With a title like Trane vs Lennox vs. Carrier vs Goodman, you may be expecting a side by side product comparison of each brand or maybe a particular model. That’s not exactly what you’ll find in this article, but if you stick with me, I’m sure you’ll find this information even more valuable to you! If you search our blog you will find dozens of those actual side by side model comparisons. But, the information in this article will help you understand those comparisons even more.
Trane vs. American Standard — and Everyone Else
Our article, Trane vs. American Standard: What’s the Difference? (Spoiler: there isn’t one.) is one of the most-read HVAC articles on our website. People comment about it all the time—so I figured it was time to not only revisit the topic but also expand on it.
So here we go! Let’s talk not just Trane vs. American Standard, but how those two compare to other brands like:
- Lennox
- Carrier
- Bosch
- Gree
- Daikin
- Rheem
- Ruud
- Bryant
- Day & Night
- Maytag
- …and many more.
Quick Recap: Trane vs. American Standard
There’s no difference in components or models. They’re the exact same equipment with a different sticker and marketing approach. Trane and American Standard are both owned by Trane Technologies (formerly Ingersoll Rand).
So if the equipment is the same, what is different between HVAC brands?
Let’s take a look.
Multiple HVAC Brands, Same Manufacturer
Just like Trane and American Standard, there are other HVAC manufacturers producing multiple brands—often the same product under a different name.
Here’s a quick breakdown of who makes what:
| Manufacturer | Brands Produced |
|---|---|
| Goodman Manufacturing | Goodman, Amana, Daikin, Franklin |
| Carrier Corporation | Carrier, Bryant, Day & Night, Payne, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Heil, KeepRite, Tempstar |
| Rheem Manufacturing | Rheem, Ruud, WeatherKing |
| Nortek Global | Maytag, Westinghouse, Broan, Frigidaire, Nutone, Mammoth |
| Trane Technologies | Trane, American Standard |
That’s only five manufacturers producing over two dozen brands. There are many more not mentioned here. A fact you may find even more interesting … manufacturer’s like Gree and Midea make some of the models sold under the names above!
So why all the different names?
Why So Many Brand Names?
Simple: market share.
HVAC manufacturers discovered long ago that they could sell more units by rebranding their products and offering “exclusive” lines to more distributors. It gives each distributor something to differentiate—even when what they’re selling is nearly identical to what the guy across town is offering.
Take Phoenix, AZ, for example—where we’re headquartered. Magic Touch Mechanical is located in Mesa, one of the hottest HVAC markets in the country (literally). If you threw a rock in any direction from our office (please don’t), you’d probably hit a building full of AC equipment.
Each of those buildings? Distributors. Each distributor represents one or more brands. Many of them? The same equipment under different names.
Shared Components Across HVAC Brands
Another not-so-secret industry truth: most brands use the same internal components, especially on entry-level and mid-tier models.
Let’s look at some of the common parts and who actually makes them:
- Condenser Fan Motors: Likely made by General Electric or Dayton
- Compressors: Often Copeland
- TXVs and Filter-Driers: Usually Sporlan
So even though your AC unit may say “XYZ Brand,” many of the guts inside it are the same as the one from Brand ABC.
It’s only when you step into the high-efficiency, top-tier equipment lines that you start to see real design and engineering differences between brands.
The Biggest Difference? The HVAC Contractor
Here’s the part that most people don’t think about—but it makes all the difference:
💡 The most important factor isn’t the brand you buy… it’s who installs and services it.
Let me paint a very real picture for you:
Phoenix Weekend Forecast: 117°F 🔥
Yes, that’s not a typo—117 degrees in the shade. AC units all over the Valley are going to fail, including newer ones. Now imagine this:
- You call your HVAC contractor for emergency service.
- They diagnose the issue… but need a replacement part.
- Can they get it today?
- Does the distributor carry it?
- Will the distributor even answer the phone on a weekend?
Why This Matters
Some distributors:
- Stock common parts year-round
- Offer emergency weekend and after-hours support to loyal contractors
- Have knowledgeable staff that help contractors get homeowners back up and running
Others:
- Don’t
- Won’t
- Can’t
Now ask yourself: Did I choose a contractor who has access to the parts and people that can help me when it matters most?
What About the Contractor?
Here’s where Magic Touch Mechanical comes in:
✅ We’re open 7 days a week (no extra charge for weekends)
✅ Our weekend technicians are fully equipped and certified to handle major repairs
✅ Our distributors open up after-hours—because we’re a top-tier partner
✅ We work with multiple manufacturers, so we don’t put all our eggs in one basket
We’ve been serving Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, and the surrounding areas for over 28 years. We know what works here and what doesn’t.
Trane vs Lennox vs Carrier vs Goodman. Bottom Line: Don’t Buy the Sticker
So what’s the takeaway?
- Trane and American Standard? Same thing.
- Many other brands? Also the same thing.
- Internal parts? Often identical.
- Your best bet? Choose a highly qualified HVAC contractor—one that will be there when it matters most.
At the end of the day, your air conditioner’s “birth certificate” might be shared by half a dozen cousins. What matters is who delivers it, installs it, and stands behind it when you need help.
Need a New AC in the Phoenix Area?
Whether you live in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Queen Creek, or anywhere in the Valley, Magic Touch Mechanical has you covered.
We install and service all major brands and will help you find the right system for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget—without the gimmicks.
📞 CALL US NOW
💻 Or …
