I can tell you that my neighbor installed a top-of-the-line Carrier last
year and has problems, not with the actual unit, but with the installation.
It was not done properly and there has been many problems with his AC. The
installer was an authorized Carrier dealer; cost over $9000. My neighbor is
still having problems.

So it was basically the installers fault. However, the Carrier Corp. has
refused to intervene and assist the customer. IMHO, a corporation that
doesn't stand behind its products, especially a high cost item such as this,
is not worth doing business with.

Also keep in mind that after December 2005, units less that 13 SEER will not
be manufactured and the cost will rise for these units.
"alt.home.repair" wrote in message
oups.com...
guys,

my A/C went bad and I need to replace it....currently it is a 10SEER,
4-ton, Rheem unit (10 years old). I've narrowed it down to:

$2990 for a Carrier, 12SEER
$2690 for a Rheem, 12SEER

most places I called have the Rheem at $2999, and the Carrier at $3400,
but this one installer got me a Carrier at the same price as most
people install Rheems. I have a couple of question:

1. Is Carrier that much better than Rheem? (most dealers says so, but
reading this forum says otherwise)

2. Should I buy the Carrier for the same price as most Rheems, or
should I save the $300 and go Rheem?

3. Is it worth it to pay the extra $$ to go to a 13.5 SEER?

I gotta make a decision by monday....thanks in advance!!