Help picking new AC unit...
#1
05-07-20, 06:41 AM
Help picking new AC unit...
We are replacing our old...at least 15year old York unit. It was here when we moved in. Anyway, we’ve got 3 quotes. One from an American Standard dealer:
4A7A7060A1000B American Standard 5.0 Ton 2-Stage AC Condensing Unit
ATEM6A0D60S51SB American Standard Variable-Speed Air Handler
$10,100
one from a Goodman dealer:
Goodman 5 ton 18 seer two stage condenser GSXC180601
Goodman 5 ton variable speed air handler AVPTC61D14
$8900
the Lennox dealer is pretty much out as they started at $15k similarly efficient equipment.
Ive been doing some research and have read a lot about people who hate Goodman and say they are crap so it has me a little spooked, even though the install guys that came out (same company) were SUPER thorough and explained every aspect of installation to me and even made certain suggestions on what to do and what would be a waste of money.
The American Standard guy was good too but quick with checking things out. But he was also honest saying going super efficient and I’d never make the money back. We only cool end of May-Oct here in Southern Pa.
I know the Goodman has a limited lifetime warranty and the American standard is 12yrs. Anyway I would love honest opinions between the too as I go back and forth trying to make up my mind.
both installers have a standard 1-yr warranty on their install work.
thank you!
4A7A7060A1000B American Standard 5.0 Ton 2-Stage AC Condensing Unit
ATEM6A0D60S51SB American Standard Variable-Speed Air Handler
$10,100
one from a Goodman dealer:
Goodman 5 ton 18 seer two stage condenser GSXC180601
Goodman 5 ton variable speed air handler AVPTC61D14
$8900
the Lennox dealer is pretty much out as they started at $15k similarly efficient equipment.
Ive been doing some research and have read a lot about people who hate Goodman and say they are crap so it has me a little spooked, even though the install guys that came out (same company) were SUPER thorough and explained every aspect of installation to me and even made certain suggestions on what to do and what would be a waste of money.
The American Standard guy was good too but quick with checking things out. But he was also honest saying going super efficient and I’d never make the money back. We only cool end of May-Oct here in Southern Pa.
I know the Goodman has a limited lifetime warranty and the American standard is 12yrs. Anyway I would love honest opinions between the too as I go back and forth trying to make up my mind.
both installers have a standard 1-yr warranty on their install work.
thank you!
#2
05-07-20, 08:29 AM
Most Goodmans are the same as everybody else. Main issue is that too many unqualified hacks install them. This is because their manufacturers limit who they sell to but Goodman doesn't. Track down reviews of your installers.
Why 5 ton? Did anyone talk about doing a sizing calculation? A real one takes a few hours time. At least quotes are showing two stage so oversizing is not as much of a problem.
Why 5 ton? Did anyone talk about doing a sizing calculation? A real one takes a few hours time. At least quotes are showing two stage so oversizing is not as much of a problem.
#3
05-07-20, 08:37 AM
-ton is what is there now. There was an addition put on in 2005 so I'm not sure it it was done then. 3 floors cooled at just under 3400 sq. feet. We have a hydro air system and the heat has been comfortable coming through the ducts this winter.
Anyway, the installers seem good, former installers/techs that started their own business. They have nothing but positive reviews for their heating and air installs. They also were the ones who came for the quote and literally went over EVERYTHING, including things they din't like with the old install that they would correct. So I like them a lot. So I'm leaning towards the Goodman but didn't know if it was a mistake for any reason other than hack installers, which doesn't seem to be an issue in this case.
thanks!
Anyway, the installers seem good, former installers/techs that started their own business. They have nothing but positive reviews for their heating and air installs. They also were the ones who came for the quote and literally went over EVERYTHING, including things they din't like with the old install that they would correct. So I like them a lot. So I'm leaning towards the Goodman but didn't know if it was a mistake for any reason other than hack installers, which doesn't seem to be an issue in this case.
thanks!
