Need Help picking a furnace and AC unit

[Need new HVAC]

I am going to have a new furnace and AC unit installed. I would like some suggestions as to brand and model. I am looking for a good quality high efficiency system that will be trouble free for a long time. I live in southern Ontario, so the winters aren't terrible, but the summers are hot and humid. The bottom line is I am looking for the best bang for the buck. So far I have gotten a quote on a Carrier system and a Goodman system. Both installers say that they are great systems, but they also only sell one or two brands each, and therefore are completely biased to the brands that they sell.

Thanks for your help

[dhvac]

if you spend any amount of time reading on this site you will see that most of us agree "installation is the important part" its not about the brand as they can all break its not about the name on the tag as they all have good units and builders models but what is important is you hire the right company to do the work

no matter how well a piece of equipment is rated it will be junk if not installed properly

so when you are looking for new equipment you should be interviewing the company thats what you are buying and thats who can make it a wonderful experience or a lousy one

[kansascity]

When looking at systems to control humidity you may want to look at 2 stage condensing units. I think most brands have at least one or two models in the line up that offer 2 stage cooling. The 2 stage cooling and the use of variable speed air handling will help with the humidity in your home and give you more comfort. Good Luck

[pstu]

Carrier is a standout for offering the Infinity system, with pretty sophisticated controls. If you like that kind of stuff, no other brand seems to come close.

I am a homeowner in S.Texas, we apparently share the problem of hot-humid summers. My equipment is all Trane company, but that decision was made before I started looking at the fine points of each company's high end equipment. I envy the Carrier Infinity controller and have been waiting and wishing for Trane to match it or leapfrog it with their own modern controller. For a high end install from the ground up, I would be tempted by the Carrier Infinity.

If I weren't going to buy the very top end equipment, I would be happy to buy from any brand including Goodman. Remember that a variable speed air handler will enhance humidity control, but parts are expensive so you might want the 10-year extended warranty. You might be able to buy Goodman two stage, for a budget which might only pay for single stage with another brand. Like they say on this board, the quality of install is what counts the most.

Hope this helps -- Pstu

[grdnsrvc]

I have to agree with the others on this.The important part is the install.If you have high humidity problems, 2-stage variable speed 15 seer is the way to go. Considering the 1st stage uses about as much juice as a100 watt bulb.(If the system is installed with efficiency in mind.)

[hvaclogic]

A good install and Carriers Infinity system trumps anything on the market right now. I believe in Carrier and where they are going with their product line and I say that not because I'm a Factory Authorized Dealer, I just like to speak the truth.

[Irishmist]

it needs to be stated that the Bryant Evolution system is pretty much a mirror image of the Carrier Infinity. Both the Carrier and Bryant are manufactured under United Technologies. Again, the emphasis needs to be on contractor. But the reason I mention the Bryant-Carrier thing is that if you found a good contractor that sold the Bryant line, you would be just as satisfied as with Carrier (theoretically.)

Ask friends, family, neighbors, members of your church, co-workers who they have used and who they are happy with. A satisfied customer that has had a good experience is the best reference.

All the best, John.