"Tony" wrote in message
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"TURTLE" wrote in message
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"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
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"Tony" wrote in message
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Hi all. I'm new here. Both my AC and gas furnace for my home are about 20
years old. The gas furnace has been slowly failing... enough repairs in
the last couple of years to tell us it really has to go. The central AC is
of

...snip...


This is Turtle.

You really ask too many questions in one set of words. Let me try to shoot
all at just a 2 time responce.

Ruud and Rheem same equipment would be my choice of brands. Now the install
is more important than anything at all.

Having 2 different brand till time to change the whole system out. it's not
bad but awwww acceptiable to wait for a complete change out when time or
age calls to change the other part of the system.

E-mail or post here and I will speak on it as i can.

TURTLE


You're right; that was a little wordy. :-) Okay, so I had looked at both web
sites. There are no Ruud dealers in my immediate area, but a few Rheem
dealers. Are the units from both companies truly identical? (except for the
name plate of course)

I guess I need a split system. My furnace is an upflow design. I see some on
the Rheem web site that are two stage models. I understand the theoretical
advantages of a two stage design, but what confuses me is that the upper
models (the Classic 90's) don't appear to have that option.

I see also that their furnaces are designed to support things like
electronic air cleaners and humidifiers. I had an Aprilaire humidifier
installed when we moved in and have been very pleased with it. Does Rheem
offer their own humidifier?

The biggest issue will be picking an installer that does a good job (not
ripping me off would also be a plus).

This is Turtle.

Rheem and Ruud are the one and the same equipment. One time i picked up a
Rheen Condenser unit at the warehouse and it had Ruud on it and i call the
warehouse to see about it. They give me a new Rheem sticker to put over the
Ruud sticker. the Rheem & Ruud both come off the same assembley line in Fort
Smith , Ark. . Rheem goes to the right and Ruud goes to the left to the
loading docks and just before they get to the loading dock they put the
stickers on them but if you look real close all says Rheen Manufactoring Co.
Now the only difference between a Rheem and a Ruud is one letter in the Model
Number. So Both are the same.

Two stage is just a Bell, and whisle you buy for confort and does not save
any money.

90% afue rating does save money and if you live in the cold climate, i would
say yes go with a 90% afue rated furnace. If your using a 90% afue furnace
you really don't want bells and whisles but lowering the cost to operate the
furnace.

No I don't think Rheem or Ruud has their own brand of Humitifer but so the
story goes General Motor does not make tires for your car. Now most any add
on you may want will be adapted by Rheem or Ruud will or can be added on very
well with no trouble.

TURTLE


Thanks for all this info, Turtle. My existing heating/cooling service contract
is with a company that is primarily a Lennox dealer. Do you have any opinion
on how the mid to upper end Lennoxes (for both AC and heat) compare to the
Ruud/Rheems (using the factors I had already listed)?

this is Turtle.

I see very little difference in Rheem -- Ruud -- Lennox on the different levels
of quality of units but what makes a big difference is how well they are
installed. i would buy the cheapest brand HVAC equipment on the earth if i knew
it was installed by a good installer. a HVAC system correctly installed is the
best brand known or the best brand you can buy.

So if you have a good installer any brand you choose is the best.

TURTLE