Which brand central air unit to buy?

[kenmac]

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.

You know what they say.. ''It's hard to stop a Trane'' LOL..I have seen many stopped with very little effort.. It most likely will have an aluminum evap. coil..We shall see how well the aluminum coils hold up after a few years in service... I know the condenser is alum.. They have been for many yrs..
I hate the spin fin condenser coils.. They are a pain to clean.. Especially, when you get those little fuzzy things from trees / bushes stuck to the little spines..

 

[ultrarunner]

My Carrier condenser units are copper tubing with aluminum fins.

After nearly 21 years one of the 90 bends on the tubing let go...

Opted to make a repaid, purge the system and add refrigerant.

Seven weeks so far and holding.

 

[Duwop]

14 yr old Lennox, at 3 yrs old capacitor outdoor unit, then at 9 3/4 yr the compressor died then at 11 yrs another compasitor this one was inside unit and lastly this early spring blower motor bearing failure.
This unit at purchase in 02 was 4900 included new duct work for entire home as this unit replaced an oil furnace and one window shaker. In the last 14 yrs I've spent another 17 hundred for repairs. When the blower went I asked the sales guy to meet for unit replacement prices. They provided quotes for 4 new units price from 5600,8700,11,200, 15,800 with seer ratings from 11-26. These prices are provided by a local contractor that's been in business for over 40 years. So as you read all major parts have been replaces except heating coils so realistically I'm hoping to get 6 more serviceable years out of this unit.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

You know what they say.. ''It's hard to stop a Trane'' LOL..I have seen many stopped with very little effort.. It most likely will have an aluminum evap. coil..We shall see how well the aluminum coils hold up after a few years in service... I know the condenser is alum.. They have been for many yrs..
I hate the spin fin condenser coils.. They are a pain to clean.. Especially, when you get those little fuzzy things from trees / bushes stuck to the little spines..

the guys hate those especially on the roof tops as cleaning is a pain and they did not make it easy to get at. if roamer would have it correct carrier and bryant seem to pay out on the warranty side well, so that would mean better service on the customer side. Don't know how true that is.

 

[flusher]

The 4-ton Trane A/C with piston compressor came with a 5-year warranty on the compressor. Installed in May 2006 and lasted 9 seasons.
Replaced it in July 2014 with a Ruud 4-ton unit that has a scroll compressor with 10-year warranty. Sold the ranch in Jan 2015 so I'll probably never know how long that one lasts.

Interestingly, the cost of these two units were the same within about $100.

 

[kenmac]

With the EPA requiring higher ,and higher efficiencies from the manufactures, one day all home owner equipment will be VRF units.. Who knows what the cost will be.... May be back to the days when only the rich could afford A/C

 

[Loadstar]

I'd rather clean spine fin units all day vs. some of the abominations carrier builds. I mean carrier Gemini condensing units are one of the worst designs you could have, let's not forget triple split heat pumps, washing 30GT chillers (although a tough machine) for days or the hunk o scrap 30GX chillers. Servicing and washing trane voyagers, intellipaks, rtac's is a walk in the park.

 

[General Lee]

Well, getting my AC replaced this week. Went with American Standard as that is the only brand my HVAC company sells. They stand behind that brand and the company has a very good reputation around my parts.

My current unit is a "Concept" 10 SEER, 3.5 ton, 16 years old. The compressor is failing. AC only as I have an oil furnace. Now I'm going with a 3.5 ton 14 SEER heat pump / AC combo with oil back up.

 

[sixdogs]

I'm the OP on this and already posted that we went with Lennox because the local guy sells them and has a great reputation. Four months into this, there have been no problems and it's been hotter than heck here. Wife has been using it constantly and so far, so good.

 

[kenmac]

Well, getting my AC replaced this week. Went with American Standard as that is the only brand my HVAC company sells. They stand behind that brand and the company has a very good reputation around my parts.

My current unit is a "Concept" 10 SEER, 3.5 ton, 16 years old. The compressor is failing. AC only as I have an oil furnace. Now I'm going with a 3.5 ton 14 SEER heat pump / AC combo with oil back up.

So, you basically got a Trane. I sold them for yrs, but hated them due their spine fin aluminum coils.If your happy that's all that counts. I only sold them because that's the only unit some people would buy. Trane had a great marketing campaign .. ''It's hard to stop a Trane'' ! I have seen many a Trane stopped in my 35 yrs of selling installing units