Carrier vs Goodman

[teamoli]

Hi-
We just had a new AC system put in. Our contract stated we would recive a 13 seer unit manafactured by Goodman but a Carrier was installed. Is one better then the other?
Thanks in advance.

[md master]

Here we gooooooo!

[llskywalker]

It doesn't matter what equipment is installed. It does matter how the installer installed it.

[teamoli]

uh oh...lol...did I ask the question of the week?

Also, does a Goodman require a 30 amp circuit breaker or a 50? Our Carrier requires a 30, but I believe the Goodman would have required a 50. They are 13 seer.

[teamoli]

Ok...thats good to know. I was just wondering if the AC guy did the ol switcheroo with a cheaper AC unit.

[danglerb]

You ordered a chevy and got a buick, but its hard to say if thats good or not until you tell us the full model numbers. Both have a "gm" motor inside, so don't worry too much about it. Carrier is more expensive most of the time than Goodman.

[teamoli]

The model number on the Carrier is 38CKS, I don't know what the model # would have been on the Goodman. Well, hopefully we got a good one. :)
Oh...and does anyone know about the circuit breakers? My electrician had never heard of having a 30 amp circuit breaker for the AC so I'm wondering if the 50 amp breaker that was originally put in would have been for a Goodman.

[vinced]

Maybe it's really a Goodman he installed. He probably just spray painted it "carrier grey" and glued and old carrier badge over the goodman badge. They have the same amount of letters in the name so it's not really hard to do. Happens all the time. 15 amp, 20 amp, 50 amp, don't worry about it, as long as it runs your covered.

[advent]

The label on the outside of the unit will state the the MOCP ( maximum over current protection) required for the unit. If it is 30 amps, then a 30 amp breaker should be used unless the disconnect box next to the condenser is a fuse type and has 30 amp fuses in it.

[teamoli]

Thanks for the replies. I had to pay to have the electrician comeback and switch the circuit breakers from 50 to 30, and my contractor thought for sure the AC guy said it had to be 50 amp. Oh well...my house is finally nice and cool so I guess it all worked out. Too bad the AC guy was being sucha jerk to us. The heat/stress must be getting to him...lol

[BaldLoonie]

Don't recall what the S means but the CK- series were all 10 SEER.

[Mr Bill]

Originally posted by teamoli

Also, does a Goodman require a 30 amp circuit breaker or a 50? Our Carrier requires a 30, but I believe the Goodman would have required a 50. They are 13 seer.

Why would the Goodman require a larger breaker. :rolleyes:

[teamoli]

I don't know...thats why I'm asking :)

[danglerb]

Maybe 50 amp breakers were on sale that day at Home Depot. I know my 3 ton has a 50 amp breaker, but I didn't look in the disconnect, which is what "really" should be sized for the compressor.

Builders often have short term goals that may differ from what is long term best for the home owner.

[teamoli]

The AC guy refused to hook up the disconnect box and told me I had to hire an electrician to hook everything up, even though it was in the contract. I think he is having a very bad week and taking it out on us. I've learned more about AC then I've ever wanted to know...lol Thanks for all the advice, sounds like we'll just keep the Carrier since its hooked up and wait for inspection to see what happens.

[danglerb]

Somehow I don't think this one is going to be over til its over. I certainly wouldn't accept an old 10 seer in the place of a 13 seer, not to mention a 10 seer isn't going to match with a same coil as the 13 seer compressor.

[RoBoTeq]

If your contract calls for a 13 SEER system and you got a 10 SEER system, your getting screwed. It will cost more to operate a 10 SEER system.

Please post complete model and serial numbers off of the outdoor unit and the indoor coil.

[smadave]

The CKS is a Carrier 10 SEER Coastal Unit which is designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions. I live on the Jersey shore and we install quite a few of these units. The high salt content of the air quickly erodes a typical unit in just a few years. If you live on or near the water this is a good unit to have. Until very recently, these were the only 10 SEER (Carrier) units left. They were the last to go because they are pretty expensive, however they are only 10 SEER. Between you and me...I would go keep the 10 SEER Carrier if you live anywhere near the water. Having said that...I dont think its right what that contractor did. The size of the breaker has nothing to do with who manufactures the unit, it has to do with the size of the unit. The bigger the unit the more amps it draws, the bigger the breaker you need. For example a 3 ton unit may take a 30 amp breaker and a 4 ton unit may take a 40 amp breaker. Every unit has a label on it that states what size breaker should be used. If you installed a bigger unit you cannot simply install a bigger breaker...you have to make sure the wire is sized properly or else you could have a safety hazard on your hands. Best bet is to consult with a licensed electrician. Good Luck...


Dave in NJ

[RoBoTeq]

So; if the OP lives near salt water then he will be getting screwed longer :D