Best HVAC Air Conditioner Brand To Buy
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- What is the best HVAC brand for an air conditioner and furnace? Are there some air conditioner brands that are better or are they all pretty much the same? In this video I explain why a person should not focus on the brand of an AC unit but instead just pick the one that is best deal, price-wise. The truth is that all HVAC brands are owned by a handful of big parent companies. Many of the furnaces and air conditioners those companies manufacture are almost entirely the same. The biggest change is the brand logo that is attached to the finished product... That's my take on it. Got a different opinion? Let me know in the comments below! :)
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I have over 30 years in the business and as a tech and I agree with you, Great Video.
So many comments about the proper installation being the most important. Please do a video explaining exactly what a proper installation requires. Thank you I love your fair and honest videos.
Been in the business 30 years.. Have no problem with anything in the video.. Pretty much agree with all of what you said.
Thank you! Glad to hear that a veteran tech approved this message! Your username makes it sound like you have worked on far too many attic units though ;)
Curious if either of you could offer words of advice. My ac unit is on the fritz and is 16 years old. My home warranty people are willing to cover the costs of the condenser and the air handler but not replacing the entire system. Is this a cost effective fix or should I consider going ahead and replacing the entire system?
@jessicaclayburg At 16 years old the Most Worn out part in the system will be the Evaporator which sits on top of the furnace / air handler. I don’t not know where you are in the world climate wise ( Mostly hot or cold climate ) So my point of view will be coming from a Mild climate in Southern California.
Outside Condensers - are designed to Last 12 Years if used every day.
Evaporators- are Designed to Last about the same. 10-20 years.
Furnace / Air Handler -
Furnaces - Last 10-20 years Depending on usage.
Air Handlers / only A Fan Blower unit - 10-20 years.
Copper tubing - Between the Condensing unit & Evaporator typically lasts about 30 - 40 Years.
Me - Business owner / Service tech for 40 yrs. refrigeration / Hvac.
@@OcRefrig Thank you for that. Im in the process of getting the air handler and condenser replaced. Waiting on parts. But I live in coastal Texas where we dont really get a winter. An AC is a must and people Iike you are our saviors. Lol
@@jessicaclayburg Make sure the Air Handler includes the Evaporator. They are separate parts and Most Likely Your issue is with the Evaporator & or Condenser Leaking refrigerant because of age and salt air.
You do the BEST job! Thank you. After my 10 year warranty, at 11 years, I had to fix my inducer fan/motor and this summer, the capacitor. The tech wanted to replace whole unit. You helped me save thousands!
I'm in HVAC industry for long time and all I can say that You correct on everything You said in this video. Keep doing great work!!
I’m 15 years in the industry, the quality of the install nowadays with current systems are FAR more important than the brand.
You do the best videos, very informative. I was an HVAC tech 40 yrs ago and enjoy watching a current expert. Keep up the great work! I own a Trane 5 ton heat pump. I can't say it has turned out to be the quality I was hoping for.
I have had 2 Lennox units in past 43 years. First one worked from 1976 to 2007 and second one was installed 2007 and still working, thanks for all you do for us. God bless you.
My Lennox just broke... Had been running since 1986.
I'm curious. What part broke exactly? Thx.@@slaffkas
New homeowner here, ended up getting a new system about 2 months ago, Goodman 2 stage 80% furnace and ac. I was given this guys information and was told he was trusted. Pretty much was saying the same thing you are and I'm glad I didn't insist on getting more bells and whistles! Works like a charm and didn't break the bank
I had a new Lennox system installed two years ago. Runs smooth and quiet and always keeps a steady temperature, summer and winter. Had a 19V30 - iComfort S30 Thermostat installed with it. System can be controlled even if I'm in Europe. Very satisfied.
I'm just trying to learn about air conditioning units. Your channel is amazing! Thank you so much.
I started to look into buying an ac unit and this channel is the best at explaining the industry and overall tips.
I have had good service with Tranes. Installed two 20 seer units four years ago and zero problems.
I just like to say thank you for your Channel I'm a homeowner now I've learned how to do a few job to save myself a few dollars on my heating and cooling system I just like to say thanks keep the videos coming out i really enjoyed it thanks Mike..
I agree with about 85% of what you said but specifically because I’m a technician myself. I’m actually planning on replacing my heat pump pretty soon and exactly what you talked about Carrier, Bryant, and Payne how they are the exact same. I’m going with the Payne 2 stage Compressor, and if anything fails I have the capability to repair it myself and upfront it’s a lot cheaper but same quality as the higher brands.
I worked warranty for a large builder in an 1800 home development and they installed Trane and Carrier units. The Trane units never broke down and the Carrier units broke down constantly. The difference was night and day. Trane is a very reliable brand, as is American Standard.
Also, the Trane variable speed units and two-stage units are well rated for reliability and there is a big difference in energy savings. To go from a 14 Seer to and 18 Seer two-stage unit is around $2000.00 (I am installing the Trane XRV17 on my house next Wednesday and I did a ton of research. The two-stage XRV17 is and 18 seer unit and my AC contractor told me they are bullet proof. On my house, it did not make sense to upgrade to the variable speed Trane units. So the XRV17 is the perfect choice for me. The unit runs at 70% on low demand days and it will save me a ton of money during the summer here in AZ. PLUS there are energy rebates for this model from AZ utilities because it is so energy efficient. So it is the better choice for several reasons. The lower seer AC units do not get rebates.
