Home A/C units

[Neilk]

A friend just called me and asked if I knew anything about home AC units. I don't know anything about them, but figure that someone here, so does anyone have recommendations on what brand of AC units one should get for a large home.

Thanks,

[RickM]

I've used a few brands over the years and have to say they all performed well. The two features I'd be concerned with are the energy consumption rating and the sound level. Both should be prominently shown on the spec tag.

I assume you're asking about wall/window units.

EDIT: To add....I'd probably use the same thinking when choosing an AC brand as I would for any product. Stick with the well known quality names. IMO, Friedrich, GE, Carrier etc are a safer bet than Sanyo, Sankyo, Sharp ect.
I've never use a Japanese model like Panasonic or hitachi but I'll bet they are well made.

Great place to research: http://www.epinions.com/Air_Conditioners

[Neilk]

Rick,

Thanks for the reply. I'll send my friend to epinions. Actually I am looking for the big units. I think he meant the central air ac units that are outside the house. I guess that would be the comressor unit? Not sure.

[RickM]

Neil, There are a few components to the central AC unit. The Compressor/condenser unit goes outside and the Evaporator (cooling coils) go above the furnace (within the ductwork). If one doesn't have a furnace or the location is not condusive to AC installation then an airhandler (fan/blower) and Evaporator coil are combined into one unit and located someplace like an attic.

When I replaced my two furnaces I decided to also add central AC. Price, efficiency and longevity were high on my list of priorities. I found with some of the brands (Lenox) that parts are proprietary and therefore very expensive, possibility of becoming obsolete or the potential for longer replacement turnaround time existed.

I had the choice from the vendor/installer I chose to go with Rheem or Trane. I chose Rheem as they have been in the industry for quite a while and used a very attractive (to me) technology....Scroll compressors...think Whipple superchargers.

The two units have been in for about five years and have worked flawlessly.

One thing to keep in mind is that sizing the unit's output properly (in tons) is very important. Too little or too big is not good. Also, I chose the second most efficient model as the top-of-the-line cost didn't seem to make financial sense.

[FastDave]

I spent about 10K last year on two new Carrier units - both 14 seer. My electric bill dropped to half! I bought them from Sears. I am very well satisfied. I have found that only Trane makes one more effecient in the same general price range ~ at least that was what I found a year ago.

[88BlueTSiQuest]

Originally posted by RickM
I chose Rheem as they have been in the industry for quite a while and used a very attractive (to me) technology....Scroll compressors...think Whipple superchargers.

My home was built in 1978. At that time a Rheem furnace and A/C compressor was installed. To this day the units still perform well, with only the occasional recharging necessary.

I actually wish the damn thing would die, homeowner's warranty, so that I can get it all updated with more energy efficient projects, likely Rheem again.

[stevepaa]

Some are much more quiet than others. Some use a circular set of condensor coils, some just a vertical wall. Mine has just the vertical and is very quiet.

[id10t]

My mom is shopping for a new unit for the office she owns and rents out. According to 3 friends who are contractors Trane is about the best.