Central AC Brands

[Tdog]

I have two 4 ton heat pumps that are getting on in years - - one is 10, the other is 12. These are all-in-one units, there is no condensor in the attic. They are working fine right now, but I know they can't last forever.

I've been trying to learn if there are any brands that I should especially look for or avoid. I've been told to avoid any use of aluminum coils - - and I've been told that that used to be true, but now aluminum was OK & is warranted for 10 years.

Geez. Ignorance is not bliss. Does anyone have information on this topic?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Lasgambler]

Hello, I am not a HVAC guy so take my 2 cents with a grain of salt.

If your units are as old as you say they are you can probaly save about 25% on electricity in the summer by upgrading to new units with a 13 14 or now I think they have a 15 seer rating.

In the desert Southwest we call the kind you have a "Package Unit". IMO one of the cheaper/ less expensive units available now is the Goodman that has a great warranty. I put Goodman and Rheem in the Homes I build. I have not had any problems with them, and our climate really works them. It is 118* here this afternoon for the third day in a row.

I thought all the condenser coils where made out of alum. I don't think there is a problem with that. Good Luck

 

[heehaw]

i second that opinion on Goodman equipment: i've used it several times with no problems: i have a link where you can buy the units yourself, i think its acdirect.com ...i much prefer a package unit over the split system: even though everyone says the split system operates cheaper..they are easily changed by anyone as long as the ductwork is ok.
heehaw

 

[kenmac]

I thought all the condenser coils where made out of alum.

Nope



Flip a coin . There all about the same. Of course, I can get more $ for a trane.You know, It's hard to stop a trame

 

[texasjohn]

Several years ago, my AC went out. Weather was such that I had some time to do research. I got several estimates and at that time replacing just the inside unit would have been something like $3500, parts and labor, as I recall.

The estimates told me the size of unit and seer ratings I could get locally and what I needed. Age and seer rating of outside unit argued for its replacement, too.

Then, did web research. I discovered that there are dealers that will ship the units you need directly to your home. I discovered that I could get replacement inside AND outside units delivered for something like $2200.

Called around and found a certified technician who agreed to install both for something like $500.

So, I got a GOODMAN complete unit delivered, from somewhere in Florida, don't recall the dealer, and had it installed by local technician.

That was about 4 years ago. Unit still is working. I had one switch go out which the same technician replaced for something like $120.

I'm still $$ ahead by purchasing over the internet and finding my own local installer. Yes, I did net research and made phone calls and made my own determination that the dealer in Florida is legitimate and reputable.

I'd do the same again, hope I don't have to for some years more.

 

[kenmac]

Only problem about buying over the net is, If someone installs it & it doesn't work. Do you pay for shipping back ?? I have installed water heaters that people have bought over the net. When they don't work people expect you to un-install & re- install for the same $ . I stopped doing these self purchase installs for that reason. I have purchased & installed new A/C equipment & have to go back take it out return the equipment because of leaks , etc,. It could cost you more $ in the long run buying it yourself & having someone do the install. It's your $ and you are taking a gamble that all goes well with the install & the equipment

 

[kenmac]

I have two 4 ton heat pumps that are getting on in years - - one is 10, the other is 12. These are all-in-one units, there is no condensor in the attic. They are working fine right now, but I know they can't last forever.

I've been trying to learn if there are any brands that I should especially look for or avoid. I've been told to avoid any use of aluminum coils - - and I've been told that that used to be true, but now aluminum was OK & is warranted for 10 years.

Geez. Ignorance is not bliss. Does anyone have information on this topic?

Thanks,

Jack

These are called package units.

 

[texasjohn]

Kenmac is right, you are self insuring... I decided to do that for the very significant $ difference. It was my risk, my choice. Dealer in Fla did say that if something happened the warranty was thru them... on my one repair, it was a small cost thus I didn't even bother with contacting them.

 

[Bird]

I don't think I've ever seen a Goodman unit. Of course there are a lot of brands I never even heard of listed here. My first house was an old one and had Lennox heat but window unit air-conditioning. The two new houses I bought had Carrier and I was satisfied with them. The last one was over 11 years old when I sold the house and it had never had any service other than me cleaning it and oiling the motors. And now I have a Rheem heat pump. It's working well, but it's a 1999 model; i.e., 9 years old, so I don't know how long it'll last.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Nice to hear something good about the goodman units. In the AC forums they get bad mouthed something awful. Course in that forum, everyone is calling everyone else an idiot so I don't go there very often, another reason TBN is such a great forum, people are civil here.
I'm in the same boat as the original poster, my units are now 11 yrs old on 10
SEER units. I bought them wholesale (3 ton split and 3 1/2 ton split) for about $1000 each and had a guy install them when I built my house. I want to move one unit, so am considering replacing it . The quote I have been getting from installers now are ridiculous, over $13K for a 3 ton unit. One of these quotes is thru Home Depot (who used to sell goodman in their stores years ago) who is now pushing Trane via their contractor services. Trane is a great product, so is Carrier, so is Lennox, so is Ruud and Rheem. It's just a shame what the EPA has done to restrict the AC industry.
I have looked at Goodman on the internet sites, but the problem is finding someone willing to install for you. Goodman states on their web page they won't warrent a unit sold on the internet. I currently have RUUD (same as Rheem), they have worked great. Local distributor quit carrying them though.