I'm just a homeowner that has a Lennox Heat pump system with a furnace and I'm happy that the Lennox brand is in the top 5 acceptable heat pump brands out there. Thanks for putting this up.
Great videos, this guy NAILS our experience with high efficiency carrier furnace which lasted less than the variable speed carrier heat pump it replaced
Excellent !!! Exactly what I am looking for when comparing anything. Gives the Best & Worst, Who makes what, consumer reviews and most important factors in choosing.
Thanks Bunches !
Hello
You seem like a man who is knowledgeable and honest.
Really well done video from something I found randomly by accident after just having a new Armstrong unit put in yesterday, about $7K for an 80% efficient furnace and a 13 SEER 2.5 ton A/C unit. Looks and runs great, so the first 24 hours are in the bag. We replaced a 41 year GE furnace and 36 year old Lennox ac unit. Hope it goes half as long.
My mothers 10 Seer 1992 Home Air by York Central AC. It’s still running at 31 years of age. Now you can’t beat that today!
Best teacher I have even seen on CZcams! Every detail is crystal clear! Thank you so very much!
Very good review. I am replacing my Lennox AC and furnace this week after 33 years. I had each one serviced once in their lifetime.
I usually choose the brands that have the best supply houses around. For a long time i pushed bryant, payne, carrier but once they closed down a few locations my warranty or oem parts took several days. Now i recommend Goodman i toured their factory in Houston and was impressed. Where i work i have 4 Goodman supply companies from JOHNSTONE too Goodman themselves i have a 1 to 2 day turnaround on anything from them and you cant beat that. I am 35 and got in to the trade early and got my nate and other certs by 2007 and license in 2008. I also tell the customers that honestly if it is installed by a good installer/tech then you will be fine. The best equipment installed by the worst installer becomes scrap.
Do you do work near the Houston area?
BEST VIDEO I HAVE SEEN SO FAR IN THE LAST 3 DAYS LOOKING FOR A CLEAR REVIEW OF HVAC UNITS.
Glad to hear the video helped paint a clearer picture for you. Thank you for leaving a comment!
Great video! Also one thing I think was left out of this video but is also important when buying a unit is serviceability. For that reason I'm a fan of Rheem and ruud. I think the new design is easy to maintenance and repair.
I have a Rheem Scroll Compressor that is now 31 years old. I have done all of the repairs on it myself except for having some refrigerant added recently. It has been a very reliable unit for me.
Had aRheem last 32 yrs
My friend, you have a such great demeanor, great attitude, and knowledge in regard to the AC system. Thanks for the video, I hope you make more of them!
Installation of the equipment is a very important factor. I don't care what manufacturer you go with, if the installation contractor is sub par then your equipment won't perform well. Facts!!
Much agreed!
I've always known that, but, how do you find a good installer?
Exactly!! And design AND maintenance!! 75% of units are oversized and 90% of homes ducts leak!
@@tyo5688 so how do you pick the right contractor?
Lyn Roberts get three estimates, if someone is checking the ducts for the proper size (air flow), doing a full heat load calculation (proper sizing), and AFTER ALL THAT, is stuck more on the PROPER INSTALL instead of a product, that’s who you go with
I'm in the camp with Greg...in a haze trying to make this decision. You certainly cleared some things up for me as far as Brand and the high-efficiency thing I was CLEARLY considering.
Thank you! When attempting to research furnaces, there are a lot of “Best Brands” lists and they’re all completely different.
Thank you for that honest review they're hard to come by these days awesome job and looking forward two more videos thank you
I own a small HVAC business and I’m a Heil dealer. I agree with almost every single thing in this video especially about how to choose a unit specifically avoiding high efficient, variable speed, and two stage, because of more problems.
Why avoid a high efficient and variable speed unit? I know people who have these type of units and have seen a dramatic change in their electric and gas bill.
Brooke Bailey good question and good point. Well variable speed and high-efficient units will save the customer money on their monthly utility bill but the initial install of the equipment will be much more costly if they are upgrading from an 80% furnace up to for example a 95% furnace. New flu and intake pipes would have to be installed and because the furnaces are condensing over the years it’s possible that maintenance and repairs will be much more expensive and more frequent. And as far as the variable speed motors go, they usually don’t need to be replaced but their modules do and it is still a more expensive replacement than putting in a standard PSC motor. As time goes on variable speed motors will be easier and cheaper to replace im assuming though.
Jay I can't thank you enough for all the good tips for all the knowledge you share, how detail you describe and teach how to ping point the problem I just started in the HVAC business as an installer and I learn so much with you obviously experience is much needed it
THANK YOU
Thanks for info. I have a Carrier air conditioner unit since 1997. It has been very reliable. Only thing since installed was a capacitor replaced and freon topped up. I backwash coil every year and change furnace filters on a regular basis. Very good system. Thanks again for info. Take care
Dude. I love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Tom! Will try to do just that! ;)
Thank you for the video. It's helping me in my research process. I wish you have another video of what to look for when choosing: ductless/BTU/SEER ..
I have had a Day and Night going on 27 years and I bought it because my old one was Day and Night so the new one fit where the old one was. This unit has mostly been trouble free. It still has no wiring problems, I am on the original dual compressor capacitor, and motors run without issues. I do keep it clean where I can manage that aspect of care. I have zoning and that has been the only real issue as the computer board failed and was expensive to replace (3 years ago). I considered getting a whole new unit, but decided to keep the one I have. I am glad I did.
