Original message
| Momof3boys
 |  "Need recommendation-new gas furance/AC unit"
, posted Fri 5 Aug 21:29  
My 12 yo AC system w/ gas furnaces need replacing - 2 zones in house currently w/ Rudd "drum furnace"-told only made for 1 year and I got the jackpot! AC not working upstairs so not pleasant on 100+ temp days-no freon, leaks in coils, board rusted, run capacitor(?sp)shot, lots of H20 leaking so will probably replace furance upstairs (and downstairs is now leaking so same situation starting here also-both systems have been flushed to clear goop in lines w/o resolving problems). System upstairs currently w/ new freon, still leaking, "hot wired" to run and cool, but I know I'm on borrowed time.
Have received 1 bid from local company wanting to install Amana 96% gas furnace (variable speed blower) w/ 14 SEER R-22 AC system along w/ Aprilaire 500 air cleaner (replace current Honeywell also 12 yo) w/ option of 16 SEER 410A AC systems. Serious hot flashes w/ amt. of $$$!!!
This company also represents Lennox and Carrier, but prefer Amana for warranty. Met w/ 2nd company today for bid-will receive next wk-representing Lennox, Carrier and Janitrol. Considering 3rd bid, but hate to waste peoples' time, but I'm having trouble comparing apples and oranges. Found this website so thought I would ask for your advice!
1)Option of only replacing furnaces and air cleaners for now and replace AC units later or do entire system now? 2)What do you think of these systems recommended? 3)I know the name of Carrier and Trane in HVAC, but is Amana good?
Thanks for your advice and input!
Virginia Mom
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Replies:
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| monical
| "Re(1):Need recommendation-new gas furance/AC " , posted Mon 17 Oct 18:04
I have had a Lennox that is 36 years old that I am just now replacing. It has been an excellant furnance and I am looking at replacing it with the same. I am also adding AC not before had it. The best way I have seen is it is cheapest to do it all at once. Also there has been talk of the government regulations going up on AC units after the first of the year which would make them more expensive so I am looking at getting it now before the regulations change.
I am having the same problems with apples to oranges, everyone is a little different. Good luck.
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| | Momof3boys
| "Re(2):Need recommendation-new gas furance/AC" , posted Mon 17 Oct 21:07
I am only a consumer, not an expert, so I hope someone else will respond to you besides me. I decided on a Trane system which is currently offering a rebate-my rebate is $900/system for 92% variable speed gas furance, air cleaner, thermostat, and 16 SEER 2-speed AC. (I think all that info is correct.) So, ck rebates-you can do this through companies' websites and also through your gas and electric companies. I choose a variable speed furance so it doesn't have to run on high all the time and hopefully save $$$-likewise the AC. You are right about the gov't regulations starting Jan. 1 changing the type of refrigerate agent in AC. The new stuff is more expensive now, but in 5-10 yrs, I believe the "old" stuff which is currently being used will be more expensive. I decided to go w/ the "new", but asked each company about familiarity installing, customer satisfaction, etc. I got 3 bids and asked lots of friends questions. Plus, I really appreciate the response and advice I got here. Two of my bids were very similar and the 3rd was significantly lower-several thousand-from a smaller local company which came highly recommended even though people didn't know $$$ amts. of bids. Good luck! It's a learning process!
Virginia Mom
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| MasterTech
| "Re(1):Need recommendation-new gas furance/AC " , posted Fri 5 Aug 22:01
Well for starters top group of companies would be Trane, Lennox, Carrier. These units should get you a good 20-30years of ussage.
Amana is a goodman product which is the cheapest unit you can buy. I believe i read on there site that goodman considered 12 years as life expectancy. As for warranty most units carry a 10 year parts but i would ask. I would buy Goodman before i pay extra for Amana(side by side cant tell 2cents difference).
Just so you know where i come from i sell Trane and Goodman.
Remmeber you get what you pay for and you pay for what u get.
Something to think about, Seer rating is a precentage of savings.
Going from a 10seer to a 12 seer will only get u 20%. So if your electric bill is $150 then roughly figure cooling is $100 at 10 seer then it would be $80 will a 12seer. Remmeber its a payback on your money but i always say 5year payback is a must 10year maybe anything of that is not worth it unless you have the money.
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