New Heat Pump? A Few Questions

[indyhoops]

I have a 10 year old Bryant heat pump that I am considering replacing. The circuit board on the air handler needs to be replaced and I've been told that the compressor is on its last leg.

So far I have gotten three quotes:

First quote was from big operation that exclusively sells Trane. The tech who came out to look at the fried board gave an estimate based on the existing system.

The proposed system was a 2.5 ton air handler and XB13 13 SEER heat pump.

The second quote was from a small, family owned business. His estimate came in about 10% lower. It was for a 3.0 ton air handler and 13 SEER heat pump, both Goodman. He didn't provide model numbers. A 10 year parts and labor plan is included.

When I asked if a 3.0 ton air handler would be over-sized, he said that there was no chance that an additional half ton would be a problem.

The company did a walk around of the exterior, but didn't measure windows or take internal measurements.

The third estimate came in 17% below the Trane estimate. The equipment is American Standard, the Heritage line. 13 SEER HP and 2.5 ton air handler. This company did do a load calc. They are also willing to provide a 10 year parts and labor plan, but I forgot to ask if it was through the manufacturer or through the company.

My questions are:

1.) What questions should I ask the companies?
2.) Are there any "red" flags based on the above?
3.) How does the Trane XB13, American Standard "Heritage" 13SEER and the as yet unknown Goodman model stack up against one another in performance and reliability/quality?

My house is approx. 2200 square feet, two stories on a slab. I live in Indianapolis.

Any information you can give is a help.

Thanks!

[BaldLoonie]

So the Goodman bid is for a 2.5 ton HP and 3 ton air handler? Probably the GSH13 outside, find out what air handler. Only do what Goodman approves of. And if the air handler is larger, the installers need to adjust blower speeds so you are moving the right amount of air. Goodman's listings show both the old air handlers & the new so should be able to confirm proper match. http://www.goodmanmfg.com/consumer/selectSub.act?sub=Series215&requestedSite=Goodman#

Sounds like the American-Standard dealer is being the most thorough with a load calc done. The Heritage 13 is the premium line, like the Trane XR13. The XB is identical to American-Standard 2A6B which is the builder line. Shorter warranty, slightly cheaper built cabinet, noisier since the compressor is only partially covered. Confirm that their extended warranty is through American-Standard or Equiguard and that sounds like the best bet. Might be wise to find out who the others are using for their extended warranties. Dealer's own warranties aren't wise.

[smokin68]

From info you've given....the company with the load calc is the hands-down winner to me.

[aircooled53]

American Standard-Trane
Troup Drive
Tyler, Texas

Same factory, same equipment , just a few design differances.

I would pick AM-Std.

Great Equipment>
Great Warranty>
Great Savings>

http://www.amstd-comfort.com

[indyhoops]

Baldie,

Should I be concerned that the guy who quoted me on the American-Standard specifically said the 'B' in 2A6B did not stand for builder?

Other than the nicer cabinet, is there any other difference between the 2A6B and the 2A6H? The price differential is about 7%.

The quote on the American-Standard came in so much below the big regional outfit that I can't help but wonder if its too good to be true.

[BaldLoonie]

The Heritage is the 2A6H, the builder model is the 2A6B and identical to the XB Trane. Everyone has their own idea of what consitutes a builder model. To me, lower price, shorter warranty and less frills is a builder model. Doesn't mean they shouldn't be considered however.

The compressor & coil warranty on the Heritage is 10 years vs 5 on the B model and the units are noisier. There is quite a price savings on the B models however.

We never quite know how our big dealer competitors are pricing. Often they start high and hope you pay it. If you don't and ask them to come down, they will come way down almost to the point of cost just to keep you from the competition. There can be some deals but do you want to deal with a company that prices like that? Also, they have higher overhead than very small firms. If you are comfortable with the mom & pop, you'll likely get better service that route. If you aren't familiar with them, check with friends & neighbors and see if any have used them. Or if you are a member of Angie's List, check some of the ratings online to see what customers are saying about them.

[indyhoops]

The compressor & coil warranty on the Heritage is 10 years vs 5 on the B model and the units are noisier. There is quite a price savings on the B models however.

So, other than a quieter unit and a longer warranty, is there any benefit to spending the extra cash on the Heritage? Especially if the 10 yr service plan is through the mfg?

[BaldLoonie]

Other than that, no. Same units mechanically. A-S won't give you a 10 year warranty on the B unit so the dealer would have to use Equiguard, which is fine too. Just be sure they aren't self-covering.