Jay, even before i watch the video, i wanna say thanks for your channel, its always common sense information.
Icp (tempstar, keeprite, heil, and Payne,etc) made all their heat exchangers out of stainless steel until United technologies took over. UT made the primary heat exchanger out of aluminized steel since there is no condensation in that part. And left the secondary built from stainless for corrosion protection. Up in cold Canada, two stage high efficient is the way to go. Heating is "better matched" to the heatloss of the building making it cycle less( and also quieter). I have a 17 year old heil with has caused no issues for us even with minimal maintenance. Carrier has a secondary heat exchanger that is mild steel lined with a polymer coating to protect it from corrosion, but it has broken down and then the steel fails from the condensation eating away at it. They've had this issue for years and left it. I have replaced a number of those with heil and the customers are happy
I got into the hvac/r business 45 years ago, and I agree with you 100 % !!!. back when I started, you "REPAIRED" everything, now everything is replaced with new equipment. new is not always better !!!!. the industry went from "OFF THE SHELF PARTS" that would go into any unit. now the parts are strictly for that brand, and do not interchange with other brands, like processors that are programed for that brand only. this is done for "COST" reasons, and the customer pays the price.
That’s what the automotive industry is trying to do
I know!!!!, the industry treats every thing as a big "MONEY GRAB", the auto industry included. you have to have a good" scan tool" just to see what your cars computer does not like, and then you have to know what the error codes mean!!!!
@@gregoryclemen1870 "the industry treats every thing as a big "MONEY GRAB"" i mean, that's just capitalism.
@@ThylineTheGay , knowledge is power!!!!, I agree with you 100%, no industry is going to build something that is going to last 50+ years, its more like 10 years, so they stay in business years down the road.
Also, evaporator coils were thicker and pure copper back in the older days, so more likely to go longer before having any pinhole problems. So yes, I argue that older units are actually better, so I would hang onto them as long as you can.
As a 30 yr technician I agree about the brand and also the high efficiency units. I just replaced my 19 year old unit and installed a 14 seer unit and went with the brand I could get parts for the easiest in my area
That's something that's more important today then ever. A vehicle is nothing more than a lawn ornament if you can't order the chip needed to make it run, and that goes for AC units also.
2 years ago we replaced 2 19 year old Goodmans with 20 seer lennox variable speed. The original Goodmans were installed wrong, the 5 ton had a 3 ton return for example. We also dropped the 5 ton to a 4 and the 3 1/2 to a 3. When it was 118 degrees outside they could still pull the temp inside down. Our annual KW usage with the Goodmans was 24,000 with the Lennox it dropped to 16,000 and our avg monthly electric bill dropped from $290 to $169. Even if repair cost is higher, they are still well worth it in the better climate control inside. No more hot cold spots or temperature fluctuations. They are also very quiet, you can stand between them and carry on a conversation, the Goodmans rattled the walls. I'm a firm beliver in the newer AC's and Lennox now. Now let's hope I'm still singing their praises at the >10 year mark when the waranty is up.
Hi Jay
I have a Trane central a/c unit that is 28 years old. I just replaced the condenser fan motor and it’s still going strong. Thank you for your video. John 3:3
@Mark Elrod - 28 years (now 30 in 2021?!) - WOW!! Our two 17 year old Lennox units are on their last legs and I thought that was a good run. Just got quoted $26K for replacement units - One 3 ton and one 2.5 ton - both Lennox. That seems exorbitant so I’m after more bids. To what do you owe the success you’ve had with Trane? Do you do periodic, preventive maintenance? Thanks.
Amen
This guy appears pretty trustworthy after watching several of his videos. It's not about making quick $ like some HVAC companies are interested in. It's about building trust that will make $ in the long run.
Been in our house since 1974 and had two Amana units. Only problem we had was the condenser motors going out. We’ve had a Goodman unit since 2009 and replaced the condenser motor, condenser coil and compressor. Luckily It was all done on warranty. The first unit was a little two and half ton and never replaced any parts on it. I guess they don’t make them like they used. We have package units and we usually keep them for about 18 years and since power is expensive in our area we upgrade to more efficient units. Thanks for a very informative and great video.
Yep, excellent recommendation, the more simple the unit, the more reliable and longer it will last.
I still have a Rheem with Scroll compressor and 90 plus furnace that was installed in 1995 and still going strong today. Only issue was condenser fan motor 2 years ago.
I'm looking at new units right now, whatever I get I want to have a scroll compressor. I'm eyeing Heil, Ruud/ Rheem, Lennox
This video is good I got my 1995 Bryant air conditioner replaced last week and we choose carrier and the air conditioner is running very well thanks for the help really appreciate it!
How the tech-installer doing??? is he still on the top of your worth list???