#4
05-07-20, 09:00 AM
Group Moderator
Goodman has a limited lifetime warranty and the American standard is 12yrs.
Many manufacturers require some type of registration for warranty. Definitely follow thru with that directly after installation. Some installers will do it automatically. Some say they will do it and forget.
I see plenty of older Goodmans still running perfectly fine.
There is always one thing you can't get around. It's called the luck of the draw. You can buy the most expensive product on the market and have a lot of problems with it or buy the cheapest product and have no problem with it.
Having a good working relation with the installer is key.
#5
05-07-20, 10:24 AM
I had a new system installed last year, went with the Goodman. The installer was a local guy with great reviews. It replaced a 45 year old Carrier unit that worked flawlessly until it lost all of it's refrigerant one winter. Cut my electric bill by almost 70% which I expected given the age of the Carrier unit. The Goodman is nice and quiet, keeps my house very comfy even when it's 90+ outside. They come with a 10 year parts warranty and although I don't expect it to last as long as that old Carrier did, it will definitely outlast my time in this house!!
#6
05-07-20, 01:22 PM
wow 45 years?!?! incredible! Which Goodman model do you have? I'm really starting to lean that way.
#8
05-08-20, 06:58 AM
I'll throw in my 2 cents. About 2015, we had a new complete install of a Goodman 2.5 ton central heat/air system, replacing an old worn out system from the late 70's ( I think it was a Reem). The Goodman was a reliable system for the next two years when we sold the house. It was installed by a long time friend of mine who is a Goodman dealer with an excellent reputation through probably 30 years in the business.
The home we bought in 2017 had a 3 ton Goodman heat/air system in it that was only recently put in in 2016. A circuit board wet out in 2018 & my friend got it covered under warranty. Based on the service & reliability of the 2 units, at this point, I'll always go with Goodman. Good units that do the job well, efficiently & reliably. I have no complaints.
Good luck in your decision......
The home we bought in 2017 had a 3 ton Goodman heat/air system in it that was only recently put in in 2016. A circuit board wet out in 2018 & my friend got it covered under warranty. Based on the service & reliability of the 2 units, at this point, I'll always go with Goodman. Good units that do the job well, efficiently & reliably. I have no complaints.
Good luck in your decision......
#9
05-08-20, 08:37 AM
Thank you!
i should add the Goodman installer wants to flush the line set the A/S installer wants to install new.
my current line set run in the wall. Is there an issue with a flush instead of having new holes drilled for a new one?
im leaning towards the Goodman...
thanks again!
i should add the Goodman installer wants to flush the line set the A/S installer wants to install new.
my current line set run in the wall. Is there an issue with a flush instead of having new holes drilled for a new one?
im leaning towards the Goodman...
thanks again!
#10
05-10-20, 02:28 AM
I did just notice one thing....the A/S dealer wanted to match a Gold 17 condenser with a silver series air handler. Not sure that matters?
We also have hydronic heat. I don't think thats an issue though since the air handler just blows the air over the hot coil on that end.
I'm really banging my head on which to go with. thanks again!
We also have hydronic heat. I don't think thats an issue though since the air handler just blows the air over the hot coil on that end.
I'm really banging my head on which to go with. thanks again!
#11
05-10-20, 02:49 PM
"I should add the Goodman installer wants to flush the line set the A/S installer wants to install new."
Shouldn't be a problem if done correctly. Check the lineset is the correct size for the new equipment, flush with RX11, check for leaks (linesets can leak) and then do the regular install.
Shouldn't be a problem if done correctly. Check the lineset is the correct size for the new equipment, flush with RX11, check for leaks (linesets can leak) and then do the regular install.
#12
05-11-20, 02:13 AM
Thank you everyone! I’ve decided to go with the Goodman. The overall warranty is better. With our model the GDXC18 it’s a limited lifetime on the compressor and if it goes in the first 10years the entire condenser is replaced. Plus I really liked the installer that came out and as I’ve read installers are everything!
so thanks again everyone!
so thanks again everyone!
