[radtek]

When my Goodman AC crapped out and needed a new compressor last Summer I almost bit the bullet and went with a new High-efficiency system.

I hit the internet and searched out Goodman. Mixed reviews. Some very negative comments by consumers and tradesmen. Seems the company is fairly new, established in the 90's? Has the best warranties now? That's all I know.

When it does happen at some point, and I know it will be at the worst possible time- the AC will go belly-up. At that point I'll probably get a new one.

I'm interested in hearing about the best for price systems. Access to filters, coils, ease of cleaning, maintenance, performance- the whole lot. Let's hear it guys...

thanks

rad

 

[handy man88]

When my Goodman AC crapped out and needed a new compressor last Summer I almost bit the bullet and went with a new High-efficiency system.

I hit the internet and searched out Goodman. Mixed reviews. Some very negative comments by consumers and tradesmen. Seems the company is fairly new, established in the 90's? Has the best warranties now? That's all I know.

When it does happen at some point, and I know it will be at the worst possible time- the AC will go belly-up. At that point I'll probably get a new one.

I'm interested in hearing about the best for price systems. Access to filters, coils, ease of cleaning, maintenance, performance- the whole lot. Let's hear it guys...

thanks

rad

Goodman is known as builder's grade. They offer long warranties as an incentive to buy, but that warranty is only for replacement parts, not labor.

If you want the best, it's probably a toss up between a Trane HE and the Carrier Infinity HE systems.

 

[kenmac]

. I have no problems with Goodman.. As far as builders grade ??? There are a # of brands that could be called that.. Only thing I don't like about Goodman is, they don't use a TXV on their new systems.. Stayed with piston with a large coil. (about 31-32'' tall) They use most of the same components as other brands.. The install that can make or break a system of any manfacture. Most ( if not all ) brands now offer 10 yr parts only warranty .You can upgrade the warranty to include labor cost on some brands

 

[texas115115]

My oh my!!

Goodman is known as builder's grade. They offer long warranties as an incentive to buy, but that warranty is only for replacement parts, not labor.

If you want the best, it's probably a toss up between a Trane HE and the Carrier Infinity HE systems.

A lot of guys say that about the warranty. Better warrenty that others so must be a inferrior product. Manfuacture is NOT going to offer a better warrenty if they are not convenced that there product will stand up. To offer a great warranty on a product that will break down would put them out of busness quick. They are a young company alright but what wrong with that. Goodman is the number one selling residential brand in the U.S.

Labor warranty's come from your installer only after 3 mos. on most brands.

Now about warranty Goodman offers a warranty that replaces the whole condenser if the compresser goes bad, I dont know if anyone esle does that.

Every brand including Trane and Carrier have builders grade modiles.

Now we instal eight brands of hvac and see about the same rate of service call across the board. It is all about the install, done right very little problems.


I tire of guys who dont move Goodman trying to bad mouth Goodman. Many of them are running brands that dont allow them to sell anything else, so they bash others.

I personaly think as long as you go with a mid grade or higher product from any manfucture you will be happy. With that said it comes down to price and installers reputation.

:thumbup:

DON'T WORRY---BE HAPPY

 

[yuri]

"I personally think as long as you go with a mid grade or higher product from any manufacturer you will be happy. With that said it comes down to price and installers reputation."

As much as I am pro Lennox I agree with texas.

The older Goodman units were pretty noisy and the furnace had minimal accessories/wiring options etc. Builders are always very cost oriented especially if they build more than 100 homes a year. The newer Amana version is comparable to everyone else IMO.

Cheers:yes:

 

[beenthere]

Goodman is not that yopung of a company.Its the Janitrol company bought out by Harold Goodman, and then later resold, a time or 2.Long warranties ARE a marketing ploy.Does anbody really think that Goodman expects their units to last 100 years.They have 99 year, and lifetime warranties on some models.Goodman is the reason many other manufacturers, have increased their warranties from 5 to 10 years. And now some are going to 12 years.They don't make their units any better today then they did 10 years ago. They just increased their warranties for better marketing. So they can stay competitive against Goodman.Thats why all those companies have bean counters. So they can pedict ifthey will make or lose money on marketing ideas.

 

[kenmac]

Now about warranty Goodman offers a warranty that replaces the whole condenser if the compresser goes bad, I dont know if anyone esle does that.

Nordine also offers that. When replaced with matching coil

 

[beenthere]

Also Tempstar and Heil, made by ICP, owned by Carrier.

 

[yuri]

Owned by United Technologies, who owns Otis elevators, Pratt and Whitney and half the damn world. Tyco owns the other half. Where will it stop.

 

[radtek]

Thanks for the replies. I did a little looking at Trane and Carrier.

For example Trane offers this compact 2/4TFB Air Handler that caught my eye...
:

• Easy Fit Compact Air-Tite™ cabinet– only 37-39 inches tall

• Easy Access Control Box and Filter Doors

• Composite, No-Leak, Rust-Resistant Drain Pan

• Easy-Clean Coil and Drain Pan

• Corrosion-Resistant Finish

• Insulated cabinet

• Extra-Large Coil Surface

• Fully Gasketed Door

Carrier's website's "choose what's right for you" went right to the 21 seer Infinity series LOL. They have TXV in the performance evaporator coils- which is supposed to be good. Top of the line...? Muy Rico...

Looked at Goodman too since I own one. Max 18 Seer. I have no problem with Goodman as I have little experience with any Central Air unit. Off the top of my head I would expect any unit by any manufacturer to go 10 years.

Let's talk features.

 

[beenthere]

The question is, what features do you want.

 

[yuri]

And how deep are your pockets. $$

 

[Home Air Direct]

Thanks for the replies. I did a little looking at Trane and Carrier.

I am not going to get into the Goodman warranty debate again. I know the truth, and have been on the inside of Goodman when these warranties were formulated and stating it just seems to ruffle feathers.

But, since your brought up the Trane and Carrier lines, make sure when you are comparing these two line to also check with American Standard and Bryant dealers, as these lines are identical equipment and my be better deals for same equipment just possible savings on install costs between contractors.

I have always thought it was funny that Consumer Report has listed American Standard as the #1 quality product for a last few years an has listed Trane at #4 or #5:huh: Exact same equipment:yes: Funny!

 

[radtek]

LOL circumstances sometimes dictate one decisions...

Maybe I should have originally posted this thread as "if you were a DIY consumer knowing what you now know"

I'm praying my current system holds out. In the event- plans and knowledge will be in good stead.

I could always put window units in for a fraction of the price and it would be cheaper utility-wise. That is worst-case.

 

[radtek]

I've done some research.

I'm figuring I'd want around 16 SEER unit. Heat Pump with VS Scroll compressor. TXV with the Coil.

Ideas for a very hot and fairly humid climate? I hardly ever turn on the furnace. Maybe 5 times last Winter.

 

[beenthere]

Make sure it is also a min 12.5 EER, and 8.5HSPF, so it qualifies for the tax credit.

 

[yuri]

Lennox makes a really interesting 2 stage 16 SEER A/C and they have the high end humiditrol system to go with it. Apparently people in very humid climates love it as it saves lots of $$ by removing more moisture and allowing a higher house temp. Click on the humiditrol link in their page for more info.http://www.lennox.com/products/overview.asp?model=XC16