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
course not very efficient given its age. Since I really have to replace the
furnace I figured just do the whole thing at once. Both existing systems are
builder's grade stuff. The furnace is a Borg Warner and the AC is either a
Lennox or Carrier (don't remember right now - we are not the original owners
of this house).

I know proper installation is they key to any job of this sort, but I also
want to get state of the art plus reliability plus efficiency in both of the
new units. Oh, and overly high priced, proprietary replacement parts are a
negative (I've heard that associated with Trane equipment). I read up a bit
on central AC; from what I've read it sounds like Ruud is well respected.
Carrier seems to have a good rep for furnaces, but I'm not sure about their
ACs. So I have some questions:

1) Is it a bad idea to replace the AC and furnace with units from different
manufacturers?
2) If the answer to 1 is yes, then can anyone recommend a manufacturer that
has the highest level of performance and reliability for both AC and
furnaces?
2) If the answer to 1 is no, then are Ruud and Carrier considered among the
best, respectively, for AC and furnace?
3) Are there any that are better for either? My definition of better is,
again, reliability, efficiency, a good modern (but well proven) design, and
low total ownership cost. That last means I'm willing to pay up front if the
combination of reliability / replacement parts cost / efficiency will result
in a lower TOC.

Once I have a clearer idea of who all to look at I will need some follow on
help with things like 2 piece vs. one piece AC, etc.

Here is some peripheral info that you might not be aware of. As of next
year, the minimum SEER (basically, efficiency rating) for AC units is being
raised from 10 to 13. If you are looking to do your AC unit, and want
anything lower than a 13 SEER, you have to do it this year (you can discuss
this with your installer and he can explain all of the pros/cons).

This link explains the change...

http://www.bryant.com/corp/details/0...l?SMSESSION=NO



"Tony" wrote in message
...

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 course not very efficient given its age. Since I really have to replace
the furnace I figured just do the whole thing at once. Both existing
systems are builder's grade stuff. The furnace is a Borg Warner and the AC
is either a Lennox or Carrier (don't remember right now - we are not the
original owners of this house).

I know proper installation is they key to any job of this sort, but I also
want to get state of the art plus reliability plus efficiency in both of
the new units. Oh, and overly high priced, proprietary replacement parts
are a negative (I've heard that associated with Trane equipment). I read
up a bit on central AC; from what I've read it sounds like Ruud is well
respected. Carrier seems to have a good rep for furnaces, but I'm not sure
about their ACs. So I have some questions:

1) Is it a bad idea to replace the AC and furnace with units from
different manufacturers?
2) If the answer to 1 is yes, then can anyone recommend a manufacturer
that has the highest level of performance and reliability for both AC and
furnaces?
2) If the answer to 1 is no, then are Ruud and Carrier considered among
the best, respectively, for AC and furnace?
3) Are there any that are better for either? My definition of better is,
again, reliability, efficiency, a good modern (but well proven) design,
and low total ownership cost. That last means I'm willing to pay up front
if the combination of reliability / replacement parts cost / efficiency
will result in a lower TOC.

Once I have a clearer idea of who all to look at I will need some follow
on help with things like 2 piece vs. one piece AC, etc.

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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
course not very efficient given its age. Since I really have to replace the
furnace I figured just do the whole thing at once. Both existing systems are
builder's grade stuff. The furnace is a Borg Warner and the AC is either a
Lennox or Carrier (don't remember right now - we are not the original owners
of this house).

I know proper installation is they key to any job of this sort, but I also
want to get state of the art plus reliability plus efficiency in both of the
new units. Oh, and overly high priced, proprietary replacement parts are a
negative (I've heard that associated with Trane equipment). I read up a bit on
central AC; from what I've read it sounds like Ruud is well respected. Carrier
seems to have a good rep for furnaces, but I'm not sure about their ACs. So I
have some questions:

1) Is it a bad idea to replace the AC and furnace with units from different
manufacturers?
2) If the answer to 1 is yes, then can anyone recommend a manufacturer that
has the highest level of performance and reliability for both AC and furnaces?
2) If the answer to 1 is no, then are Ruud and Carrier considered among the
best, respectively, for AC and furnace?
3) Are there any that are better for either? My definition of better is,
again, reliability, efficiency, a good modern (but well proven) design, and
low total ownership cost. That last means I'm willing to pay up front if the
combination of reliability / replacement parts cost / efficiency will result
in a lower TOC.