Great video. …. I have a 19 year old Trane furnace (100k) and a 36k Btu York Condenser, line set and a packaged A coil. Home is a 2240sqft ranch. Home was purchased new and this was the furnace that was standard with the home. I purchased & installed the air conditioner with a licensed friend. Neither of these units have ever been serviced. Thanks…Jim
Been installing and repairing all kinds of units for 16 years.. I was expecting to hear some ridiculous opinion here but this is absolutely spot on
I have to be honest though, I can’t believe Lennox is in the top 5. Anybody that has been in the field awhile has run across a lot of leaking Lennox units
Thank YOU! My fingers just stumbled upon your videos and everything you say seems to be spot on. And easy to follow and comprehend. Im a retired physician- now a reluctant landlord. Your impression on HVAC brands also agrees with my impressions gained from being a landlord with 4 small-ish victorian-built 2 flats in chicago. Old buildings are like my older geriatric patients- there’s always something going wrong. But preventive maintenance and paying attention to the little things (before they become BIG problems) pays big dividends. And making the right diagnosis when problems occur is 90% of correcting most problems. I particularly agree with the importance of keeping your HVAC systems basic. My newest and most efficient furnaces have given my nothing but headaches. The company that made these hi-efficiency furnaces had a class action settlement which they are supposed to cover failed heat-exchangers for 20 years. What a farce! So far 2 of the 3 high efficiency units i had installed have failed. The 1st furnace with a failed heat exchanger was replaced. Now its failed a second time! I didnt realize the 1st failed heat exchanger (7 years old) was replaced with same type of exchanger that had the defective polymer-plastic coating that broke down in the 1st furnace. And my furnaces that were installed in 1980 are still going strong. Thats the other thing I’ve learned. A NEWER product is NOT always better than the model it replaced. I’ll keep my pre-2000 Maytag washers, thank you. They’ll probably outlive me. (with a few basic repairs from time to time).
Too bad the original, real Maytag from Newton, Iowa went out of business.
You are so right about the install work. I had my home built and the A/C guy installed a Rheem, not complaining about the brand. Well the A/C guy cut a hole in the wall for the return air what he didn't do was plug up the hole he made in the wall which leads to the attic. My Rheem basically worked itself to death. For 10 years it was sucking up the hot air from the attic and would not shut off for hours, I live in deep south Texas and I don't have to tell you how hot the attic can get.
Moved into our retirement home in Merritt Island, FL and discovered the same as you after the 1st year. Contractors from 1988 in Space Coast were apparently on drugs and HVAC accountability by Brevard County inspectors was hit and miss depending on emotional zone!
ACTUALLY, IT'S LIKE HOW BOTH PARTIES OF CONGRESS OPERATES TODAY UNDER BRANDON. POLICIES MATTER, AS TRUMP SHOWED IN RESULTS THAT NANCY PELOSI TORE UP AFTER TRUMP'S 2019 SOTU ADDRESS.
AMEN! I just replaced my 32 year old Lennox Pulse furnace and heat pump in May. Repair costs over the years I would estimate to be under $2000. I had to replace the blower motor last winter and decided it was time to replace the system since they stopped making parts for the furnace quite a few years ago. The HVAC company I use now had told me not to worry. They said in an emergency situation they could come and replace it in one day. Another good company told me the same thing.
Love the video, all 100% accurate. I relate HVAC to automobiles, easier to understand for the common person not familiar with HVAC. Doesn't matter if you buy a BMW, if you don't get routine maintenance, change oil, filters, etc, you will have issues, and when you do, good luck finding parts, and good luck on how much they will cost. If some random mechanic worked on your BMW, he would screw it up, you take it to a BMW dealer or certified repair guy. Same thing with HVAC brands- Its all about who installs it, how they install it, and how the homeowner maintains it (preventative maintenance!)
I went through this issue with our last house, which was built in 1995. The HVAC system that came with the house never cooled the upstairs as well as it should have, less so as time went on. A family friend retired HAVC guy came out to look at it and said the unit was undersized for the house. I don't know if the builder had spec'ed out undersized units to save a few bucks and screwed the buyers in the process or the subcontractor had gotten away with installing undersized equipment and screwed the builder, but the end result was the same. It was a lesson learned on my part. Anyway, the HVAC guy recommended a ton more capacity when the time came that we were ready to chuck the old system and upgrade. That time came in 2015 when the unit developed a leak and was not cooling at all. There was no point in putting money into an 18 year-old undersized system, so it was time to upgrade.
Heeding advice I found online, I got three estimates - a big local HVAC dealer, a small local dealer, and an independent. The first two were apparently locked into certain equipment brands, which didn't give us a lot of choice. The big dealer was also very slick, like a "turn 'em and burn 'em" car dealer. The smaller dealer was a little better. As opposed to the big dealer, the guy who did the estimate was actually the same guy who would do the work, but they were also apparently locked into certain brands only. That gave us little choice. We ended up going with an independent and choosing our own equipment.
All three also recommended replacing the air handler and builder-grade gas furnace that came with the house as it was all 20 years old, and trying to keep the 1990's era stuff would greatly limit our options. We followed that advice and ended up with a ton larger 16 seer AC, HE gas furnace, variable speed blower, and wifi controller. The difference in performance between the old and new system was night and day, and we got the whole thing done for less than what the dealers were quoting for just R&R'ing the outside unit with a basic unit only and not touching the rest of the system.
In doing the research to pick the equipment, I learned what's talked about in this video - like most consumer goods such as kitchen appliances, lawn mowers, auto parts, bicycles, etc etc, there are only a few big companies that make all of the brands, so don't get too hung up on labels. We ended up buying Goodman equipment and were still very happy with the new system when we sold the house and downsized in late 2017.
We're now at the point of having to decide whether to fix the AC in our current 2003-built house or replace/update the system, and I'm once again doing the research. Based on my experience with our earlier house and seeing countless "What brand is best?" threads about all types of consumer goods over the years, the info in this video is accurate and important but little understood by the average consumer. I have seen many online arguments over which of two or more brands is "better" devolve into purse swinging and name calling when, unbeknownst to the combatants, those brands are actually made by the same company, likely in the same factory.
