Hi...

Thank you for your imput everyone!

Here's the Model Numbers on the quote:

Reem 12 Seer 3.0 Tons Gas/Electric Package
#RRMAA036JK08X

Trane 3.0 /xK1200 3.0 Tons Gas/Electric Package
#YCX03601MOA

I'm not sure about the BTU's, its it possible to
tell from the Model Number?

Thanks

Kathleen



"*CBHVAC*" wrote in message ...
"Kathleen Daily-Herrman" wrote in message
om...
Hi Everyone:

I've just had about 5-6 estimates for central air
conditioning for my home.

Ok..


I need a gas/electric package unit 3.0 ton. I've decided
on a 12 SEER because that's as far as my budget can
go.


Package unit..in 12SEER...36,000 BTU AC......WHAT size furnace??????


I'm getting confused by all the different brands. Some
I've had people recommend Lennox, Trane, Carrier, Reem,
on and on.

Brand mean nothing...period....until its time to replace parts out of
warranty...then you find out.


But what I'm looking for reliability and economy. I have
a fixed budget. The installation is pretty straight
forward as the house is pretty much ready to go. I've
had it checked out throughly. The kicker is really the
price of the unit.

Hope you are not getting quoted over $3200......period.


Everyone has their favorite and swears by it. I've been
told that Trane does their own compressor and I'm reluctant
to get in a situation where one company is so specialized
that it would take a couple days to get a replacement
compressor.


Trane uses the old GE Climatuff, and American Standard OWNS Trane. Trane
uses the highest priced POS parts that they can...wait till it fails out of
warranty and you will see..

Reem, I'm told is easy to get parts for, no
problem.

Rheem/Ruud. Easy to get parts for? LOL...ok...I would rather get parts for a
Trane...but its a local thing. Rheem/Ruud is not a bad unit..in split system
form. I do NOT like their package units at all...but thats me...when you
have to repair them for a living.....plus, the fact that they sold out to
the Japanese, who in turn, sold that company to a Chinese company....nah...I
wont sell those to anyone....

One vendor said a Reem was too noisy and not so
reliable. I've also had Carrier recommended.

Carrier looks at EVERY customer as a Guiniea Pig...
That said...they are not bad units, even though most every dealer went to
R410a and didnt get fully trained on it..


What I would like is some feedback from anyone that has had
to purchase a package unit. I would like to hear the horror
stories as well as kudos about different brands.

Ok...its like this...what contractor is licenced, insured and took time to
measure the home, and do a proper manual J load calculation, show the
results to you, and then do a manual D duct size calculation? If the answer
is none...then you need to keep looking...period.
You are about to buy the single most expensive appliance in your home. You
are going to depend on it day, and night, and only want to think about it
twice a year for general service.....properly sized and installed, you wont
think about it till you get your service reminder in the mail.....installed
wrong...even as simple as a gas pack...you will worry, wonder and hate it.

The name on the unit really means nothing....its the company that looks at
you as a real customer, not a dollar bill that matters.

Licence....ask for the number, and verify it if your state requires
one...running gas line requires at least one in most areas, and if you are
in NC for example, you better be sure that they have either a limited
electrical, or have a licenced electrician that will make the final high
voltage connections.

Insurance...allow NO work on your home till you have a copy of the insurance
certificate in your hands, and have verification that the policy is good.
on that same note..you might ask to see the workers comp certificate,
otherwise, YOU will be liable if a worker gets hurt at your home.
PERMITS. If your area requires them, demand that you SEE the permit. Verify
that it has your name and address on it and that ALL inspections are
performed.
Manual J...heat gain/loss calculation...REQUIRED to determine the correct
size unit for your home..there ARE NO RULES OF THUMB in HVAC...other than
most techs have two opposable ones...
Manual D...Duct sizing calculation, that takes the airflow of the unit, BTUs
needed per room, and area, and distance and static pressures of the system
in operation into acount. Without it....your duct might not blow..but
suck....lol...

Anyone that will not do that...show them the door. Period.


Any help is very much appreciated.

Thank you

Kathleen