Once I have a clearer idea of who all to look at I will need some follow on
help with things like 2 piece vs. one piece AC, etc.

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

TURTLE wrote:
Ruud and Rheem same equipment would be my choice of brands.

LOL Engineers certainly would enjoy it...

mk5000

"we decided that the ipod was too big to keep in the Mac universe,
which turned out to be the right decision. a little less than a year
after this photo was taken, we shipped our millionth ipod, which
wouldn't have been possible in the windows market. this macworld was
also memorable because it was the culmination of an intense period of
development for us"--steve jobs

"marika" wrote in message
oups.com...

TURTLE wrote:
Ruud and Rheem same equipment would be my choice of brands.

LOL Engineers certainly would enjoy it...

mk5000

"we decided that the ipod was too big to keep in the Mac universe,
which turned out to be the right decision. a little less than a year
after this photo was taken, we shipped our millionth ipod, which
wouldn't have been possible in the windows market. this macworld was
also memorable because it was the culmination of an intense period of
development for us"--steve jobs


This is Turtle.

All I can say is i reply as I work on them and see what is well made. Opinions
are like asshole, Everybody has one.

TURTLE

Thanks Ray. Yes, I did hear about this. The last time I had a repair done on
the furnace (two weeks ago) my service guy was saying that.

"Ray" wrote in message
news:%mLWe.2866$N35.2823@trndny09...

Here is some peripheral info that you might not be aware of. As of next
year, the minimum SEER (basically, efficiency rating) for AC units is
being raised from 10 to 13. If you are looking to do your AC unit, and
want anything lower than a 13 SEER, you have to do it this year (you can
discuss this with your installer and he can explain all of the pros/cons).

This link explains the change...

http://www.bryant.com/corp/details/0...l?SMSESSION=NO



"Tony" wrote in message
...

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 course not very efficient given its age. Since I really have to
replace the furnace I figured just do the whole thing at once. Both
existing systems are builder's grade stuff. The furnace is a Borg Warner
and the AC is either a Lennox or Carrier (don't remember right now - we
are not the original owners of this house).

I know proper installation is they key to any job of this sort, but I
also want to get state of the art plus reliability plus efficiency in
both of the new units. Oh, and overly high priced, proprietary
replacement parts are a negative (I've heard that associated with Trane
equipment). I read up a bit on central AC; from what I've read it sounds
like Ruud is well respected. Carrier seems to have a good rep for
furnaces, but I'm not sure about their ACs. So I have some questions:

1) Is it a bad idea to replace the AC and furnace with units from
different manufacturers?
2) If the answer to 1 is yes, then can anyone recommend a manufacturer
that has the highest level of performance and reliability for both AC and
furnaces?
2) If the answer to 1 is no, then are Ruud and Carrier considered among
the best, respectively, for AC and furnace?
3) Are there any that are better for either? My definition of better is,
again, reliability, efficiency, a good modern (but well proven) design,
and low total ownership cost. That last means I'm willing to pay up front
if the combination of reliability / replacement parts cost / efficiency
will result in a lower TOC.

Once I have a clearer idea of who all to look at I will need some follow
on help with things like 2 piece vs. one piece AC, etc.

"marika" wrote in message
oups.com...

TURTLE wrote:
Ruud and Rheem same equipment would be my choice of brands.

LOL Engineers certainly would enjoy it...

mk5000


mk5000, do you have an alternative recommendation and a reason for it?

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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).

Tony wrote:
mk5000, do you have an alternative recommendation and a reason for it?

absolutely not. I like the way Ruud and Rheem Roll off the tongue.

try saying that sentence 3 times in a ROW!!!

mk5000

"how would he feel if someone sprayed gaffitti all over his
house"--peter gibson

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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

"Tony" wrote in message
...
Hi all. I'm new here. Both my AC and gas furnace
for my home are about 20
years old.


http://www.goodmanmfg.com/consumer/c...Site=Goodma n

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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)?

"Kathy" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
Hi all. I'm new here. Both my AC and gas furnace
for my home are about 20
years old.


http://www.goodmanmfg.com/consumer/c...Site=Goodma n



Are they still using stack sequencers?

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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


Thanks Turtle; that's what I suspected. It's a shame there is no way to
easily find out who a quality installer is in a given area.

