Central Air Recommend?

[otisdog]

We are thinking of getting central air in our condo. Looking at brands.... From what I read there's more unsatisfied customers than satisfied for every major brand.
Any thoughts? Trane, Carrier, blah blah?
Jim

[Patrolman]

I have a buddy who is HVAC certified. He is happy to provide opinions and give insight. Let me know if you want to chat with him.

[Chris]

Xaza (Cliff) is a HVAC guy, might want to see what he has to say.

[xaza]

Most of my experience is in commercial rooftop package units. Every brand has it's pros and cons, no product out there is perfect. The new company I am working for uses Goodman units for apartment complexes. The maintenance and upkeep of the units is more important than the brand IMO. If the house was designed for heat only the ductwork may not be large enough to accomodate cooling because it requires more airflow. Duct work is often over sized and you may be fine, but your contractor will need to verify. I can get you contractor prices for most brands but am not taking side jobs right now.(just worked 90+ hours last week because of the heat) When finding a contractor don't tell them you will get the equipment yourself, they will increase the labor if they aren't getting their mark up on equipment.

[Chris]

Thanks Cliff, I guessed wrong on what you work on. I'll add that it's a good idea to see who manufactures home units these days. I just had to replace a dryer and while there area bunch of brand names there are only a few manufacturers putting out all the brands - pretty much like tires.

[otisdog]

Most people are saying Trane is pretty good. A bit more expensive but worth it.
I know it's going to be expensive and will require some ductwork. I will get a good contractor to do the work.
Cliff - glad to see you are so busy. That's good.
Jim

[Serious Offroad]

My daytime gig is HVAC, both residential and commercial.
I sell primarily Rheem products and have since I started my own business in 1999.

I'm licensed in El Paso County so I can't be of much help with an installation, but I can offer advise.

1.) Never have work done by someone that is not licensed or insured in your jurisdiction, it's a simple phone call to your local building department.
2.) Avoid any contractor that offers low-ball prices, cuz you get what you pay for.
3.) If a contractor says you have to pull you're own permit then they aren't licensed. If something happens to your home as a result of the installation without the required permit your homeowners insurance company can deny your claim. Yes it does happen.
4.) Buying a "Grey-Market" system typically means you're screwed as far as any warranty claims are concerned.
5.) Don't get suckered into the FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY, it doesn't exist. Someone has to pay for it and that someone is you. contractors will pad their estimates to cover the cost of the extended warranty and pass it off as being free.
6.) NEVER finance an A/C system through a contractor. Get a low-interest rate home improvement loan from your bank or credit union. You'll end up saving a considerable amount of interest.

[otisdog]

Frank what do you think about Rheem ac?
We had a new Rheem furnace installed. The last one worked for over twenty years with no problems. I'm just not sure about their AC.
Oh yea there will be a licensed "good" company.
Jim

[Serious Offroad]

As I said earlier, Rheem is my product line.
I've had tremendous success with Rheem A/C systems and warranty calls are virtually non-existent

[Coonburger]

any of the systems are basically the same it boils down to proper installation , duct size, length of ur line set that kindof thing. Excel energy is still offering a pretty good rebate but you have to use a certain size evaporator, certain seer equipment *seasonal energy efficiency ratio* which boils down to money for you as a consumer. Higher the seer the more efficient it is resulting in lower energy costs. This is where installation comes in. Duct work is not big enough , condenser not put in a proper location this will lower the efficiency of the unit greatly. Matience is a biggie pretty easy keep that cottonwood off the condensor coil which is easy to clean just spray it off once in a while. Definately do your homework and have it properly installed so you can qualify for the excel rebate. The company has to do a load calc to properly size the unit unlike what some companys do which is the rule of thumb just going of off sqaure footage. Installation on this should only take a day or so if no duct work needs to be done besides maybe a plenum adaptor. Depending on where you live i can refer a couple companies ive had personal experience with just let me know.

[otisdog]

SE Aurora. What about Parker heating and air?
Parker, Castle Rock and SE Denver's Preferred Heating & Cooling Contractor - Parker Heating & Air, Inc. (http://www.parkerair.com/)
Bell did our furnace and did an excellent job at a fair price. They carry Rheem and York AC. I've not heard much good about York. If I was thinking of a Rheem I'd probably go with them.
Jim

[Coonburger]

builders heating and air is one i think i might have some coupons for em like 50 dollars off id have to check and the other is a private contractor hes certified and everything he was actually my teacher at hvac school really knows his stuff.

[xaza]

Bell Plumbing and Heating is reputable. They hire only from the union though therefore they pass the higher cost of technicians down to the consumer.

[otisdog]

Bell Plumbing and Heating is reputable. They hire only from the union though therefore they pass the higher cost of technicians down to the consumer.

Yea know the union adds some cost.
Jim

[otisdog]

Had Bell do it - got a new Rheem system fairly efficient. So far working great.
Jim

[Tom]

I put a Lenox in mine about 12 years ago. I've never had an issue with it. Never had it serviced. It just runs and cools.

[glacierpaul]

Tom, you may want to at least have it serviced.

[otisdog]

I hope ours gives some trouble free years. Supposed to be serviced every couple years?
Jim

[xaza]

Should be serviced at least twice a year, summer start up and winter start up...summer being much more important. Also keep your filters clean, change them once a month if you have pets to help with air quality otherwise about every 3-4 months usually is fine.

[otisdog]

Yea I've heard to change the filter monthly so that we will do.
What typically does a service consist of?
Jim

[xaza]

For a summer service the coils both inside the house and outside the house should be cleaned. The outside coil can be cleaned with a garden hose. The indoor coil is harder to get access to, it is right above the furnace. This you can clean with a pump sprayer just be careful not to overflow the drain pan. If there is a lot of build up on the bottom side of this coil you want to peel or brush this off before getting it wet, be careful not to drop big chunks back into furnace. Compressor and Motor amp draw and capacitor capacitance would be checked by a thorough company but not a must. For winter service the heat exchanger should be checked for cracks and burners checked for clean efficient flame. Be wary of companies that pay their technicians on commission. Having clean coils will make your air conditioner last longer and run more efficient. Less and shorter run times equate out to big energy savings.

[otisdog]

Thanks
jim

[Tom]

Tom, you may want to at least have it serviced.I clean it.

[glacierpaul]

I clean it. :thumb:

[Coonburger]

service is checking ur pressures making sure ur full on refrigerant, doing a clean of the condenser that kindof thing. u can do it pretty much all of it urself easy as pie cept the checking ur pressures unless u got a set of gauges and a meter to check ur superheat or thermometer

[Tom]

service is checking ur pressures making sure ur full on refrigerant, doing a clean of the condenser that kindof thing. u can do it pretty much all of it urself easy as pie cept the checking ur pressures unless u got a set of gauges and a meter to check ur superheat or thermometerI figure since it cools just as well, and cycles on and off as often as it did new it doesn't require refrigerant.