Time for a new HVAC 5 ton - Help!

[Old Red]

Well, I think I have purchased only one HVAC in my life and sold my house recently thereafter. It was dual fuel goodman. My house is all electric so I will be replacing a Rheem 5 ton heat pump. Not sure what the seer rating is but the compressor is "kaput". I had a leak in the coil anyway so I had been limping this thing along.

I found a guy who would install any unit I buy myself for 1 Grand. He is a licensed HVAC installer and he installs Goodmans mostly. I have found some favorable pricing for them over at Ingrams.

What suggestions do you gents have for me. I priced a 16i Trane with variable speed air handler for $8,700. I think I can get a 16 seer Goodman installed for 4,800 to 5,000. But to be honest, I am open to anything you all have learned recently. Also, I plan to be in this house for many more years.

Any thoughts or suggestions about this process I am open to. I am open to all models or any suggestions ya'll might have for me.

 

[Shaneard]

I worked for a HVAC company in 1993 & 1994, all we installed was Trane. They were good units then, I hear they aren't what they used to be and now give a lot of trouble especially for the money they cost. We have a Goodman in our house, package unit and have had some trouble with it but overall a good unit.

 

[RNeumann]

HVAC units somewhat regional in that wholesalers don’t carry every brand and contractors don’t have or quote every brand. If the contractor does Goodman, buy a Goodman. He will be able to diagnose and fix it quicker and their is a higher likelihood he will have the parts. Their isnt a brand that is head and shoulders above the rest- so go with what’s common in your area.

 

[AllDodge]

My buddy is HVAC and works for a large outfit in Louisville, and mostly installs Trane commercially. He has recommended Amana (Goodman) because they build a good unit that last and also parts are guarnteed for 99 years to the original owner. He has installed two so far for me, one at home (2 yrs) and other at rental (this year).

 

[murphy1244]

If I was installing a new unit in my house I would go with American Standard. Goodman is for the DIY crowd as they sell to anyone

 

[Old Red]

Man, I would love to do the install but don't know what I am doing.

 

[Crazydad]

First do you need 5 tons still. I just replaced my 23 year old 5 ton for a 3 ton. Bigger is not better in hvac. We always had moisture around the windows and musty smells. I blamed the cheap duel pane windows from Home Depot. Turns out the a/c was cooling so fast it could not get the Texas summer humidity out. I got a American standard/Trane unit with variable speed compressor outside and variable speed fan inside. What a difference it runs longer and quieter. I can still crank it up 5 degrees and it will come on full blast if needed but slow and low saves a bunch of energy and properly dehumidifys my house so no water or smells. Also I save 70-100 bucks a month in electricity. Also the thermostat has a humidity setting that will keep it close to perfect even if I do not need cooling.

Mine was around 9+ grand installed and it was top of the trane/American standard line. Also my old compressor locked up too while it was hot outside so I had to fix asap because after few days of sweat filled sleep I had to pay someone else to do it. They have room to come down on the higher end models because install is the same and cost of extra features are not that much so it is mostly profit for them on the high end models. Also my tsat has a free app so I can change the temp for any room or from the airport when coming home from the family vacation.

I would think Goodman would have the same Type of setup if that is what you want. Check warranty I think mine is 10 or more years. It will be nice not to having to scour the internet for obsolete parts anymore to keep ole Betsy going anymore.

 

[Sigarms]

Been doing HVAC for over 20 years now. Generally you get what you pay for. AND you found a HVAC licensed contractor who will install it for 1k. I've been to your house before when the bitchin starts, and all I do is smile and ask for the invoice with the contractors info, and low an behold, you never have it.

Word of advice. Keep the guys info and contact info. When you need him, see when he'll come.

 

[Sigarms]

If I was installing a new unit in my house I would go with American Standard. Goodman is for the DIY crowd as they sell to anyone

ANY brand can be bought by a DIY. Goodman however has a higher percentage IMO due to distribution.

I'll let you in on a secret, the Japanese (who have since bought out Goodman) absolutely despise Goodman. Give Daikin time, things will change IMHO.

 

[Old Red]

I have been thinking about it. We have a mix of HVACs at work. They all end up tearing up eventually. I have decided to purchase the highest efficiency model that Goodman makes. 18 seer heat pump. The Rheem I had lasted 10 years so we'll see.