R-22, 13 SEER Trane vs R-410a, 14 SEER Goodman

[HeadBeeGuy]

Good day, all!

I'm planning on adding AC to an existing Bryant furnace, and have narrowed the field to a single contractor with whom I feel most comfortable, based on reputation and our conversations thus far. However, he has offered to install either of two units for the same price, and it seems like a pretty tough call, so I'd certainly welcome some further experts' opinions!

One unit is a Trane XR13, 13 SEER, with R-22 refrigerant and a 5-year warranty. The other is a Goodman SSX14: 14 SEER, R-410a, 10-year warranty. As I understand it, Trane equipment has a better reputation. On the other hand, the Goodman warranty is pretty compelling, and the newer-generation refrigerant and higher efficiency rating would be nice as well.

Since the same quote from the same source covers both possibilities, cost and contractor choice aren't factors; noise isn't a big deal either. However, reliability/longevity is a pretty major concern, and that's the one thing that makes me leery of the Goodman.

I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice on this decision. Thanks!

[BigJon3475]

I've always heard Goodman is the one you install if you don't know what your doing and you want it to last as long as possible. the 10 year warranty should be rather nice not to mention the 14 seer rating.

[timebuilder]

I've always heard Goodman is the one you install if you don't know what your doing and you want it to last as long as possible. the 10 year warranty should be rather nice not to mention the 14 seer rating.

He's right. The ten year warranty is compelling, and so is the efficiency. There are a few folks who think that the only thing you should by for a new system is the R410A, and in one or two cases they had a reason or two. If you are happy with the contractor (and you didn't mention any worry in that area) then why not let them advise you, and give you their own, firsthand set of pros and cons? After all they will be your service source, as well.