On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 09:52:03 -0400, "Tony" wrote:


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


Thanks Turtle; that's what I suspected. It's a shame there is no way to
easily find out who a quality installer is in a given area.


Does anyone have any tips on finding a quality installer? That's the hard part.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Retired Shop Rat: 14,647 days in a GM plant.
Now I can do what I enjoy: Large Format Photography

Web Site: www.destarr.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"David Starr" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 18 Sep 2005 09:52:03 -0400, "Tony" wrote:


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


Thanks Turtle; that's what I suspected. It's a shame there is no way to
easily find out who a quality installer is in a given area.


Does anyone have any tips on finding a quality installer? That's the hard
part.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Retired Shop Rat: 14,647 days in a GM plant.
Now I can do what I enjoy: Large Format Photography

Web Site: www.destarr.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yeah, David, that's what has me wondering. In the case of Rheem I checked
their web site and found 2 installers in my immediate area that are listed
as "Rheem Top Contractors". Apparently that means they meet some kind of
standards as a Rheem qualified dealer that's supposed to mean something.
What I don't know is whether that actually means anything. One of them is
also a member of the BBB and has been around since 1929, if that means
anything either.

Look for company with NATE certified technicians and installers. Find
companies that fit that at www.natex.org

Also techs that belong to RSES would be better than average.
"RSES,,,Better service through knowledge."

Stretch

Tony,

You are attempting to optimize and balance the following:
- Comfort & convenience
- Capital outlay (purchase price)
- Future maintenance costs
- Future operating costs

To do this properly, you need to evaluate 3 separate items
and determine how to spread your capital among the three:
- Furnace unit
- AC unit
- Passive systems

Your passive systems include attic & wall insulation, caulking
(including the attic), attic venting, windows, storm windows, etc.
I just want to point this out, because this part of the equation
is often overlooked.

For example, many homeowners fail to consider issues such as
the fact that the difference in cost between a high efficiency & a
super high efficiency furnace could be more cost-effective if put
into additional attic insulation. Or into storm windows.

This is all especially true since many of the upgrades to passive
systems are easy to do yourself.

Gideon
..

You raise a great set of points, Gideon. In fact, we are also planning to
replace our windows, and we are keeping that in mind as part of this
process. If we had our way they would be replaced before the AC and heater,
but because of our recent problems we're doing the equipment first.

"Gideon" wrote in message
. ..
Tony,

You are attempting to optimize and balance the following:
- Comfort & convenience
- Capital outlay (purchase price)
- Future maintenance costs
- Future operating costs

To do this properly, you need to evaluate 3 separate items
and determine how to spread your capital among the three:
- Furnace unit
- AC unit
- Passive systems

Your passive systems include attic & wall insulation, caulking
(including the attic), attic venting, windows, storm windows, etc.
I just want to point this out, because this part of the equation
is often overlooked.

For example, many homeowners fail to consider issues such as
the fact that the difference in cost between a high efficiency & a
super high efficiency furnace could be more cost-effective if put
into additional attic insulation. Or into storm windows.

This is all especially true since many of the upgrades to passive
systems are easy to do yourself.

Gideon
.

"Tony" wrote in message
...

"TURTLE" wrote in
message
...

"Tony" wrote in message
...
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).



Why don't you just take a sales call from a
professional. I'm just an office girl but he can
tell you how similar different brands are and offer
you systems in different price ranges to fit you
needs. Call me tomorrow and I'll set one up for
you. There's certainly no cost to you for an
estimate. If you prefer to use e-mail rather than a
face to face meeting I'm game for that. Send me
your questions. or just take
the BUG out of the address I'm using here. The
internet is a wonderful thing but experience and
quality service and installation
_is_very_Important. I posted the link to the
website last week but I didn't hear from you. Here
it is again:
http://www.mountlaurelheatingandcool...m/contact.html I
didn't know the e-mail link was dead. A guy did
call from Washington Twp asking about RUDD
equipment but his name wasn't Tony. One note as you
do your research, the rebates for high-efficiency,
variable speed heaters were increased to $400 on
Sept. first and there are rumors of the A/C rebate
being changed in the near future. Get a couple
estimates, talk to thier references and then call
me when you are ready to get serious. We might not
be the lowest bid you get but we won't be the
highest and our reputation around town is damn
good. Customer satisfaction is a high priority. We
do alot in Cherry Hill.

Kathy

P.S. I'll get on that webmasters' ass tomorrow.