A/C help needed

[DanMartin]

One of our a/c units went out this weekend. Since it is a 15 yr old unit,it probably makes more sense to replace the whole unit. I need suggestions from Houston area folks on a dealer you have used and are happy with. We need a 4 ton central unit.

PM's welcome.

thanks
dan

[STARFIGHTER]

Assuming this is for a residence, Trane units have a great track record in residential use. (can't address dealers in your area)

[astuber]

Being in the AC business, I would go with American Standard products. Trane and American Standard are made by the same company and in many cases are identical, though Trane has a the edge when it comes to the upper end models. American Standard units are generally several hundred $ less expensive for a given unit than comparable Trane units. I think their condenser coil design is superior and the other components are first rate. I would pick a dealer that does the installation in house rather than subcontracting it out. Most of the issues that you are going to see are related to the quality of the installation.

[Dick]

One of our a/c units went out this weekend. Since it is a 15 yr old unit,it probably makes more sense to replace the whole unit. I need suggestions from Houston area folks on a dealer you have used and are happy with. We need a 4 ton central unit.

PM's welcome.

thanks
dan
Hey, Dan - I don't have any detail info, but Mike Figen and Dale Phillips, who host the Houston area Better Home show on the weekend radio show would be who I would call for a dealer referral. You can find 'em in the phone book, I'm sure.

[ibbones]

Spend a few extra bucks and go with a higher SEER rating than what is required. It will save $$$ later and you will be better in the long run.

[astuber]

Right now for most of the manufacturers 15 SEER seems to be the sweet spot. Units get really expensive above 15 and are not worth the extra cost in my opinion. You will save 7-9% on your electric bill for every 1 SEER increase. But, since the savings are calculated on an ever smaller number the dollar savings drop off rather quickly.

[DanMartin]

Right now for most of the manufacturers 15 SEER seems to be the sweet spot. Units get really expensive above 15 and are not worth the extra cost in my opinion. You will save 7-9% on your electric bill for every 1 SEER increase. But, since the savings are calculated on an ever smaller number the dollar savings drop off rather quickly.
Latest quote:
13 SEER $6900 Payne w/R22
15 SEER $8900 Carrier w/Puron
16 SEER $12000 Carrier w/Puron

Thanks to all for the info. 2 more quotes due tomorrow

dan

[astuber]

Payne is the entry level product in the Carrier line and usually comes with a 5 year warranty on the compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil. The Carrier products have a 10 year warranty on these items. I would strongly suggest looking into a Parts and Labor extended warranty if available, especially if you plan to stay in your current home for a while. Labor can be quite expensive to replace a covered part.

Payne->Bryant->Carrier.

R22 will be phased out in February of 2010 but should be available for the foreseeable future. R22 is rising in price but is still less expensive than R410A (Puron). Carrier is having some difficulties right now with the evaporator coils due to the higher system pressures associated with Puron.

[jbrown]

We just replaced our 4-ton condensor with a Maytag 13.5 seer, and the 4-ton
coil upstairs using Central City Air. We only got 18 years out of the old unit.

I believe its a 12 year warranty. They did a great job in one day.

CCA is 713-861-1977 if you want to get a quote.

[KingAlbertinacan]

Also, check with Centerpoint Energy (the local electric company). Most of the utilities around the country have programs where you can get a zero percent interest loan on new air conditioners, insulation and storm windows. I know the utility I work for does.

[dwsdad]

A little off topic, but a friend here at the office is starting to have A/C issues and is looking at this (http://www.ahswarranty.com) before he replaces it IF he can wait that long.

[D.Kinsey]

+1 on Central City Air
DO NOT USE WEEK'S HOWEVER :D

[Bruce]

A little off topic, but a friend here at the office is starting to have A/C issues and is looking at this (http://www.ahswarranty.com/) before he replaces it IF he can wait that long.

My parents have this and it has saved them a bundle in repairs. The usual trip charge is around $55, but they don't have to pay anything else. Covers almost everything in the house.