there weren't many brands to choose from. That was over 30 years ago. It is time to replace our 19yo units and I haven't a clue! I've been reading what I can find, but I really do not find comparisons (especially performance & longevity), just a lot stats from the manufacturers. Any help from our readers??? Thanks!

Tell me a little abut what you currently have..1 or 2 units... gas or electric.. will you be staying there long term... is the house in use all day...

Failure rate is very close to being equal across the boards...

Most unnits now are geared towards a 15-17 yr life span...

Seer ratings are truer in smaller units.. it
s tougher to get an 18 in a 5 ton.. and very costly... look at your payback in 10 yrs or less...

Be sure your furnace can support your needs .. as far as air flow goes.. variable speed is needed for anything above a 15 seer... ask for the AIR ratings ( matching)...


Look at Air Quiality while you're doing this...


With in each manufacturer they'll have several lines.. this is where the bells and whistles comes in... Copeland makes 80% of all compressors on the market now... you want a min. of a 10 yr warranty and some offer lifetime ( with as many changes as you need) warranty on the compressor... others have a no hassel type warranty... if there's a problem with the condenser( compressor) in the first 7 yrs.. they set a complete new condenser...

IS noise a problem .. effiency has to be sacrifice to quiet the equipment ... not much but some.. look at you dcb ratings there...


Becky

Greetings Becky!

I wouldn't know what to tell you about the existing units - They have any # of #'s on the little metal labels & I have no idea of what to look for. Gas is used. 1 unit outside & the rest is in the garage. 1000sq.ft downstairs & 800sq.ft upstairs. Installed in 1989. We have no plans to move. Having enough heat has never been a problem. The upstairs is never as cool as the downstairs. It's getting a workout now as we have had several days of 100+ readings.

I guess I will know a little more of what is what after our first estimate. Thanks!

We surely can't use anything as large as 5 tons I'm sure!

Y'all are alot like us... winter is just a non issue.. it's the summer that we design for...

If you have one system it may be a little under sized.. and that's why the difference in the 2 floors... so be sure to tell them that part too...

Your heat load is based on the size of your home, windows, shade, and what's happening in it... If there are health problems that require cooler rooms.. be sure to mention that also...

We used to say the rule of thumb was 500 ft/ ton.. and that's still an ok point to start.. that's having 8 ft ceilings... as we've gotten better about building we can get more ft / ton... If you have to consider new duct work too.. would 2 systems serve you better.. the inital cost is more but you save in running cost...

410a is the newer freon.. R22 is in limited production now & will be no longer available in 10 yrs... so we're seeing the cost of 22 go up already because of the limits...

www.lennox.com
www.carrier.com
www.trane.com
www.goodmanmfg.com

then within those groups there will be 2-3 ( cousin lines... and then you'll find 2-3 model lines in each of those... warranty varies by model lines...

We love the in line filters... 4".. you change 1-2 a year... and UV lights.. both help with air quality.. but it also helps protect the equipment...

http://yourhome.honeywell.com Honeywell pioneered the products but several groups are producing them now...

Becky

Thanks a bunch! I'll make note to ask about these points if they are not brought up. I'm sure they will cover all options on their own as the 1st company I have called has a terrific reputation & carries many of the often mentioned name brands.

I've heard of having two systems, but only in homes twice the size of mine.

I'll check out your links...KG

I grew up in a house that was 2000 ft.. since all bedrooms were up is was an easy way to do things... so instead of running a 5 ton all the time.. my mother would usually just have one 2.5 running...

Just take your time and study your options... you'll do fine...