Who has the best central air unit?

[olufsks22]

We are currently taking bids from service magic contractors and several contractors who are friends of friends. They have us very confused about which model to buy, because they all bad mouth their competitors brands. This is a very expensive purchase and with our house at 90 degrees for the past week and very serious one. So far we have Lennox, Carrier, Goodman, Trane, etc. Variable speed has been suggested because our tri-level house has 2 bedrooms that are hard to cool. The current unit is a York Heat pump and about a month ago, I wrote in to see if we could fix it. Someone came out and put some freon in, etc. It is 16 years old and is now totally our of freon, that is why we need a new unit. We have decided to buy a furnace at the same time. We are looking at a 12 SEER 2.5 ton type of model. Does anyone have any recommendations? thanks!

[TigerDunes]

olufsks22

First off, what area of country do you live?

Have you had a Manual J heat/cool load calculation performed? If not, :) do yourself a favor and get it in writing. It is the professional method of sizing HVAC equipment performed by reputable dealers.

Post back and I will offer my opinion on equipment manufacturers. Keep in mind that good equipment with a bad install equals a dissatisfied customer.

[olufsks22]

we live in Aurora, IL. - Western suburb of Chicago. No Manual J/Heat Cool load has been conducted as of yet. Thanks for some help

[Grady]

The best brand is whatever brand the best installer installs. Application is FAR more important than equipment brand. I have the cheapest thing you can buy, installed it myself, & haven't touched it for repairs in 12 years. It keeps my house @ 75º & aprox. 50% R.H., even on a 95º day.

[olufsks22]

I am beginning to understand what you mean Grady! We have gone through 2 days of bids and the units are all comperable. We have a guy here now bidding on a Comfortmaker - his recommendation, but he will install whatever we want. He is doing all the correct measuring and calculations. He is a friend of our neighbor and is reputable. thanks again

[Grady]

As has been said elsewhere many times, select the contractor & let him/her select the equipment, as long as it is within your price range.