I like your outlook
I tell my customers about variable speed motors and educate them on the problems
They have down the road
Install surge protector..
I have a 3 ton 1995 Tempstar condenser that blew cold air until 2020. The fan still works. It doesn't look like it was ever serviced until I cleaned the outside of it this spring of 2021. I think this is a really good brand since it has lasted so long.
Had a Lennox heat pump that ran flawlessly for 8 years. Just got a new Bryant 80% 2-stage furnace with A/C; loving it so far.
this was the MOST useful video on HVAC i have seen!
100% agree!!
The RHEEM HVAC in my house is from 1980... And it just died this morning. RIP. 41 years is a long time for an AC unit to live.
sorry to hear of the death. Mine is that old. The new one won't last that long.
Hold onto it if you can, if it’s a refrigerant related issue, plan on replacing, if it’s a fan motor or blower motor, fix it. The new ones last 12-15 years tops, and that’s with the top brand such as rheem or trane
If it is possible to find an honest tech in your area, and not someone just interested in selling you a new unit, I would have it looked at because it could be something as simple as a capacitor. The new units are designed to last about 10-15 years max.
Our Rheem was installed in 2001 when our house was built. I just replaced the capacitor at the beginning of June (20 years). That's the only thing we've had to do to it. I change the filters regularly. I did notice that the condensor coils needed to be cleaned. I'll get to that when/if it stoops raining.
@@Pro1er I replaced both capacitors last year and it worked the entire season. I think the Freon has a very tiny leak. It seems to do well for the entire season if I can get someone out to service it. The problem is no one has it. They say I can switch out to the new stuff but the unit should be replaced... I run things forever. My truck is a 1990 and still runs like it's brand new.
We live in the Houston, TX area - so the demands on our A/C are extreme for 6 months of the year. We replaced our Goodman 4-ton A/C unit after 12 years (condenser and compressor units). Our smaller 2-ton unit (for the master side of the house) will need replacing soon, according to our HVAC company (we've used their services for 25 years at two homes). It's also a Goodman. We replaced the larger unit with a Trane and we will stick with that brand for the smaller one. GREAT VIDEO - THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH EVERYONE!!
what company are you with???
great presentation. I put in a Lennox 4 yrs ago. Air handler coil has to be replaced. My AC guys said they no longer install Lennox because this failure was so common. Lennox please take note and save the reputation of a once great brand.
I believe the most important part of it is finding an installer who does quality work.
Well put together video. I have a Goodman it’s lasted about 14 years and needed a new capacitor a couple of times
I have a 1988 Heil three-ton heat pump that gets constant use. Throughout the past 25 years, I have replaced the condenser fan motor once, the air handler motor once; and the small defrost circuit board once. All very inexpensive repairs, and the amazing thing is that the compressor and freon system is still going strong and has never needed service. I keep the filters clean, oil the motors every two years, and hose/blow out the condenser and evaporator fins every so often. My parents' 1965 American Standard A/C lasted 30 years, and was only replaced out of fear of failure. Needless to state, all of this equipment was American made at a time when quality and longevity counted for something. With the "globally sourced" (obsolescence) parts and build (quality?) of today's units, I think your video is spot-on.
So, to'blow out' the evap fins, I assume that means that you physically removed the air handler blower fan unit
to access the evap coil? Or other means?
Gary in Michigan . Our
Aircondioner is a Bryant
a one ton installed in
2001, have only replaced
some outside insulation.
I will have it repaired when
needed. Thanks for the
assurance to fix only when
broken.
I have two Trane units SEER 13 and they were installed in 1995. I'm on borrowed time and live in Florida but as long as they keep going fine with me!
Thank you Jay nice video we install Goodman 4 years parts are easy and accessible and not extremely expensive a good install and these machines run and run and run
I have two Anderson Air ac units made by Lennox. They were installed in 1989. Today is September 2020. Still running strong. R22. No leaks, minor repairs over the last 10 years we have been at the house. A fan or two, rotted pan, but still going strong. Also, my oil fired is a peerless with Wayne burner. Also 1989. A few controllers and transformers over the last ten, but still going strong. About 4000 sq feet home
I also did not braze my new line-set upon install, but used Staybrite #8 solder. As an aircraft mechanic, I find that Staybrite brings the same strength as brazing, without annealing the pipes, or causing oxides, thus, not needing to flow nitrogen in the lines. The connections also remain removable for future work. A single stage compressor, and PSC motor blower will outlast all the multiple stage and ECM motors out there (in my opinion).
Your input is greatly appreciated. I will chose GOODMAN as a replacement for my unit when time comes, I choose that brand because they are not that expensive and more important parts are available every where in the internet, AC supply stores etc. You are a tech and have your license so they will sell you original parts ( like RUDD and others) but people like me, no license, they will not. I love to fix my own things. I have an air handler that was built in 1972 by a company named "PT Electric Products Man. Corp. of Dallas TX" ???, the original fan motor was a 1/6 HP 8.5 A. When I purchased this condo the fan motor running was 1/6 HP 5.6 A. Five months ago, I replaced that motor with a 1/4 HP with a running capacitor and uses only 2 A ( more power less consumption) at the same time I replaced the fan wheel, It has the same evaporator coil since 1972 (I keep it very clean), only the pan is getting some rust now. Also I replaced the fan relay (common part), 24 V ac transformer (not because it was bad, but because it has been connected to 120 AC since 1972, for 48 years), rebuilt the heating unit replaced 6KW heating coil, thermal fuse, hi limit switch. System ready for 10 more years of service or when my 2003 RUDD condensing unit quits. There is no reason to change the 2003 RUDD unit because the Capacitor or Contactor fail, because those are common parts, they will need to be replaced to ALL units sooner or later. Than you. I enjoy your videos.
