A/C System Installation

[BiggieFries]

So I'm looking to get the central A/C system changed. It's about 12 years old and w/ the FL weather, this thing takes a beating. The tax credits might be nice, too, as well as the decrease in energy bills over time. So I'm having about 4-5 companies come by next week to give estimates. Changing the compressor & handler (and whatever the hell else they need to change).

 

So what's a noob like me got to look out for? Any questions I should be asking? Anything I should be looking out for? I know they're supposed to measure the place before they toss out a quote. Any specific brands I should be asking about?

 

TIA

Edited March 25, 2010 by BiggieFries

[Chief Dick]

So I'm looking to get the central A/C system changed. It's about 12 years old and w/ the FL weather, this thing takes a beating. The tax credits might be nice, too, as well as the decrease in energy bills over time. So I'm having about 4-5 companies come by next week to give estimates. Changing the compressor & handler (and whatever the hell else they need to change).

 

So what's a noob like me got to look out for? Any questions I should be asking? Anything I should be looking out for? I know they're supposed to measure the place before they toss out a quote. Any specific brands I should be asking about?

 

TIA

 

I sell AC's for a living, so I can help you out. I'll be back in a bit to write up some stuff to look for and ask for. Also, I'm available by phone if you're interested.

[T_bone65]

I sell AC's for a living, so I can help you out. I'll be back in a bit to write up some stuff to look for and ask for. Also, I'm available by phone if you're interested.

 

 

CD lives for the text BTW

[BiggieFries]

I sell AC's for a living, so I can help you out. I'll be back in a bit to write up some stuff to look for and ask for. Also, I'm available by phone if you're interested.

 

Awesome, thanks!

[twiley]

I'm sure CD will state otherwise but I was always told that a majority of ACs are all manufactured either in the same place or at the same specs then companies slap their names on them so the expensive one may be the same as a less expensive one. Carrier and Bryant are two that come to mind. Same guts just a shinier shell for the Carrier.

Edited March 25, 2010 by twiley

[Big Country]

I sell AC's for a living, so I can help you out. I'll be back in a bit to write up some stuff to look for and ask for. Also, I'm available by phone if you're interested.

 

And for $4.95 a minute, CD will talk to you about anything..... ANYTHING.

[Chief Dick]

I'm sure CD will state otherwise but I was always told that a majority of ACs are all manufactured either in the same place or at the same specs then companies slap their names on them so the expensive one may be the same as a less expensive one. Carrier and Bryant are two that come to mind. Same guts just a shinier shell for the Carrier.

 

Funny you mention this. I was talking to our service manager today about who was left that made equipment. We named 7 right off the bat:

 

1. Trane/American Standard

2. Lennox (which makes some off-brands)

3. Carrier/Bryant/Payne

4. Goodman/Amana

5. Rheem/Ruud

6. International Comfort Products (makes a lot of stuff--Heil, Tempstar, more of the off brands)

7. Johnson Controls (York)

[BiggieFries]

Funny you mention this. I was talking to our service manager today about who was left that made equipment. We named 7 right off the bat:

 

1. Trane/American Standard

2. Lennox (which makes some off-brands)

3. Carrier/Bryant/Payne

4. Goodman/Amana

5. Rheem/Ruud

6. International Comfort Products (makes a lot of stuff--Heil, Tempstar, more of the off brands)

7. Johnson Controls (York)

 

So does this mean that all these companies get their equipment made by the same manufacturer? Does the brand name mean nothing in the A/C business?

[Chief Dick]

So does this mean that all these companies get their equipment made by the same manufacturer? Does the brand name mean nothing in the A/C business?

 

No, these are all manufacturers.