Amana ASX14 vs Goodman SSX14

photosaver99 · 10-07-2012, 05:30 PM

Any help is appreciated!
My 8 years old 5 Ton Amana R22 outside condenser is dead and inside cooling coil is also leaking so I am thinking to replace both of them. I am using gas furnace with fan so I don't have to replace furnace, correct?
Got several price quote, best priced contractor gave me 2 quotes like this,
1. Amana ASX140601 + goodman CHPF4860 cooling coil + other parts freon labor etc, let's say price at XXXX
2. Goodman SSX140601 + goodman CHPF4860 cooling coil + other parts freon labor etc, price at XXXX minus three hundred bucks.
He told me other parts freon labor are the same, cooling coil is also same, the only difference is the outside condenser. He said Amana ASX14 is totally same, a rebadged unit from goodman SSX14, but a better brand so for three hundreds more. Is he correct? Is it worth that more money? I did research on both websites and seems they are from same company Goodman, and have exactly same warranty (lifetime compressor and 10 years other parts).
One more question is, On goodman website they listed Product Features as below,

•High-efficiency scroll compressor
•R-410A chlorine-free refrigerant
•High- and low-pressure switches
•Liquid refrigerant return protection
•Factory-installed liquid line filter drier
•Copper tube / enhanced aluminum fin coil
•850 RPM condenser fan motor
•Service valves with sweat connections and gauge ports
•Louvered sound control top for quiet operation
•High-quality compressor sound blanket
•AHRI certified; ETL listed
But on Amana's website, they only listed Product Features
•High-efficiency scroll compressor
•R-410A chlorine-free refrigerant
•High-density foam compressor sound blanket
•Factory-installed filter drier
•Copper tube / enhanced aluminum fin coil
•Amana brand sound control top for quiet operation
•Long-lasting Amana brand quality and durability
•Service valves with sweat connections and gauge ports
•AHRI certified; ETL listed

Basically Goodman SSX14 listed the following 2 feature but not listed for Amana ASX14, why? If Amana is more expensive but with less feature then I will go with Goodman, if they are indeed same feature just not listed on the website, then I can consider to go better brand with a little of more money, correct?
•High- and low-pressure switches
•850 RPM condenser fan motor
Thanks again for reading. BTW, do I need expansion valve ?

hvactech126 · 10-07-2012, 05:52 PM

absolutely correct... same unit different badging. No other notable difference.

photosaver99 · 10-07-2012, 06:01 PM

So, do you think it worth that three hundred bucks difference? Do think Amana's quality could be better than Goodman? Or they are completely same? appreciate your answer!

hvactech126 · 10-07-2012, 06:02 PM

they are the same. You would be paying for the name only.

**beenthere** · 10-07-2012, 06:23 PM

The ASX has high and low pressure switches also. Not sure on the fan RPM, but should be the same.

photosaver99 · 10-07-2012, 09:27 PM

Thank you all for your reply. So you all think ASX14 just same as Goodman SSX14 so no reason to put three hundreds more, correct? Do I need or better off with a expansion valve? Thanks.

**beenthere** · 10-07-2012, 09:52 PM

TXV depends on coil math, and what type of performance your looking for. increased sensible, or increased latent capacity.

carmon · 10-07-2012, 10:29 PM

oh my big words there.... I hate txv installed inside plenum... fixed orifice for me ....

Nickhvactech · 10-07-2012, 10:36 PM

TXV will increase efficiency by correctly metering flow into coil, Can be installed outside of cabinet.. and maybe another quote on a DIFFERENT type of equipment, i was a salesman for AMANA/Goodman for over two years. Installed perfectly with custom sheet metal and correct static pressures yet systems seems to fail quite frequently(Over 1million a month in total sales company combined) but not my favorite brand.. Just a thought...

carmon · 10-07-2012, 10:41 PM

not my favorite either...

photosaver99 · 10-08-2012, 01:35 PM

Thanks everyone's reply. Nickhvactech and carmon, do you mean goodman/Amana brands are NOT your favorite, or installing expansion valve NOT your favorite? BTW, i made some mistake on warranty, there is a slightly difference. For Amana ASX14, it comes with life time unit replacement warranty if compressor ever dead they will replace the whole outside condensing unit, for Goodman ssx14 its compressor life time warranty is to replace compressor itself only. So does it worth the Two Hundred Fifty bucks price difference? Do you think Amana may build with better quality and lookings? Thanks again.

Nickhvactech · 10-09-2012, 08:48 PM

TXV increases efficiency, i like them.. Goodman/Amana Always fail, even with micron vacuum under two hundred! I highly recommend looking into OTHER brands.. I dont like them, def not something i would install in my home.(personal opinion)

Secondly, The lifetime warranty on the compressor warranty may be worth it considering it is a goodman..

And i believe the upgrade version(250 more) may have the two speed condensor motor based on temperature as well as the lifetime warranty.