Which brand central air unit to buy?

MacLawn · Jun 6, 2016

Well, the ac man didn't give up, and found the issue with Carrier heat pumps dripping condensate. From about 2002-2007 or so, Carrier made a faulty designed coil whatchamacallit that WILL drip condensate, he found. If you can find the new part, it's over $600!! But he said Carrier just banked on those era units being old now and getting replaced. Meanwhile, people like me have to suffer the consequences of Carrier's bad design in those years. So, here's what I say: Bye to Carrier!! I will NEVER again buy anything made by Carrier. Done.

ultrarunner · Jun 6, 2016

This is not uncommon and not just with HVAC manufacturers... things are made to sell.

bjr · Jun 6, 2016

Well that'll make two odd men out as I got 'bout seven years on a Goodman 3-1/2 ton unit that I installed myself. I like it for everything you mentioned. Around here the contractors really do rape people finacially and just not the HVAC contractors and any contractor in the building trades. You have to be VERY careful here trying to get work done and cover everything in writing and then expect delays a problems as you might get put on the back burner for more lukeactive jobs. I apologize for coming across negative on the contracting service people but I used to be employed service tech and saw the ripoffs on the billings. bjr Suppose to be with post #22

MacLawn · Jun 6, 2016

bgr, some do cheat, but it WILL come back to them. I know some honest ones. Just look at what we all have to earn to make it these days, and we can understand why they have to charge so much. Insurance, tax, truck costs, tools, whew, it adds up fast! A laborer is worthy of his pay - if he's honest. If not, it'll come back on him.

brasco426 · Jun 6, 2016

It's crazy how many people want AC when it gets hot, but when it comes time to pony up, either don't do it or just make do with window shakers. I don't blame them, a properly installed HVAC System isn't cheap, neither am I.

truckdiagnostics · Jun 6, 2016

MacLawn said:
Well, the ac man didn't give up, and found the issue with Carrier heat pumps dripping condensate. From about 2002-2007 or so, Carrier made a faulty designed coil whatchamacallit that WILL drip condensate, he found. If you can find the new part, it's over $600!! But he said Carrier just banked on those era units being old now and getting replaced. Meanwhile, people like me have to suffer the consequences of Carrier's bad design in those years. So, here's what I say: Bye to Carrier!! I will NEVER again buy anything made by Carrier. Done.

Well your limiting your self big time, Carrier/Bryant are a big market share, and they make nice stuff and would be one of my first choices, if I was going to have a contractor install it. If the condensate is the only problem spend the $600, then run it until it breaks.

brasco426 · Jun 6, 2016

Carrier is definitely top tier stuff. Their Roof Top Units are definitely top 3, funny thing, Bryant Roof Tops not so much. While overseas, pretty much every piece of cooling equipment you saw working was Carrier. The Huge ice plants were big screw Carrier Chillers, and that's not by mistake!

kenmac · Jun 6, 2016

bryant/carrier has made some good stuff,and they have made some junk..I don't install their products..
Manufactures are now involved in a class action suit over their evap coils...
New evap coils are made from aluminum

Air Conditioner Lawsuits | Freon Leak Problems | ClassAction.org

Thomas v. Lennox Industries Inc.

Lineman North Florida · Jun 7, 2016

My Carrier heat pump/AC just went out with another leak in the coils, I ordered a new XR-15 Trane that they are supposed to install tomorrow hopefully it will be OK. I could have gotten a Tempstar for about $600.00 less, but I have known the family that is installing the Trane and they have been good to me through the years, by not charging me for putting Freon in my old unit, changing out control boards etc, so I feel good about doing business with them.