[99Problems]

I need some product advice. I’m about to update my HVAC – 2 complete new systems. This my first time buying HVAC. I feel high-efficiency is really the way to go -- but I'm open to any suggestions.

Option 1 – Carrier
AC – 2 ton – 2-stage; 17 SEER – 24ana724A003 (with a 2-ton single stage 15 SEER upstairs – 24APA524A003)
Coil – 2.5 ton - variable speed - CNDVP3017ATA
Furnace – 2-stage; 95 AFUE – 60,000 BTU – 58MVC060-F-1-14

Option 2 – Trane
AC – 2 ton – 2-stage; 16 SEER – XL16i - 4TTX6024B (with 2-ton single stage 15 SEER upstairs – Xli15)
Coil – 2.5 ton – 4TXCb032BC3HOA
Furnace - 2-Stage; 96.7 AFUE – 60,000BTU - TUH2B060A9V3VA

Questions
1) Any thoughts on brands and quality. Are Carrier and Bryant really the same products of equality, but just different nameplates? Prefer Carrier over Trane or the other way?
2) Performance and longevity…
3) Quiet – I hear that these are supposed to be so quiet that I’ll never hear them. The downstairs furnace is located in a utility closet in my living room – the current furnace is very disruptive.
4) Warranty – Trane is doing 10 years for parts, labor, and compressor. Carrier is only 5 on parts, 1 on labor, and 10 on the compressor.
5) Any other factors I should consider.

The price (about $17,000 before rebates and tax credit) is identical for both systems and includes everything – new line sets, removal of old systems, fancy “control unit” thermostats.

 

[hvaclover]

The " best " piece of equipment (and there really is no "BEST" as most product are built the same just with different features ) will not last if badly installed .

All those units you are looking at are respectable products.

You mentioned you wanted the highest efficiency ; Nordyne makes the most efficient ac in the nation: 23 SEER.

Just make sure you review the products features side by side of the above choices you made and weigh what best meets your life style.
The Variable Speed motors are are very quiet and should be a in a class all it's own concerning sound levels.
Don't be afraid to ask your sales person questions.

Happy shopping.

 

[Yoyizit]

Warranty – Trane is doing 10 years for parts, labor, and compressor. Carrier is only 5 on parts, 1 on labor, and 10 on the compressor.
The price (about $17,000 before rebates and tax credit) is identical for both systems and includes everything – new line sets, removal of old systems, fancy “control unit” thermostats.

Some of the $17k goes into covering warranty costs. Carrier has a lesser warranty, therefore less money from the $17k is allocated for this. With their more complex variable speed motor I'd have allocated more warranty money for this.

So, anyway,
1-Carrier could be more reliable
2-If Carrier is better known they could get away with less warranty and still compete with other brands

Splitting out the likely 10 yr. costs for parts and for labor and for a compressor for a typical system like this will help put Carrier's strategy into sharper focus. You might also call an HVAC parts place to get a price on their variable speed motor & controller.

What's also important is the consumer's perception of the value of a warranty. If I had the option I'd take cash back instead of a warranty.

That is, self insure, if you have the cash on hand to do any likely repairs. They already know the odds that a repair is necessary and the likely cost of that repair, and on top of that they have to charge to administer the warranty. You have no overhead for doing your own warranty.

 

[99Problems]

Yoyizit - I'm on Capital Hill; I see you're also in DC. Thanks for your input. I guess I'm just concerned that I'm getting good value for my money and products that won't cause me headaches in the future.
Can I call you for otehr HVAC questions?

JK

 

[beenthere]

The Trane guy just bought an extende warranty for the equipment.
If you check Trane's website. You can get 12years on the compressor, and maybe the parts, just by registering it online.

The Carrier may be using the newer 3.0 version of the ECM.

Trane might be using he 2.5 version now, or may still be using the 2.3 version.

Ask your contractors about it.

 

[Yoyizit]

Can I call you for otehr HVAC questions?

I mostly do elec. problems.

Maybe the lesser warranty is to cover the extra anticipated costs to do with the variable speed assembly.

To further highlight the differences between these two competitors, it would be good to get estimates from those in the trade of how much the average unwarranteed consumer spends on
parts,
labor and the
compressor
for the first 10 years of life for an HVAC unit.

You in SE DC?