@GEORGE QUINTAS - very impressive!!
I have a 20yr old Bryant unit that still runs like a clock. I change furnace filter and hose down the outdoor condenser coil occasionally. No other maintenance is or has been done. The only part that failed was the dual capacitor last summer. Never had a manifold gauge on it since the first day it was installed and air coming out of vents is still 52°. Very reliable
I've had (almost) same exact experience with my Bryant. Mine was installed in 2005 and is still going strong after only replacing the capacitor once myself, changing the furnace filter every few months or so, and occasionally washing down the outdoor condenser once or twice a year with soft water. Still runs like a champ during our hot Utah summers.
Thank you so much. This was informative and helpful. Time to replace our 48 year old Bryant furnace and AC. Was very reliable in the Chicago area
I have a 4 ton1980 vintage Carrier 11 SEER condenser and matching furnace on a 2600 sq ft trilevel.
Had problems with lugs burning off the wires to the compressor 6 years ago! Replaced all the capacitors and added a hard start kit from Amazon. No issues since. Also replaced the condenser fan motor once, that's been it. Unit was installed by a Carrier Pro originally.
It is 113 here today in SoCal, and I am glad I added an awning shade for the condenser - it is a cool 76 in the house.
I've replaced my Carrier Heat Pump with a ton of problems with a Trane high-efficiency natural gas system with A/C in 1992, we are still running that system. We, ve had two problems in 28 years, the furnace hot surface ignitor opened up and last year the A/C compressor starting relay coil opened up. I definitely would put another Trane system in my house.
Great info, I need to replace my condo HVAC system and really want to find a good installer and a system with good easy access to cleaning the evaporator coils and will not RUST. As a machinist I have issues with products that rust, lol.
My HVAC system is a 25 year old Day and Night brand split system unit where the AC compressor sits outside in my patio and everything still runs really well and blows cold and never had any problems with it all these years but lately I have been noticing a smelly musty smell when the AC runs. I decided to open the evaporator coil panel which sits right above the furnace/air handler and there is quite a bit of rust inside especially on the lower part where the condensation drip pan is. I was able to clean out the drain and vacuum most of the rust sludge but it is such tight quarters in the heater closet. I poured some pine sol in the drip pan and let it drain out then did the same with some diluted bleach mixture but I still have a smell. I know I need to replace the system soon but thought I would wait until after summer. I may try installing a UV -C light inside the center of the evaporator coils (A-Frame) and see it that makes a difference.
Great advice. I will just say I had a Luxair furnace (80%) efficient and AC unit put in 7 yrs ago and it’s been good. One repair under warranty was a flame sensor that he said has been an issue with others . The units have a full 10 year warranty and he installed both for 3200 out the door. I can’t complain.
I had a TRANE AC unit installed a couple of years before that in our previous house and just after 2 years I think a capacitor went bad and it was over 200 bucks to replace. I actually thought it was under warranty but it was out.
I agree for the most part, though there were a few points that I would want to tweak.
When you say go with the "cheapest", that would be equipment cost alone. Be very skeptical of low bids. A good quality install will cost more and will be the difference between needing a new system in 10-12 years and 20+ years.
Regarding variable speed: while a variable speed blower is expensive, the ability for them to ramp up and down to deliver consistent airflow helps preserve the life of a furnace heat exchanger. I'd rather have to replace a variable speed blower after 12-15 years, than replace the heat exchanger or entire furnace.
Above all else: CHANGE YOUR FILTER. I cannot stress this enough. If you want your system to last, keep your filters changed or clean.
This helped me so much as I need to replace my 20 year old Bryant Plus 90 gas furnace. I got lots of sales pitches. I wish I could smash the like button 100 times.
Did you end up with another Bryant?
@@anujbhatia3337 Yeah. Already replaced the old one.
@@JustLetMeRant nice. Debating a variable speed heat pump. They are only marginally more expensive. But variable speed is harder to service. We have solar, so a heat pump would be amazing.
@@anujbhatia3337 I chose a single stage traditional Bryant gas furnace.
Yes!!!
I just had a 16 seer Lennox unit installed, good to see its one of the best!!!
Nope
👍Amen brother! Could not agree more about the high efficiency equipment breaking down. York system started falling apart after 5 years. This should be a crime but these hvac companies keep getting away with it. Gas furnace for heat and window unit inverter for cool is the path I took. Happy camper. Thanks for all your videos. You da man!!
I am MVAC certified so most of my work is with mobile air conditioning systems, however I have also worked on some Central AC systems, my own home has a Lennox System installed in 1997 and is still going perfectly strong today! Great video!
