wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.

What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion

The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be well.

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.

On Sep 24, 8:37�am, "HeyBub" wrote:
wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.

What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion

The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. �It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. �I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be well..

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

gee got new goodman 90+ furnace with air for 3 thousand installed 10
year warranty.this summer 13 seer air which is fine for pittsburgh.

in florida go with at least 16 seer, you will save bucks on energy

they bent you over with no KY jelly yopur being ripped off.

on a 12 year old unit i would replace the entire system, when the
compressor blew tiny bits of debris lkely contaminatyed the entire
system

In article ,
"HeyBub" wrote:

wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.

What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion

The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be well.

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Well after doing some digging, I think I can definitely get a better
deal. I found out my neighbor just got the same unit only with the
internal parts (air handler, heater, etc.) from the same company 6
months ago for $4500 installed. That's $3K less than what the guy
quoted me for everything. Needless, to say, I have the neighbor's quote
in hand and a manager coming out today.

I also have a friend of a good friend who works with AC coming out to
check things out. I'm sure he'll have some used parts/cash under the
table deals for me. I'm not real comfortable with the used route though
since the unit is so old and really not that efficient ($350+ electric
bills) so I'm still considering just replacing everything new.

How much more $$ is it to go up to a 14-15 or even 16 SEER rated unit?
Will I see the extra benefit in terms of cooling and electric costs
relative to the cost of the higher SEER unit? Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.

On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:57:14 -0400, wrote:

Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.

Amman/Goodman is pure, unadulterated, crap. A good installer can make
or break any unit, howver, a good installer cannot do anything when
they start with junk.

wrote:

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Well after doing some digging, I think I can definitely get a better
deal. I found out my neighbor just got the same unit only with the
internal parts (air handler, heater, etc.) from the same company 6
months ago for $4500 installed. That's $3K less than what the guy
quoted me for everything. Needless, to say, I have the neighbor's
quote in hand and a manager coming out today.

I also have a friend of a good friend who works with AC coming out to
check things out. I'm sure he'll have some used parts/cash under the
table deals for me. I'm not real comfortable with the used route
though since the unit is so old and really not that efficient ($350+
electric bills) so I'm still considering just replacing everything
new.

How much more $$ is it to go up to a 14-15 or even 16 SEER rated unit?
Will I see the extra benefit in terms of cooling and electric costs
relative to the cost of the higher SEER unit? Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. Is
Amana/Goodman bad?


Back-of-the-envelope calculation follows:

I'm told a 16-SEER unit is in the neighborhood of 35% more efficient than
traditional models. In your case, assuming 80% of your $350 is for AC, that
means a savings of (mumble-mumble, carry the three...) about $100/month, or
(assuming AC 6 months/year), about $600/year in savings. Compared to $1000
repair, the additional $3500 translates to a six-year payback.

Feel free to adjust the numbers accordingly.

On Sep 24, 8:57*am, wrote:
In article ,





*"HeyBub" wrote:
wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.

What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion

The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. *It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. *I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be well.

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Well after doing some digging, I think I can definitely get a better
deal. *I found out my neighbor just got the same unit only with the
internal parts (air handler, heater, etc.) from the same company 6
months ago for $4500 installed. *That's $3K less than what the guy
quoted me for everything. *Needless, to say, I have the neighbor's quote
in hand and a manager coming out today.

I also have a friend of a good friend who works with AC coming out to
check things out. *I'm sure he'll have some used parts/cash under the
table deals for me. *I'm not real comfortable with the used route though
since the unit is so old and really not that efficient ($350+ electric
bills) so I'm still considering just replacing everything new.

How much more $$ is it to go up to a 14-15 or even 16 SEER rated unit? *
Will I see the extra benefit in terms of cooling and electric costs
relative to the cost of the higher SEER unit? *Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. *Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

There are charts of Seer and savings per each seer increase, maybe at
Carrier,- Bryant I have seen them. In fla I would research every
option to save energy. With high humidity as you have look into VSDC
motors, you can remove double the humidity of single speed systems and
run on a humidistat. Seer may go as high as 19, but get the 10 yr
warrantys when you have the fancy stuff its expensive to repair.

In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 24, 8:57*am, wrote:
In article ,





*"HeyBub" wrote:
wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.

What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion

The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. *It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. *I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane
Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced
with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be
well.

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that
has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's
pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Well after doing some digging, I think I can definitely get a better
deal. *I found out my neighbor just got the same unit only with the
internal parts (air handler, heater, etc.) from the same company 6
months ago for $4500 installed. *That's $3K less than what the guy
quoted me for everything. *Needless, to say, I have the neighbor's quote
in hand and a manager coming out today.

