Time for a new HVAC 5 ton - Help!

[AllDodge]

Have had rheem, it IMO they rate along side junk a trol (janitrol), don't last. Should last at least 20 years

Problem with the above 16 seer, is the multi stage blower and such, more things to go wrong

 

[RickB]

My HVAC guy recommended NOT going above 15 SEER due to complexity and component replacement cost vs energy savings. My Ruud unit at 15 SEER was eligible for a Duke Energy efficiency rebate and still has basic components like a single speed condenser fan. Our electric bill is substantially lower than with our old outdoor unit and air handler.

 

[TractorGuy]

On my second Goodman package unit in 26 years and it's time to replace it. The first one had a compressor fail just before 5 years old and Goodman stood behind it. It died again around 13 years.

The current unit I bought and installed myself with the understanding it had no warranty. Goodman will NOT warranty a unit that isn't installed by a licensed HVAC tech. I could buy 3 units for the quote I had for one installed so the risk was a no brainer.

I have found one seller on eBay that claims they will validate the warranty with the sale and I will most likely buy my next unit from them.

IF you have a package unit the DIY is simple. Just pay attention to the thermostat wiring and make sure you get duct adapters to match your existing ducts. Slide the ducts on the adapters and tighten with super large zip ties then tape it all up with the metal tape and put the cover back on. You will also have to install the emergency heat strips if they don't come installed.

My unit has a small leak that is worse in heat pump mode so I am just using the heat strips. I'm not sure if it isn't cheaper to run with them than in heat pump mode anyways. They heat up so fast it doesn't run anywhere near as long between cycles.

 

[CMV]

I wen thru this 2 yrs ago. Had my regular HVAC guy work under the table & come do the install on a weekend. I was his helper. Check to him was $1,000 for his work.

I bought everything but used existing lineset. He talked me out of the high efficiency stuff due to condensation concerns (attic install for my stuff), they way they calculate savings is misleading, and more frequent & more expensive service calls usually. I'm glad i listened because just going from SEER 10 or 11 (forget which) to 14 was huge improvement.

Anyway, went with Goodman from Factory Furnace Outlet. Delivered by R&L on a 53' trailer with liftgate and driver set it in my driveway. From there was up to me to handle - no white glove delivery or anything. 4ton 14SEER (min for my region at the time), 100k btu gas furnace, coil, & blower motor (which if i remember is part of something else - I only bought 3 things). That was $2025 delivered.

So the whole thing was just over $3k which is under HALF of what 3 different quotes were. Register serial #s for the components with Goodman and you get same warranty as if you had a contractor buy it & install.

I noticed no difference in natural gas or heating really. An 80% furnace is an 80% furnace I guess. But I went form an AC that couldn't keep up on the hottest days and $300+ electric bills in Jul & Aug to a big reduction & never over $200 (and with thermostat set a little lower even!) So 2 years in, lowest SEER I had to buy to be compliant, all Goodman stuff and 0 complaints. Have had no issues.

 

[kenmac]

I just love the ducted Chinese VRF unit installed last yr. We had weather in the teens this past monday /tuesday. No back up heat, and this thing performed great. Worked great this past summer when we had record temps for about two weeks.
It chugs along at about 25-18 HZ most of the time. Not the 60 HZ conventional normally units run.. That my friend is where you save
You can install that high efficiency unit, but it doesn't consider your duck work air leaks, or duct insulation, etc,.

 

[kenmac]

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

IMO,,,,If you're buying a conventional system. they are all the same. Just flip a coin. No advantage from one brand to the other

I had a local company call and want to give my unit a tune up. I said ''yeah come on'' Poor girl didn't know what she was looking at when she got here. LOL..
I get several of these calls a couple times a yr. I try to tell them no, but they always insist

 

[TractorGuy]

I just love the ducted Chinese VRF unit installed last yr. We had weather in the teens this past monday /tuesday. No back up heat, and this thing performed great. Worked great this past summer when we had record temps for about two weeks.
It chugs along at about 25-18 HZ most of the time. Not the 60 HZ conventional normally units run.. That my friend is where you save
You can install that high efficiency unit, but it doesn't consider your duck work air leaks, or duct insulation, etc,.

What did that set you back?

 

[kenmac]

Well, I'm a licensed HVAC contractor and I have contacts
Just noticed I posted 25-18 HZ LOL should have been 15-18 HZ sorry

 

[Dftodd]

I have a 5 ton trane unit at my house. Units going on 15 years old. Had one issue with it when I bought the house 10 years ago. Had a pressure sensor go wonky and the unit short cycled and burned up the 3 stage fan the week we moved in.

Had the fan and sensors replaced. Not an issue with it since then.

Tech mentioned that the EPA had added some requirement for that year production model and newer. What that meant was a run on the sensor that went bad. Tech figured tranes original vendor for that sensor couldn't keep up with demand so they outsourced through someone else. So they ran into a quality control issue. Tech said they had a run on that sensor for about a year or so.

Neighbors got the same model in his house that's 10 years old. He hasn't had a lick of trouble with his.

 

[Old Red]

So I ordered my unit yesterday and here are the quotes and unit types: I went with Goodman. 10 years and Lifetime on Compressor....Compressor is what fouled up on my current system.

All units and pricing are variable speed two stage except the Rudd.

5 Ton Goodman 18 Seer Heat Pump - $4,800 installed

A different contractor - Rudd 5 Ton 14 Seer Heat Pump - $5,800 installed.
- Traine 5 Ton 16 Seer - $8,700

Trane Dealer - Fix my Current old Rheem unit - $3,800
Install 5 Ton 14 Seer Trane - $8,535
Install 5 Ton 16 Seer Train - $9,503
Install 5 Ton 18 Seer Train - $12,076

In regard to advertised efficiency and features. I can buy 2 and almost 3 Goodman units for the price of the Trane. It is a no brainer. I have goodman and Trane at the office.