Comparison of Comfort-Aire vs American Standard

[murbancz]

I need to have (2) 2.5 ton A/C units installed in my house. I've narrowed it down to a few companies in my neighborhood. They offer American Standard and Comfort-Aire. The quotes are close in price. Some swear that American Standard are the cadillacs but Comfort-Aire has a better warranty.
Your opinions please.....And 13 vs 14 seer....I'm in the Chicago area.

Thanks,
Mike

[BaldLoonie]

Model #s? Just changing the A/C and coil? What's the indoor units?

Comfortaire is builder Rheem stuff. So helps to know what American Standard model you are comparing it to.

[murbancz]

Allegiance 13 is the condensor 4A7A3030 with an adp coil. the comfort aire is rsg1330 with their matched coil. These are new installs. My furnace's are american standard AUH1B060A9361A

[BaldLoonie]

Personally I'd rather have an Allegiance 13. Rather have an American Standard coil too but ADPs are good. Be sure to register both components for the 10 year warranty, ADP too. This a lot nicer outdoor unit than the Mexican made Rheem builder aka Comfortaire. Ought to be pricier too.

[mark beiser]

If you go with the American Standard unit, insist on an American Standard coil, as it will be an all aluminum coil, rather than the copper tube coils ADP uses.

Copper tube coils have been a huge problem due to corrosion, due to environmental factors and thinner tubing. Aluminum coils are immune to the 2 main causes of refrigerant leaks that have been plaguing the industry.

The American Standard coil also has a much better drain pan that holds less water.

[murbancz]

I was leaning the way of the American Standard unit. I was unsure because of the slightly longer warranty on the Comfort-aire. But from what your stating abouting being made in the USA vs Mexico I'm going with the American Standard. Besides it will be a match with the furnace.

Guy's, thank you for the help. Its kind of crazy that 20 years ago I went to school for residential HVAC and I dont work on the equipment at all. I work at a college now and all we have are chillers and absorbers. After speaking with co-workers nobody has an opinion on the residential equipment. So thank you for getting me up to speed on the new stuff. This site has been a big help.

Mike

[BaldLoonie]

Both systems should be 10 year parts warranty if registered. Be sure to do that, I wonder how many dealers do so for their customers. If there is a longer labor warranty on the Comfortaire, find out who is covering it.

[murbancz]

Will do. Thanks for the help.