Questions about finding an installer and noise.

[JTitan]

Hello,

I currently have a 20 year old split level house and the original Carrier air conditioner died last fall and the furnace began struggling at the end of winter. So you can guess I am now looking to replace both items and have a couple of questions that I hope will help me choose the correct replacements.

After reading many posts on this forum I am becoming more aware that brand comes second to that of a proper installation. But, how do you recognize the superior installers from those just half-assing the job? What certifications, licenses, type of workmanship, etc. should I look for that might help me in choosing a competent and hopefully honest installer?

Also, the location of the air conditioner is rather stupid in my house. The unit sits just on the other side of the wall from my bed and it is annoyingly noticeable when it kicks in. So as you might guess noise is one of the major factors in choosing my replacement system. Is there a brand (or brands) that stand out more than others in quietness that I should definitely get quotes for?

The only quote I have so far is from my neighbor, who has his own heating and air conditioning company. He priced me a Goodman (unfortunately I do not have the model numbers in front of me at this time) setup and although the cost was good, from what I have read on this forum, Goodman is not highly looked upon and is noisy. Is this a fair observation or should I consider Goodman when comparing my other future quotes? As for his installation skills I don't have much to go by. He did work on my furnace for the previous owners of the house, however I don't know exactly what it was--not that I could tell if it was good workmanship even if I did know.

Thanks in advanced for your assistance.

JTitan

[pstu]

I am a homeowner, for what that's worth. Be open minded about there being a Goodman model which is quieter than the others. Keep in mind the installation is the most variable part of the system, if you can afford to then consider paying your guy time and materials so he will feel free to install it the way it *should* be, without cutting any corners. If installed that way I would have no complaint about buying a Goodman system myself.

The biggest problem with Goodman it seems, is the company is a bit promiscuous about who it sells to. So a less qualified HVAC guy will have easier access to Goodman equipment than some other brands. That leads to Goodman and hack jobs being found together, I guess.

I remember looking at American Standard models and noting with interest that they rate their "Allegiance 15" model (up to 16 SEER) as quieter than their Allegiance 16 or Allegiance 18 models. So there is one out there which will be optimum for you.

Hope this helps -- Pstu

[contactor]

Goodman is as good as any of them. Scroll compressor, hail guard, 10 yr warranty on parts, their 80% and 95% furnaces have few probs. and are very quiet. All our customers are very happy.
Ask him for references. :)

[captube]

If the concrete pad the A/C sets on is connected to the foundation it can transmit vibration/noise. It's best to have a gap with any unit.

[totaleclipse]

Lennox's high end Sig. Series equipment is probly some of the quietest stuff on the market right now. Trane's upper end stuff is also pretty quiet. I am not sure about Carrier as I dont see a lot of there stuff in this area. Goodman makes good equipment, and I wouldnt cosider it to be the loudest thing out there, but the above mentioned is quieter than any equipment Goodman has out, that I am aware of. If you are going to be replacing the entire system, I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a contractor that will include a new lineset(copper lines between the indoor coil and outdoor A/C unit or condensing unit). If the lines are to be replaced, would it be possible to set the unit at a different location, maybe on the other side of the house?

[subcooled_]

If the concrete pad the A/C sets on is connected to the foundation it can transmit vibration/noise. It's best to have a gap with any unit.
Shouldn't set the new unit on a concrete pad these days. Make sure it's installed on a plastic pad (even if that pad sits ontop of the concrete) that has vibration reducing rubber pads on the bottom. That will help with sound transfer.

[JTitan]

If the concrete pad the A/C sets on is connected to the foundation it can transmit vibration/noise. It's best to have a gap with any unit.

Well the A/C unit is actually raised off the ground about 3 ft and sits on a platform that is braced to the foundation of the house. Not sure if it is possible to add vibration absorbing stuff to this configuration, but I will ask.


If you are going to be replacing the entire system, I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a contractor that will include a new lineset(copper lines between the indoor coil and outdoor A/C unit or condensing unit).

Never thought of that. I will also get quotes for this, hopefully it won't be too much cost, because the A/C unit is on one side of my garage and the inside stuff is on the other side, I estimate about a 35ft span, with the tubing between the garage ceiling and bedroom floor.

Thanks everyone for the reassurance with the Goodman product. From what I have read on this forum I did not know what to really feel about Goodman. Anyway here are the items that were quoted by my neighbor if you are interested:

Goodman GSC130361 Condenser 13 seer
Goodman GMH80903 80% Furnace (2s)
General 1042 Humidifier 1-3 ton coil

As for choosing an installer, if I don't go with the neighbor, I guess it really will just come down to who I feel I am most comfortable with. I probably will not know if they are competent or honest until the work is finished. Hopefully, I can get this project done with minimal headache.

Thanks again for all your advice.

JTitan

[Shophound]

I have Goodman in my house. I didn't install it, but since tweaking on it, it does its job well. Modifying the ductwork and supply registers has made the big difference. Which is my way of saying leaky ducts, supply boots, and return plenums can hurt the performance of any brand.

I would also consider having the condenser moved during the installation. It might add a little cost to the job, but the absence of the unit running outside your sleeping quarters would be worth it. Mine is also right outside my bedroom window...but being an HVAC geek I don't mind it all that much. :D Now the wife...that's a different story. :D

[SuperflyTNT]

Hey there, I am also in St. Louis, and in a similiar situation. Let me know if you find someone good to do your work, as I am currently getting bids on installing central air in two units in my apartment building that I own and live in.

[tpa-fl]

I've not seen anyone mention the refrigerant lines, kinda surprised actually. Most likely, much of the noise you hear is coming from the refrigerant lines which are probably going up the bedroom wall. Relocating the unit to another part of the house is your best bet. This sort of problem is done all the time in new construction in Florida.