HVAC Opinions

[ducksmoker]

I own an HVAC business. Most of these prior post are not at all correct. Trane is not what it used to be and Goodman is not made very well. That small of a SEER2 rating difference is not enough to justify $4k difference, unless it is a much better model (which would have better parts, etc). Goodman has a lot of Evaporator coil issues and TXV issues. Trane/American Standard has their issues as well as most of them are electronically controlled expansion valves now. It’s just my opinion, but I like the Carrier/ICP line (TempStar, Heil or Carrier). The most important part is the installation though. That is usually what determines the longevity of an AC system. Be sure to ask questions that make them explain why their service is better than the others. Are your current duct plenums compatible for the new larger Air Handlers? Are they replacing the line set? Are they installing any float switches for overflow protection in the emergency drain pan or drain line in the attic? New pads for the condenser’s? Thermostat options (you can get WiFi thermostats that send alerts to your phone if there is an issue with the system and control it from your phone). This is pretty handy, especially if you are away from home on a 95 degree day and your capacitor goes out! What is their warranty for installation, I am not talking about manufacturer warranty here. I am talking about their warranty on the install. What time frame for the work to be completed? The new refrigerant that someone posted above is coming. But, parts and refrigerant for the R-410A systems, including complete outdoor units will still be available for a long time. And the price of the refrigerant has not gone up. The new systems are going to require a leak detection system on the evaporator coil. They are also expected to be 30 to 40 percent higher. Plus HVAC businesses are going to have to buy new compatible equipment/tools and training. So that will drive costs up too. So basically, go with the company that you trust the most and with their (within reason) recommendation. All manufacturers can have issues, it is the service after the sale that matters, as well as how much pride they take into their work during the installation.

[TennDan]

Great post and feedback. Thank you.

[TJ_11]

The most important thing I took from Ducksmoker's post was:

1. Go with the company you trust.
2. Ask questions that they will have to explain.

We replaced our aging system (one condensor was from '97, the rest '07) during the '22 Winter. We priced Goodman and Bosch and were told the other units aren't "that" much better for the price. I believe I got the 11 or 12 seer 2-ton and 1.5-ton Bosch units. The price was around $12k, and that was negotiated, and I understood everything they were doing. That was new pads, removal, air handlers, power protection for condensers, and new condensers. Dominion had a rebate if it was over 11 Seer that we got. The company I used always did my maintenance since 2018 (When we moved in) and always helped us get through another year until we were prepared. I did get 2 other quotes and they were similar which is why we negotiated.

My guy was very fair in asking what their prices were (After) so he could keep us. I appreciate what he is worth, though, and was prepared, but we both knew the large cost, and I would continue to recommend him. Since starting to use him in '18, he has replaced entire systems for friends and go to for my family for maintenance and repairs. In return he has always called in the small stuff like capacitors for me to just go grab from the wholesaler.

[willyworm]

Are you all electric, or do you have any access to gas for the heating function of the system?

As I understand it any appliance that produces heat (think HVAC, clothes dryer, water heater, etc) are more efficient when it's powered by gas vs electric.

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