I also have a friend of a good friend who works with AC coming out to
check things out. *I'm sure he'll have some used parts/cash under the
table deals for me. *I'm not real comfortable with the used route though
since the unit is so old and really not that efficient ($350+ electric
bills) so I'm still considering just replacing everything new.

How much more $$ is it to go up to a 14-15 or even 16 SEER rated unit? *
Will I see the extra benefit in terms of cooling and electric costs
relative to the cost of the higher SEER unit? *Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. *Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

There are charts of Seer and savings per each seer increase, maybe at
Carrier,- Bryant I have seen them. In fla I would research every
option to save energy. With high humidity as you have look into VSDC
motors, you can remove double the humidity of single speed systems and
run on a humidistat. Seer may go as high as 19, but get the 10 yr
warrantys when you have the fancy stuff its expensive to repair.

Thanks again for all of the replies,

Here's the latest. I've been quoted $5700 installed for a Train XR13,
with all the Train internals (air handler/coil, new heater, thermostat,
etc.). They are also giving me a 10 year warranty on everything and
sanitizing my ducts. My furnace/heater (propane) is mostly fine (old
though) but not getting a new one of those is only going to save me $200
($5500 total wo/ heater).

Also, I can add the Train 'Clean Effects' air cleaner for the whole
household for an extra $900 ($6600 total installed). Is the Clean
Effects add-on useful and effective? My 11yo daughter has allergies and
we would like to cut down on the dust if it will help significantly.

Even though I'm getting an XR13, the tech said that jumping up to a XR14
for about another $800 won't give me a full extra SEER point (only about
a .25-.5 gain real world wise because of the combo of equipment) and
that in his opinion, it's not worth it.

I'm thinking that $5700 isn't that bad after some of the quotes I have
been seeing considering it's all Train equipment, a good warranty,
sanitized ducts, etc.. It's just coming down to do I spend the extra
$900 of the Train Clean Effects.

One more guy is coming this afternoon so I haven't committed yet.

Thanks again for the input.

wrote:
....
Also, I can add the Train 'Clean Effects' air cleaner for the whole
household for an extra $900 ($6600 total installed). Is the Clean
Effects add-on useful and effective? My 11yo daughter has allergies and
we would like to cut down on the dust if it will help significantly.
....
That's "Trane", not a train...

On the whole-house air cleaners. They do work a make significant and
observable difference.

That's based on experience w/ old Bryant unit in a dry climate and on a
farm where there is always much pollen, grain dust, etc., etc., etc.,
around besides the normal household stuff. Owing to the dry conditions,
molds and that sort of thing are pretty minimal.

How to compare that to FL and a presumably urban environment I have no
idea though...

--

In article , dpb wrote:

wrote:
...
Also, I can add the Train 'Clean Effects' air cleaner for the whole
household for an extra $900 ($6600 total installed). Is the Clean
Effects add-on useful and effective? My 11yo daughter has allergies and
we would like to cut down on the dust if it will help significantly.
...
That's "Trane", not a train...

On the whole-house air cleaners. They do work a make significant and
observable difference.

That's based on experience w/ old Bryant unit in a dry climate and on a
farm where there is always much pollen, grain dust, etc., etc., etc.,
around besides the normal household stuff. Owing to the dry conditions,
molds and that sort of thing are pretty minimal.

How to compare that to FL and a presumably urban environment I have no
idea though...

--

Thanks for the input,

Sorry about that, yes Trane is what I meant. It's been a crazy two
days. The guy actually just called back and he said that Trane would
discount the Clean Effects even more so it would be $6400 installed for
everything.

Still a lot of dough but it's the best thing I've seen so far and I've
compared with recently installed neighbor's jobs. I'm sure I could save
a lot with used parts but again, I'm not feeling comfortable going with
that route on a 12yo system.

wrote:
....

... The guy actually just called back and he said that Trane would
discount the Clean Effects even more so it would be $6400 installed for
everything.

Still a lot of dough but it's the best thing I've seen so far ...

I'm getting ready to replace full system here as it's 25+ yrs and 50%
efficient furnaces as well. Since the pipeline company now charges
residential rates for our tap as well, it's worth upgrading as well.
The upstairs unit we've not run for two years any way as it has a
sufficiently large crack in the exchanger weren't comfortable altho CO
monitor never indicated a problem, still...

