Carrier

• Willis Carrier received his U.S. patent for air conditioning (for what he called an "apparatus for treating air") in 1906. He later started the Carrier brand under the umbrella of his employer, Buffalo Forge. Due to the long-standing success and quality of Carrier products, Willis Carrier is often referred to as "the father of air conditioning."
  
  

American Standard

• American Standard, in business since 1881, continues to design and offer consumers high quality HVAC units. The company ranked highest in overall dealer satisfaction from 2006 to 2008 and again in 2010. In 2005, its systems were rated as the most reliable in a survey of 12 leading brands. American Standard also owns the Trane brand name.
  
  

Lennox

• Dave Lennox founded his corporation in 1895 before selling it to newspaper editor D.W. Norris in 1904. Since then, Lennox's name has been a renowned choice for heating and cooling in both residential and commercial settings.
  
  

Goodman

• Goodman, based out of Houston, Texas, established its name into the industry by manufacturing quality, affordable units. The company has become a leading brand in residential and light commercial systems. Goodman also makes equipment using the Amana and Janitrol names.
  
  

Bryant

• In 1904, Charles Bryant founded what was soon named Bryant Heater and Manufacturing Co. The Cleveland-based business brought the Dualator, the first all-in-one heating and cooling unit to the market in 1937. Customers often select Bryant furnaces and air conditioners for their reliability. Carrier purchased Bryant in 1955. United Technologies purchased Carrier in 1979, and still owns both companies.