[Startingover]

13 seer, and probably 2 ton.

I'm getting estimate tomorrow to replace my 10 condenser & 16 yr old air handler. Which would you go with?

I'm leaning towards a Trane but not sure why.
PS
They can install any brand I want. They just carry Trane and Carrier. Also Rheen/Rudd are suppose to be a good brands, right?

 

[TarheelTerp]

I'm getting estimate tomorrow to replace my (heat pump system)
I'm leaning towards a Trane but not sure why.

How many estimates are you getting? I hope more than one.

Less concern here about limiting the brand choice...
than that you're choosing the contractors well.

 

[Startingover]

It's been tough to get any recommendations. I called my electrician, an older man, and he gave me 2 names.

I had someone come out that was recommended but the guy was 72 and doesn't work anymore. He had health issues. He turned his license over to his son, who had a stroke and can only use one arm. I didn't feel confident of future service. The dad had a good rep at one time but who knows about the son.

I joined Angies List and wasted my 10 bucks. Hardly anything for this area.

I called the phone # of the Co. who installed the existing unit, (which leaks) and they didn't address the leak which was my main concern. The 72 yo said that older units had metal trays which sometimes rust and leak but now the pans or trays are plastic. That made sense.

I have one other phone # that I will try. My elec. said this company coming tomorrow is good but theres another guy who would do a good job, so I'm getting prices from both.

From what I've been told it's $4,000 for a 13 seer for my house.

Another thing the elderly man said was that he'd put a 2.5 ton unit in my house (1,430 sf) and if I ever wanted to make the big double garage into a room I could. (I live alone and would never do that.)

 

[beenthere]

If you currently have a 2 ton and it does a good job, no reason to increase size.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I usually find xxx vs xxx interesting reading and I wouldn't know a good vs bad, but since I have a GE (Trane) so I'm told, I read those for entertainment.

My GE 2-1/2 ton ( non heat pump ) was installed by the contractor my builder used in 1984. I didn't have time the to research anything with the hours I was working so I didn't ask anything.

My oldest son, now in his mid 40s was 16 at the time and has had his own HVAC business in Texas for several years. He was checking it for me a few years ago and found a capacitor swollen and replaced it. Other than the capacitor replacement, me pulling the blower twice to oil and keeping the spine fin coils clean that's the only things that's been done to it in 29 years.

It has a tuff life in the summer cooling 1800 sq. ft. And speaking of tuff, he says my compressor is a recip. Climatuff and is afraid I will die of old age before the unit wears out and he will never get to sell me a new unit.:laughing:

 

[beenthere]

That model line was built like a tank. You won't get that kind of service out of any brand today.

 

[JulieMor]

I just had a Carrier system installed about a year ago. I was told all about the cost savings, efficiency, etc. My main concern was hot & cold spots in the house. The sales rep said all will be well once the new system is in. Most promises went unfulfilled.

So it's buyer beware. I'd say shop around and get the best price. As for sizing, see if the sales guy can do a Manual J on your house. If it's done right, you should get a good idea about size.

If you like technical stuff, here's a video explaining Manual J: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EEl7hLBgGM

 

[Startingover]

thanks Julie. This is such an expensive and permanent job that I'm a bit nervous making the decision.

 

[Startingover]

The AC guy was here to give me a price. As for my bedroom getting hot at night, it's across the hall from the return air. He said when I close my door, it shuts off circulation to the return air and that's why it gets warm. For $118 he can put a bigger duct into the existing vent in my BR ceiling.

I want the Trane. The return air is about 5' from the kitchen table, and as I said, across from my BR. He said Tranes now have their fan at the base of the unit. My air handler is 30" from the return air. He asked if that would be too noisy for me. How would I know without hearing it? I turned my current (old) unit on and asked what level of noise he considered that and he said mine is quiet.

Has anyone here heard a new Trane run and do you think it's noisy?

 

[beenthere]

A bigger vent/supply won't help if there isn't a way for the air to get out of the room.

 

[Startingover]

so you can't close a bedroom door at night?

 

[TarheelTerp]

so you can't close a bedroom door at night?

If the carpet pile is that high... shave a 1/2" off the bottom of the door.
I had a rental once where I was forced to install registers in the doors.

 

[beenthere]

so you can't close a bedroom door at night?

IS your bedroom door under cut so that air can get out? If not, either under cut it, or have a return added to that room.

 

[Startingover]

I just see the faintest glimmer of light under the door when my door is closed. When my daughter visits and stays up watching TV the quiet and dark of having a snug door was nice. I may have to make a sacrifice somewhere.

And YAY, everyone at this AC Co are NATE certified.

 

[beenthere]

Have a return added to your bedroom. then you won't have to sacrifice privacy.

 

[Startingover]

still wondering about the noise from a Trane, but I'm "assuming" that a company that makes AC's for residential would know homeowners don't want a loud racket when the AC runs so I guess I'll take my chances......

 

[beenthere]

I believe Lennox currently has the quietest rate condensers.

 

[Startingover]

I've always heard Lennox are good but I figured they'd cost too much so I didn't even price them. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to get an estimate and since this Co can install any kind and they've already been to my house they wouldn't have to come here again. I'll call them Monday. Thanks for the idea.

If they're just a couple of hundred more I could swing it but if it's more I'll stick with the Trane.

 

[JulieMor]

Typically, return air is installed in every room with a supply except bathrooms and kitchens. If you can get one in your BR, do it. If they run the duct in your attic, make sure it's insulated.

 

[beenthere]

Its best to get quotes from different contractors. First, one may have better ideas then the next. Second, while one may be able to gt any brand and install it, they won't get the other brands for the same price as a dealer for that brand.

I can get Lennox equipment, but not as cheap as a Lennox dealer that sells 150 units a year.