Anyway, will replace the whole house cleaner as well whatever the cost
differential is--that's how valuable we think it is. Mom had severe
allergies and it made a tremendous difference for her and it does make
noticeable difference in simply how much dusting is needed (had a HV
xfmr failure and was out for a while a year ago so was reminded of
difference).

Again how much it might help in your area w/ daughter's condition will
be depending entirely on the type of allergens she's specifically
sensitive to. If they're the common household airborne kind of thing,
I'd think it likely to be beneficial--at least it can't hurt...

--

wrote:
In article ,
"HeyBub" wrote:

wrote:
In article
,
ransley wrote:

On Sep 23, 9:24 pm, wrote:
Well my AC has finally kicked the bucket. I had an AC guy (Scott's
AC) come out and he is recommending an Amana 13 SEER unit. Is Amana
a good brand? This is just for the unit that sits outside of the
house, not any heater, air mover(?) that goes inside. I'm getting a
quote of $5K installed with a lifetime warranty on the compressor
and I believe other parts also.

My main concerns a
-brand quality/reliabilty
-cooling ability (house is about 2500 sq feet)
-how much energy savings (my electric bill has been between
$350-400/mo)
-quietness

I need to clarify which exact model but he said it's a darker
grayish model Amana that is rated @ 13 SEER.

Are there other models to consider?

Thanks for any input.
What kicked the bucket, get a second opinion
The compressor basically locked up and kept shorting everything out.
The breaker wouldn't even stay on. It's about 12 years old and I'm in
Florida. I could just replace the compressor for about $2K (less if I
go used) but the whole unit is getting pretty old and ragged.
EXACTLY the same thing happened to me. Mine was a Trane, 17 years old and
the compressor went kaput from the power chattering caused by hurricane Ike
here in Houston.

Two guys came out last night at 8:00 p.m. with a used, six-year old, Rudd
condensing unit. In two hours they had the bad condensing unit replaced with
the Rudd. It works swell (so far, see below).

At 10:00 p.m., I gave them $700 and they went away.

Now as to guarantees: I know where the AC guy lives (next door to my son)
and HE knows I have a gun. I have a high confidence that all will be well.

Regarding replacing the compressor only, I don't know for sure.

Considering the compressor is the only part of the condensing unit that has
moving parts, I would think you'd be okay replacing only it. Someday you
might have to replace the power relay or the capacitors, but that's pocket
change. The wiring won't go bad and if the unit looks ratty, a couple of
cans of spray paint should fix that.

A new compressor for my Trane lists for $981, that's why I chose the $300
cheaper option.

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Well after doing some digging, I think I can definitely get a better
deal. I found out my neighbor just got the same unit only with the
internal parts (air handler, heater, etc.) from the same company 6
months ago for $4500 installed. That's $3K less than what the guy
quoted me for everything. Needless, to say, I have the neighbor's quote
in hand and a manager coming out today.

I also have a friend of a good friend who works with AC coming out to
check things out. I'm sure he'll have some used parts/cash under the
table deals for me. I'm not real comfortable with the used route though
since the unit is so old and really not that efficient ($350+ electric
bills) so I'm still considering just replacing everything new.

How much more $$ is it to go up to a 14-15 or even 16 SEER rated unit?
Will I see the extra benefit in terms of cooling and electric costs
relative to the cost of the higher SEER unit? Some folks have
recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.

Whatever you do, keep your system clean.
Don't cut the grass with the condenser
running. The condenser will suck in the
debris like a big vacuum cleaner and clog
up the fins. I find so many blown compressors
in dirty condensing units during hot weather.
It pays to get a service tech to professionally
clean and check your HVAC system every year.
Oh, and if you try to clean the condenser
yourself, be careful, I've had to straighten
a lot of fins that were flattened out by a
homeowner using a water hose adjusted to the
kill setting.

[8~{} Uncle Monster

On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:00:57 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote:


I'm told a 16-SEER unit is in the neighborhood of 35% more efficient than
traditional models. In your case, assuming 80% of your $350 is for AC, that
means a savings of (mumble-mumble, carry the three...) about $100/month, or
(assuming AC 6 months/year), about $600/year in savings. Compared to $1000
repair, the additional $3500 translates to a six-year payback.

Feel free to adjust the numbers accordingly.



Feel free to make stuff up since that is what you have done. Whoever
told you these figures pulled them out of their ass. Did someone even
take into your duct work and ho airflo effects everything?