Hi I am a air conditioning technician for more than 10 years. I have seen all brands fail at different times Mostly depends on customers temperature settings and maintenance. Obviously the lower temperatures cause the unit to run longer and harder causing earlier failures. I personally have Goodman systems and love the quality and price. Most of the motors are the same as well as the compressor are Copeland compressors. I feel the quality of Install is a huge difference than the brand. Thanks
Good info
I’ve been saying this about units for a while
But unfortunately people really get sold on efficiency
Great video! As an HVAC Tech, even may not agree 100%, I mostly agree with you. This is for everyone......no matter what brand you get, it will not last if you do not change your filters and clean the outside coil before season every year. Those are the two biggest repair calls we get. If you can see through a filter, don't even think about it. If you can see through it, dirt can get through it. An inside dirty coil causes problems and very costly to have pulled and clean to make it right. Just change your filters and pay a few more bucks for a better pleated filter you can not see through and keep an eye on them for dirtiness. You do not necessarily have to change them every month or every three months. You can put a filter in new and the next week it could be clogged if you have extreme amount of dust or a lot of pet hair. The opposite is true as well. I never change filters based on time frames, I only use it as a guide to remember to check them. I 100% agree with you about the higher energy efficient units. I am building a house right now and I am putting the lowest efficiency units I can. All single stage. Not doing this because I can repair them myself, I am doing it because of part cost like you stated. Chances are, you will never get on a return on your money. Units cost way more, labor and repair parts will way exceed what you save. Then to top it off, those are all specialty parts. What happens when it is a 100deg out on a weekend and the part goes out. We do not stock a parts store in our vehicles. Save your money on your units and repairs, buy the less efficient units, and put that money into the home maybe getting rid of air leaks, more insulation, etc. The stuff that only saves after install. On top of that, you can put the most expensive unit in your home and if you do not have the right person doing it, it either will not last or it will preform poorly. Inproper install or inproper airflow will cost you. Try to get references of family and friends around you who had a new unit installed 5 years or more ago and has had no issues. Call them and try to get the same tech if possible, because even within the same company, all techs are not created equal. Last thing, just because someone has been doing it 30 years does not mean they have been doing it correctly. So never use years of experience as an indicator. Maybe a unit was put in wrong and instead of getting 20 years out of it, you only get 8. How would you ever know. Anyone will sell you a new one. Get my drift?
Attic Rat, I am not referring to you or your 30 years, just stating what I ran into a year ago. Any numbers of years could be used in there.
David or anyone else. My central A/C unit and furnace are about 20 years. Tech showed me some rust on one of the the A/C parts. The company he works for is having a 2 for one sale - buy A/C system get a furnace for free. Labor is extra. They're only offering certain brands like Bryant, Carrier, Rheem, Air Temp, Payne. I'm technologically challenged and trying to navigate my way around about how to buy a new system. A new Rheem unit (my present one is also Rheem) with installation will cost $8400. The old SEER rating is 10! The new unit will be 13. The furnace has to be the same brand. My home is 1,100 sq. ft with an unfinished basement that's not heated or cooled. Without the basement it's about 950 sq. ft. I'm on a limited budget! Hope you could answer some questions. Out of the brands above which would you recommend and which model also, how do you know if a tech, even if he has years of experience, is well qualified to do the work? I live alone and can't afford mistakes! Thanks for any help you can give me! (ps) This special offer is only good till May 31, 2022!
Fairly short and to the point. I had to bookmark this video. Thank you!
Thanks for the excellent information. Maybe a part 2 "finding a reputable installer" is in order.
I have been installing HVAC residential for 38 years and the Goodman line makes the most money and least repairs as long as people change air filters and wash their AC unit regularly. You can get 30 years out of a Goodman system.
I’ve now had two Bryant’s and one Trane. The Trane ran strong for about 13 yrs before it started having issue after issue and it was replace by a Bryant which was still going strong at 15 yrs old when I sold that house. My current house was a complete remodel and has Bryant with a ICP air handler and go on its 6th year and no issues yet.
Quality of INSTALL is/ has been the Most Important for any HVAC Longevity- Period!!!!~!
YES, yes!!! Stay out of that dirt zone!!!
Great videos and content. "My Story" - Bought my house new in 2015 - Have a 2015 Goodman GMSS96 96% High efficiency - 6 months in the main system controller board dropped a zone - Every year I need to remove/clean the flame sensor - Now it is Jan 2021 and the Heat Exchanger has failed per my Licensed HVAC Tech analysis - The furnace is discontinued so it will be 3 weeks (in the winter of course) to obtain a replacement Exchanger from Goodman (No Charge for the part) - $$ to contractor to remove/replace - I am tempted to tell my contractor to replace furnace instead - They install American Standard - My 2 cents for the audience - Thanks !!
Rheem is one of the best. Made near where I live, at least a plantvin Ft. Smith, Ar. I am told by a major installer in this area that they refuse to putbin any more Lennox. The company changed manufacturing practices. Thin metal coils, leak and are that way on delivery. Constant calls on the brand and the company doesnt care. They changed due to increasing efficiency. Used to be onevof the best. Carrier has been a very good one for me. 20 yrs and only a capacitor changed and a bit of r22. Runs constantly and has been reliable.
Just had our 22 yo Heil replaced with a Amanda/Goodman. It was still doing it’s job it would never pass inspection when we try to sell in a year or two. We decided to go ahead and replace now so we could enjoy this new one for a season or two.
This video was very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain.
This is the best, very best explanation I have seen. Few things make it great. Every article in the Internet is written by HVAC professionals and they have to run a business. So almost always they will sing praises for variable speed, multi-stage units and labor (the most important point for them) and parts (markup) is for those units substantially higher. Effectively, the % difference HO incurred due to energy savings goes out of the window when these units break. Almost also guaranteed they WILL fail 200% earlier to standard 80% single-stage furnaces or single-stage AC compressors with single stage fan. And yes - as rightly said the % difference is usually 4 times for single to variable OR single to multi-stage compressors.
