Home A/C. Opinions on brands...

[boneheaddoctor]

Since we are in the hottest part of summer, here is a question for those in the know...

What are your favorite brands of home Central A/C systems and why?

Conversely what ones do you hate and why?


Maybe help prevent fellow members from making a mistake at some point with this info.

[GottaDiesel]

Jeeze, I just got done breaking your balls in another thread and I find a good one by you. Go figure.

Try an stay away from the cheaper Goodman units if you can. Look into the higher seers... they are often built MUCH tougher.

If money isn't an option, look into the high-velocity pvc models...

I'm in the middle of all this and have determined that the 13-14seer with a good quality air handler is the way to go.

Also, remember to think about where your air handler is going for noise reasons and buy accordingly.

NOW, if you really want to see how hard the people that install these thing butt-rape you, here's a source for all the parts. The guys who install CAC are theives!!!

www.alpinehomeair.com
www.wholesaleac.com

These guys are both great and will help you like mad to get things to work with the least amount of hassle and money.

Pete

[TN-W124 Diesel]

My father-in-law just had to replace his Trane after 5 years nothing but trouble..

[Moneypit SEL]

Guy I knew in the business always used to say, "Nothing breaks like a Trane".

Not that I'm wishing bad luck on anyone.

[jcyuhn]

Not sure what BHD's original question was because he's on my ignore list. But at any rate, there's an HVAC forum at http://www.hvac-talk.com General concensus there is that design and installation of the system is 90% of what matters, equipment selection is 10%. Of course, slick high-end systems with dual capacity condensers, variable speed air handlers, and thermostat/humidistat combos are much quieter and much more comfortable - for a hefty price premium.

- JimY

[Larry Delor]

I have a Rheem heatpump, and for the last 7 years its operation has been without incident. Seer rating is 11 (one of the higher ratings at the time I bought it).
It was pointed out to me, that an error that is often made, is that the unit bought is too big for the home. The sq. footage of the home and the size of the unit must be matched. Also shading, direct exposure to the sun, and placement of the outside unit, are to be considered.