The BEST HVAC system for your home, hands down

[Sigarms]

Great question, no, the type of sticker on the outside of an ICP system does not usually improve or degrade quality…

Again, not trying to be combative, but I realized you never did answer my question.

If you're sold on ICP for quality, and you have the choice of "9 equipment lines" which do you prefer and why when you install or sell a job it's that specific line?

Why not just go with a bigger name with Carrier, who owns ICP and perhaps I'm wrong, some units pretty much seem to be made on the same assembly line no matter what name badge they have on it?

My point is, although you may not like some brand names due to your own experiences in the field, there are good, legitimate licensed contractors who use a line that you have had problems with as a dealer and only want to use that line. Wouldn't common sense tell you that if good legitimate contractors are using an equipment line you're having problems with, they would have the same problems and not deal with that name brand?

That's why my philosophy has always been just because I don't like a particular line, others may for whatever reasons.

 

[Sigarms]

This is what we experienced, just changed out my last one for a Climatemaster, which only performed moderately better.

In all honesty, I've probably been through 25 Climatemaster systems (I'd guess 13 retrofit and 12 new installs). Never had a issue.

At least in my area, some good friends use waterfurnace, and I hear nothing but great things about them.

Again, my point is we can go back an forth on quality per name brand lines, but in the end, what matters most for people looking at using something is finding a contractor who stands behind their work and gives them the most information on how and why they are quoting what they're quoting.

 

[Sigarms]

One builder insisted that they only install brand C. I have had very good luck with Brand A, and I tend to be very loyal if I find something that works well. You have seen the high end unit we currently have in another thread. Is it reasonable to insist on what we want or just roll with it?

One thing I forgot to ask...

Do you know who is installing the HVAC system for your builder and have you talked with them?

Is the installing HVAC contractor also responsible for any warranty work after the unit is installed (generally for a period of 10 years after the unit is registered)?

If your HVAC system is important to you and what you're getting, if you answered no to both questions, I'd find another builder.

 

[orezok]

Just a thought not aimed at anyone! After 40 years of being a licensed General Contractor I often wonder when one of my subs sez he has 20 years experience in his line. Does he really have 20 years experience or does he have 1 years experience 20 times. Wait a minute is mine 40 years or 1 year 40 times?

 

[ultrarunner]

As an aside I still maintain half dozen central gas furnaces from the 1920’s

Simplicity is a thing of beauty…

Burner, Gas Valve, Pilot Assembly, Mercury Stat… no outside electricity and they simply work year after year.

 

[Sigarms]

Simplicity is a thing of beauty…

Agreed. Also my line of thinking is the less parts involved, the less chance of something breaking over time.

I won't name states, but one in particular comes to mind with new efficiency ratings.

A simple PSC blower motor is now illegal for any HVAC manufacturer to install in their gas furnaces.

Next year, minimum standard of 15 SEER across the board. They at least pushed the conversion from R410A from 2023 to 2025 now.

Point being, the government is making it harder and harder for manufactures to adhere to the K.I.S.S method.

 

[Torvy]

One thing I forgot to ask...

Do you know who is installing the HVAC system for your builder and have you talked with them?

Is the installing HVAC contractor also responsible for any warranty work after the unit is installed (generally for a period of 10 years after the unit is registered)?

If your HVAC system is important to you and what you're getting, if you answered no to both questions, I'd find another builder.

Good questions. It is a rural area, so local choices are limited, but I did find a Trane dealer in the same town. I didn't look yet, but likely only 1 Carrier installer. We are still considering 2 builders and I just have a little better feeling about the other one.

One of the problems with the current economy is the inability to negotiate on things as before. We need them more than they need us.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have fantasized about passive geothermal AC. Bury a bunch of 6" galv culvert, attached to a manifold at one end and a filter at the other. Put a fan on it for circulation. It would need some sort of way to deal with condensation, maybe an automatic wiper?

 

[B7510HSD]

Quick question for those who know. I am installing a 110v unit it is on a 20 amp breaker having a hard time finding a disconnect with 20 amps most are 30 and 60? Would it matter if the panel is fused correctly @ 20 amps?

 

[ultrarunner]

If it is 120 can you use a simple plug and receptacle as the circuit is 20 amp?