Where he should have spent a little more effort is when initially he speaks about the brands. Whether someone goes for top-of-the-line Trane/American Standard/Carrier/Lennox it doesn't really matter unless your installer is really good. He briefly stated it, things like levelling, air balancing, performing the correct commissioning of the AC to ensure everything matches manufacturer's recommendations, making sure to buy a properly matched system is 100 times more important than brand. Putting it in a different perspective in the same home 1 installer does a hack install, i.e. quick replace and leave a Carrier unit and another installer spends 2 days installing a Arcoaire/Heil unit almost guaranteed the 2nd. unit will outlast the 1st.
Due to regulations all blowers are now having ECM motors which are substantially costlier. So no bypassing that. But what many don't realize these motors are built very robust but still per-maturely fail and get a bad rep. The issue however is not in the brand or the motor but in the underlying duct work of the home. Home-owners blindly think they are getting a terrific thing due to the sales pitch by the HVAC guy and throw their hard-earned money into this unit assuming it'll give them tremendous comfort. But the way an ECM motor operates is that it'll try to maintain the same volume of air no matter what. Now most houses have under-sized ducts especially if these homes have pre-1980 duct-work. The same motor will now need to work twice or thrice harder as a result. Throw in the fact that an average HO hardly ever cleans air filters on time or buy the correct air filters! [A note on air filters: these filters are designed to protect the blower and not the HO. So the big orange store selling a MERV 13 filter which captures viruses is great but causes severe degradation of air flow called static air pressure which is especially harmful to this new breed of ECM blower motors. The earlier ones PSC motors were much more forgiving]. It's just how these motors work. What gives? The life of the motor! I know its a lot of money but unless proper air balancing is done and found adequate, no one, repeat no one should purchase these variable speed blowers - as its just a recipe for failure, both in costs and expectations. Contrary to who says what these variable speed blowers, modulating gas furnaces, multi-stage compressors are meant to give better COMFORT not more savings. The COMFORT is directly proportional to the duct and air. Like humidity controls, CFM of air leaving the vents, etc. If the underlying duct work is bad NONE of these comforts an home owner will see and the unit will pre-maturely fail again something which the HVAC guy would love it to happen!
Thx
Thank you for this information. So important to note. About to purchase new unit. Had leaned against ECM. By Your description seems like we may not have a choice. Thank you anyway for making us aware of this important information
Awesome video! Getting a new HVAC and great info! Thanks so much!
Thank you for giving me an education on this subject. Just hope I remember this information Jake.
I inherited my house in Florida from my parents who had it built in 1978. It's not a big house, just a one story three bedroom which is typical of many of the homes in this area. When my parents were alive I noticed the filters for the A/C (it is a heat pump) never got dirty. My dad and I didn't always see eye to eye concerning house maintenance so to keep peace in the home I kept my mouth shut. After he passed away and I was put in charge of the house (I was my mom's caregiver at that point) I told a friend who is knowledgeable about the filters never getting dirty. The blower motor and evaporator coils are on a wooden box in the garage and my friend took a hammer and smashed a hole in the box and immediately the blower motor slowed down like when you take your hand off the hose of a running vacuum cleaner. We made the opening large enough for me to get my top half into the box and what I found astounded me. The air return goes from a box in the hallway that contains the main filter over to the top of a wall. I do not know the proper name for it but it is the space between two studs that is used as the final return duct into the box where the blower motor picks up the air and passes it through the coils and then out to the registers. Apparently when the house was built the A/C installer did not tell the builder that this particular passage was going to be used as an air return so the builder filled it with pink fiberglass insulation that was put between all of the other studs. Laying on my back I used my mother's "grabber" and reached up and pulled out at least 6 feet of pink fiberglass insulation that was filthy around the edges because it acted as a filter for what little air got past it. Once the insulation was removed the air flow increased at the registers and now the filters get dirty as they normally should.
I have a Carrier heat pump that was installed in 2004 and every tech who has come for servicing has spoken very highly of it. Some stuff has had to be replaced like a blue canister that rusted out, a contact switch, a couple of capacitors, and a copper line that developed pin holes. At someone's recommendation I replaced the A frame evaporator coils and had the blower wheel cleaned in 2008 and had a hard start capacitor installed in 2017 to ease the load at start up. When my dad was alive careless landscapers smashed about 15% of the condenser coil fins (I have changed landscapers) and while I was able to open some of them, others are beyond repair and in some cases I poked holes in them above and below the pipes to let at least some air get through. So while it is true that installation is important when a unit is replaced don't overlook the fact that there may have been mistakes that were made when the house was built. My friend who made the hole in the box (RIP Eddie K) commented that every house on the block probably has the same problem.
I keep the filters clean and don't use the high priced ones because filters are meant to protect the equipment, not sanitize the air in the house, I wash the condenser with coil cleaner or in a pinch some dish soap (at this point I doubt that will do any harm) and keep the temperature at the highest setting I can tolerate so that it doesn't cycle too often because the house is not well insulated as I am not able to afford upgrades. I cannot speak for other brands but my Carrier unit has put up with a lot of abuse and years of use in the Florida heat and while it is not energy efficient because of its age and many hours of service, it seems to be a well built unit that has required only the normal service of parts that are known to wear out with time and usage.