Which brand should I buy?


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Old 03-20-09, 09:25 PM
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Which brand should I buy?

I'm in need of a new electric air handler (2.5 ton), and need some recommendations as to what brand I should go with. Contractor recommends a Payne unit for $1,800 or a Carrier unit for $2,000. However, I have heard bad reviews for both of these brands. Can someone make a recommendation?
 
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Old 03-20-09, 09:30 PM
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payne is a cheaper version of carrier sister brand if you will. Payne does offer longer warranty than carrier. Personally dont like either one of those. Have you considered american standard or even goodman. Goodman about same price as a payne I would guess but much better than payne i think. American standard well know name good brand but will cost you more money.,
 
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Old 03-24-09, 02:41 PM
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I have a Goodman outdoor unit. Would it be a good idea to get a matching Goodman interior unit. I'm concerned though because the HVAC tech said the Goodman heat pump is "cheap" and notorious for leaking. Can someone else vouche for the Goodman brand or recommend another relatively inexpensive unit?
 
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Old 03-24-09, 02:50 PM
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I like the Goodman price and the 10 year parts warranty, but can't seem to find a model with a built in heater (aux heat). Can you provide a model number?
 
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Old 03-26-09, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by mossman
I like the Goodman price and the 10 year parts warranty, but can't seem to find a model with a built in heater (aux heat). Can you provide a model number?
provide the specific info about your existing a/c or heat pump. That way we can check that you get an AHRI certified matching air handler.

Also,the heat strips for the air handler are probably ordered separate.

and YES, you do want a matching indoor unit for your heat pump that is AHRI certified.
 
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Old 03-26-09, 03:30 PM
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Got a quote today for a 2.5 ton Goodman air handler to match my outdoor Goodman unit. I'm concerned with the R-410 switchover. I was told that if my outdoor unit goes bad down the road, I may not be able to find another R-22 replacment unit, which means I would have to replace the indoor unit as well at that time (again). Should I just replace the outdoor unit with an R-410A compatible unit and just the indoor coil to match? This would make more sense than getting a new R-22 indoor unit to match the outside, then having to replace either the coil or get a new air handler when the outdoor unit craps out, right? Can someone help me out here? The indoor unit is 26 years old, but I just replaced the motor two months ago.
 
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Old 03-26-09, 04:00 PM
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Wow if your indoor unit is 26 years old why or we having this conversation. Yes by all means replace both of them. Go with at least a 15 seer.
 
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Old 03-26-09, 05:07 PM
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Ok, here's the latest, I got three estimates to replace the air handler ranging from $2200 to $2800. Except the problem is that I would be buying an R-22 compatible air handler to match the outdoor Goodmand unit (also R-22). I'm concerned that if I replace only the handler, that if the outdoor unit goes bad a couple years from now, I'll have to replace the entire system because R-22 units are being phased out. Is this true? Will R-22 units be obsolete soon? Would I be wise to spend the extra money now and get an entirely new R-410A system?
 
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Old 03-26-09, 06:28 PM
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You will be able to get 22 for years! We can still get R12! Yes cost will go up but you will still be able to get it. If your condenser is over 5 years old Id go ahead and replace the system.
 
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Old 03-26-09, 07:04 PM
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R22 will be available for years, but will R22 equipment be available for that long? I would imagine that manufacturers would stop making the R22 equipment and start making more R410 equip. Outdoor Goodman unit is about 4 1/2 years old.
 
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Old 03-26-09, 07:46 PM
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You will be able to get parts for years. 4.5 years old goodman???????? Might be worth a 2nd look to replace it! You will save on your electric bill. The bill just going to keep going up 10-15% every few years.
 
 

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