OT-HVAC question

[dsturdy5]

So my condo's 25+ year old gas furnace decided to die this past week. I have had two different companies out to give me estimates and such.

Both agree that an 80%, 2-stage gas furnace is what we need and a new condenser is in our very near future. One company deals exclusively in Goodman products, the other, a larger company, works with Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and others. When reading reviews, it seems most people have either great or horrible things to say about each brand, nothing in between.

My question is does anyone have any preferences and/or advice on products? We don't plan on being here more than 5 more years, if we can help it, so we want something that will work for us now and get us through a home inspection down the line.

 

[Hoophound]

I am no expert but I have had Goodman and Lennox systems in the past. In my experience, Lennox was reliable and long lasting. A home inspector will likely describe Goodman as "basic contractor stuff, nothing special, not great, not horrible". The Trane, Carrier and Lennox will be better appreciated. So, the question is, what is the price difference? If you can get the better brands for a few hundred more, do it. Otherwise, go for the Goodman.

 

[Husky1964]

Go to Burnham gas furnaces on the web. You can get a 90k unit for 2 grand. Prob takes about 8 to 10 hours to install. Pay the guy 750 to 1000$ and you are good to go!!!! Web site will even deliver or get a truck and save charges.

 

[ibleedhuskyblue]

i recommend a trane or lennox, but every brand has its "lemons"...thats why theres so many great/terrible comments on them.

 

[Fishy]

Advertisers just crawl the living duck* out of this site.....there are two HVAC ads tacked onto this post in my browser window.

Sears and something called HVACQuotes.

Then there are three links up top to other HVAC sites.

I'm going to start a thread about people I think are douches just to see if I can prompt a feminine hygiene ad blitz.

 

[jleves]

Advertisers just crawl the living duck* out of this site.....there are two HVAC ads tacked onto this post in my browser window.

Sears and something called HVACQuotes.

Then there are three links up top to other HVAC sites.

I'm going to start a thread about people I think are douches just to see if I can prompt a feminine hygiene ad blitz.

What a great idea - let's start messing with the crawler. Each week start a new thread with a theme and just have everyone respond with nothing but brand names in their reply. Topic: Automobile. Responses Buick, Audi, BMW, etc.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

I work for a commercial HVAC contractor . Do not do too much residential work. If you are only going to be staying 5 years Goodman is OK. I would go with Trane. Check with your electric/gas company to see if they offer any rebates for using higher efficient equipment. The higher the SEER rating the better. Have the contractors give you pricing for both high and mid range efficient equipment. Better equipment is a good selling point to prospective buyers.

 

[progrocks]

most important, go with one you trust to do the job properly. The quality of the install matters more than the brand you are using.

 

[DogMania]

Should I be asking why your gas furnace bit it in the middle of the summer when it's like 90 degrees? Good thing it did happen during summer though.

 

[dsturdy5]

Should I be asking why your gas furnace bit it in the middle of the summer when it's like 90 degrees? Good thing it did happen during summer though.

It was a blower motor and upon inspection of the entire unit, both guys said it would not last the winter.

Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to go with the company I've worked with before and who have a great reputation for getting things right.

 

[uconnfan68]

It was a blower motor and upon inspection of the entire unit, both guys said it would not last the winter.

Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to go with the company I've worked with before and who have a great reputation for getting things right.

Getting 25 years out of it was like stealing anyway. I've never had one last anywhere near that long. Good luck.

 

[The Funster]

I work for an HVAC contractor. We work on all major brands and our three primary lines are Trane, Bryant (Carrier) and Goodman. Trane is more expensive and better matched SEER wise than most brands. IMO they've slipped a bit over the last decade but still produce quality stuff. Carrier/Bryant is quality as well but overpriced, IMO. Goodman is basic equipment, no frills but well made. It's our inexpensive line. It sounds like you went with a company you trust, which is huge, IMO. Definitely go for a 10 year extended warranty. Almost everyone offers them, they are inexpensive and they deliver great value and piece of mind. All you are required to do is have the units inspected on a yearly basis.

 

[Drumguy]

It was a blower motor and upon inspection of the entire unit, both guys said it would not last the winter.

Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to go with the company I've worked with before and who have a great reputation for getting things right.

Good choice. We had to replace our rental condo unit's this summer. I think Trane and Carrier were superior, now they are all pretty much the same based on all the internet reading I did. I think you're making the right call as the installation is the most important aspect. Any system should last 5 years, so my $.02 is to go for the cheapest unit.

 

[B1GEast]

So my condo's 25+ year old gas furnace decided to die this past week. I have had two different companies out to give me estimates and such.

Both agree that an 80%, 2-stage gas furnace is what we need and a new condenser is in our very near future. One company deals exclusively in Goodman products, the other, a larger company, works with Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and others. When reading reviews, it seems most people have either great or horrible things to say about each brand, nothing in between.

My question is does anyone have any preferences and/or advice on products? We don't plan on being here more than 5 more years, if we can help it, so we want something that will work for us now and get us through a home inspection down the line.

You are probably referring to Alpine home air , we purchased a Goodman central air compressor and coil from Alpine about 3 years ago based on cost alone. I spoke to several HVAC people and told them we went with a Goodman unit, everyone cringed, but honestly, I've had absolutely no issues with the Goodman unit. We will soon need a furnace and we'll probably go with a Goodman for our split system. Good luck.