Old AC Guy wrote:
On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:00:57 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote:


I'm told a 16-SEER unit is in the neighborhood of 35% more efficient
than traditional models. In your case, assuming 80% of your $350 is
for AC, that means a savings of (mumble-mumble, carry the three...)
about $100/month, or (assuming AC 6 months/year), about $600/year in
savings. Compared to $1000 repair, the additional $3500 translates
to a six-year payback.

Feel free to adjust the numbers accordingly.



Feel free to make stuff up since that is what you have done. Whoever
told you these figures pulled them out of their ass. Did someone even
take into your duct work and ho airflo effects everything?

I guess it comes down to whom you trust: someone who makes stuff up from
second-had ass droppings or an old AC guy.

Gee, let me think...

"HeyBub" wrote in
m:

Old AC Guy wrote:
On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:00:57 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote:


I'm told a 16-SEER unit is in the neighborhood of 35% more efficient
than traditional models. In your case, assuming 80% of your $350 is
for AC, that means a savings of (mumble-mumble, carry the three...)
about $100/month, or (assuming AC 6 months/year), about $600/year in
savings. Compared to $1000 repair, the additional $3500 translates
to a six-year payback.

Feel free to adjust the numbers accordingly.



Feel free to make stuff up since that is what you have done. Whoever
told you these figures pulled them out of their ass. Did someone even
take into your duct work and ho airflo effects everything?

I guess it comes down to whom you trust: someone who makes stuff up
from second-had ass droppings or an old AC guy.

Gee, let me think...



Is there a door #3?

Bubba wrote in
:

On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:57:56 -0400, wrote:

In article , dpb wrote:

wrote:
...
Also, I can add the Train 'Clean Effects' air cleaner for the
whole household for an extra $900 ($6600 total installed). Is the
Clean Effects add-on useful and effective? My 11yo daughter has
allergies and we would like to cut down on the dust if it will
help significantly.
...
That's "Trane", not a train...

On the whole-house air cleaners. They do work a make significant
and observable difference.

That's based on experience w/ old Bryant unit in a dry climate and
on a farm where there is always much pollen, grain dust, etc., etc.,
etc., around besides the normal household stuff. Owing to the dry
conditions, molds and that sort of thing are pretty minimal.

How to compare that to FL and a presumably urban environment I have
no idea though...

--

Thanks for the input,

Sorry about that, yes Trane is what I meant. It's been a crazy two
days. The guy actually just called back and he said that Trane would
discount the Clean Effects even more so it would be $6400 installed
for everything.

Still a lot of dough but it's the best thing I've seen so far and I've
compared with recently installed neighbor's jobs. I'm sure I could
save a lot with used parts but again, I'm not feeling comfortable
going with that route on a 12yo system.

Well, you've certainly gotten some good and bad info in here.
First of all, Goodman or Amana is not junk. The truth is, ITS ALL
JUNK! Yes, even the TRANE! You need to find a good installation
company that will be back to service it later. The installation will
make or break the unit. Goodman just happens to be leading the
industry in their warranties at the moment. Some of the best out
there. I am NOT pushing Goodman though. I wont until they pay me for
that.
Next, you need to get a warranty that includes LABOR! Not just the
parts. The parts aren't chit. You can have a lifetime compressor
warranty and it wont mean diddly. All it means is they will hand you a
compressor that you will pay shipping on both ways. Now you have to
pay labor to install it, refrigerant recovery, new refrigerant,
evacuation, pressure testing, filter drier, disposal, etc. etc.
You have done well so far not wanting the "used" or "friend of a
friend" route.
13 SEER is a high efficient unit now however it is also the lowest
efficient unit now made. Living in Florida, you will likely do better
with a higher SEER efficient unit. Dont go crazy though. Have one of
those companies explain how a higher efficient unit will save you
money and which one is just going to be overkill and never get your
payback out of it.
Good Luck,
Bubba


You need to find a good installation company that will be back
to service it later.

Ditto

The installation will make or break the unit.

Super Ditto

On Sep 24, 10:15�am, NATE Certified Heating and Air Tech wrote:
On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:57:14 -0400, wrote:

Some folks have

recommended Trane and Lennox as better brands to look into. �Is
Amana/Goodman bad?

Thanks again for the input.

Amman/Goodman is pure, unadulterated, crap. A good installer can make
or break any unit, howver, a good installer cannot do anything when
they start with junk.

a very good friend now a retired HVAC instructor of 30+ years highly
revcommends the goodman. they use mostly standard parts available from
multiple sources, unlike trane and most others with pricey OEM only
parts.

plus a bunch of family have had goodmans for years and our very happy,
with zero breakdowns.