Central Air Recommendations

[Black_Bay]

I'm most likely in need of a new central air conditioner and I'm wondering what units are the most reliable. I've searched through the archives here and saw that Trane has some issues. How are other brands, specifically Rheem.

[schmoe147]

Trane is they way to go. Everybrand has issues but what most dont have is a 10 year parts and labor warranty, no questions asked. Just my opinion " Its hard to stop a Trane"

1-Trane

2-Bryant

3-Lennox

Those are what I would recommend.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Where would a Carrier fit into your recommendation list?

[spearchucker]

I think Carrier and Bryant are the exact same thing with a different cabinet. I believe they are one in the same.

[zamboni]

I have a 35+ year old Luxaire running as we speak, no issues in the 4+ summers I have lived here.

[spearchucker]

I have been happy with Lennox.

[echotrail]

I have a 30 year old Rudd that has never had a problem.....I'm going to regret writing this, I just know it!

[jeffreyd]

i will be the one that is different. i replaced my trane with a goodman, if you register online they extend the warranty another 5 yrs. have to think that here in az my ac is on for at least 9 months out of the year. it is mechanical and if you do the preventive maintantance as needed cleaning the coils etc it will last for a long time. just my thought. the other thing is if you are replacing the whole unit evap and cond, it will have to be the new freon. good luck, hard decsion. i look at it like ford chevy and dodge comparisions.

[roadkingclasic56]

I don't have a lot of experience with central air living in northern Minnesota. It only runs a few times in the summer. We are going on the 4th year with a Carrier that was installed new. It seems to do a good job and there have been no issues with it. It was purchased at a time when the government was offering a tax credit for machines that met certain criteria. It met all of the criteria necessary for the tax credit. That's something you might want to check out also.

[schmoe147]

Another brand to look at is American Standard, Made by trane without a full 10 year warranty. All american standard and Trane parts are interchangealbe. Also make shure you go with something common as to getting parts can be a real headache otherwise. Just my 2 cents

[Whoaru99]

Trane is they way to go. Everybrand has issues but what most dont have is a 10 year parts and labor warranty, no questions asked. Just my opinion " Its hard to stop a Trane"

1-Trane

2-Bryant

3-Lennox

Those are what I would recommend.

Parts AND labor?? Hmmm...you sure about the 10 years of labor??

I was looking at a Westinghouse or Gibson (I have a "line" on Nordyne brands) and they both have 10 year parts warranty. 10 yr seems fairly standard parts warranty on AC systems these days.

[schmoe147]

Positive on the 10 year parts and labor warranty.

[bigdog]

I had a Bryant installed about 5 years ago and have been very happy with it, no issues and very quiet.

[Black_Bay]

Thanks for the replies. I had a tech come out and added a pound of refrigerant and it's running fine. I still think I may replace the unit later this year though and take advantage of the rebates.

[youngie22]

Well... I have seen a trane stop! but I will have to throw Goodman on the list. Largest manufacturer of Furnaces and Air Conditioners in the country, and they have the lowest number of issues or problems with their equipment. That sould say SOMETHING!

[schmoe147]

I have seen every furnace mentioned stop. None last forever.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I had a tech come out and added a pound of refrigerant

Just some FYI- That's a lot of refrigerant for a residential system. There's either a good sized leak in your system or it's been slowly leaking for a long time.

[Black_Bay]

Just some FYI- That's a lot of refrigerant for a residential system. There's either a good sized leak in your system or it's been slowly leaking for a long time.

Hmm that might explain the ozone hole over my house. It's probably been leaking for quite a while. I'm hoping it will last at least another month.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Dude, I'm not trying to be a smart alek. Just letting you know if a whole pound of refrigerant needed to be added to your system, you have a noticable leak. That's like a third of your whole charge.

The ozone hole and your sunburn issues are your problem.

[jeffreyd]

not sure how much or big your system is, but when the replaced my condensor they put in nearly 12 lbs of freon. granted mine might be a different set up but it is a heat pump type no less.

[youngie22]

Most condensing units come pre charged w/ about 5 pounds of refridgerant. depending on make/ model/ size/ etc. But, I would say he's right, 1 pound would be alot to add. Hope it lasts the summer for you! Otherwise I can come out and replace it for you!!! :-)

[Black_Bay]

Dude, I'm not trying to be a smart alek. Just letting you know if a whole pound of refrigerant needed to be added to your system, you have a noticable leak. That's like a third of your whole charge.

The ozone hole and your sunburn issues are your problem.

No I understand and appreciate your help. I was the one making light of things. The tech didn't seem too concerned about the amount. The only thing he said was that if he put in over a pound that I would get charged. I have Home Service Plus and anything under that is covered. He didn't go in depth to the exact amount so it may have been much less.

[Eric Wettschreck]

It's all good.

If I were you, and I'm not but if I were, I'd be looking for a leak....or an upgrade.