There are several companies in the HVAC industry that manufacture air conditioners for other brands under contract. This practice is commonly known as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manufacturing or private labeling. In such cases, the HVAC manufacturer produces air conditioning units according to the specifications and branding requirements of another company.
While it is challenging to provide an exact number, as business arrangements can change over time, it's worth noting that OEM manufacturing is relatively common in the HVAC industry. Many well-known HVAC brands do not manufacture their air conditioners themselves but rely on contract manufacturing to produce units bearing their brand name.
These arrangements allow brands to focus on marketing, distribution, and customer support while relying on the expertise and production capabilities of established HVAC manufacturers. Consequently, you may find similarities in design, features, or even entire models across different brands, as they may share the same underlying manufacturing source.
To determine which specific brands engage in OEM manufacturing, it's best to research individual companies or consult HVAC industry resources that provide insights into private labeling and OEM relationships within the industry.