NC

If you opt for a cheaper Payne model like the PA15NC, there are a couple of compromises you will have to make. One of the most important is a lower efficiency rating because the PA15NC has a SEER of 14 and doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification. In other words, you could end up spending more over the years to power the PA15NC, and it won’t be eligible for any energy rebates, whereas the PA17NA would likely qualify based on its SEER rating. Furthermore, the PA15NC has a less sophisticated single-stage compressor, so it can't offer the same benefits in terms of humidity control, quiet operation, efficient performance, or temperature consistency.

Model Comparison by Tier: Payne PA17NA versus PA16NW

The Payne model that’s most similar to the PA17NA is the PA16NW, which is a single-stage air conditioner that has a scroll compressor, high-efficiency rating, ENERGY STAR certification, and similar specifications and warranty terms. The PA16NW also has the same protective features, such as corrosion- and weather-resistant parts and components, so the major difference is the price (the PA16NW averages $3,320 with installation) and compressor style because they both have the same SEER rating as well.