Carrier or Payne???

[oujay33]

Hello all,

I'm in the market for a new hvac system currently. I was all set up to go with a contractor that installs Payne, but after reading the info on this website it sounds like Payne is the lower end line of systems under the company that owns Carrier, Bryant, & Payne. Although I did read many threads saying people have not had much problems with Paynes, I was a little hesitant putting money into something that was labeled "builders model" or "low end model" or "economey model" So I had another contractor stop by yesterday who installs Carrier.

Recomendations? - Should I go with the Carrier or Payne? Price was not drastically different, payne a little cheaper. I've also read on here that Carrier, Payne, and Bryant parts are all pretty much the same, and come off the same line. However, one contractor did tell me that the casing for the outside unit is much quieter for carrier than payne, is that true? Right now I'm leaning towards the Carrier, but my wife's mom had a bad experience with a Carrier. She had a new one installed and it tanked after 6 years, which of course could be from improper installations or undersizing of the unit.

Thanks for any info you can give me.

[skippedover]

Sorry about the bad experience. Unfortunately, an improper installation, lack of maintenance or just plain bad luck can lead to premature failure. So I understand your hesitation but anything from United Technologies HVAC side of the business is subject to the same potential problems.

All of the major manufacturer's have multiple lines of equipment and each has it's Leadingline. For example, Trane leads with that brand but also makes all of the American Standard products. There are subtle differences but for all intents, they're the same. Likewise the Carrier/Bryant units. They might give the Carrier a 1-SEER advantage over Bryant but again, for all intents, they're identical units under a different brand name. As for Payne, Day/Night, they're not promoted in our area so I can't comment. I know that Bryant has all lines of equipment, down to and including a builders line. So I would think the other lines of UT equipment would have the same variables, as opposed to labelling one of the brands as a builders model throughout its entire line.

Having said all of this, please review all the threads that have been written previously about selecting an HVAC contractor. There are many threads that might help you decide which installation company is most apt to give you the comfort you are seeking and deserve. That includes emotional comfort that you've made the right decision. :)

[oujay33]

good to know. thanks for the input.

[BaldLoonie]

Payne is one of the cheapest built units out there. Properly installed, it will cool as well as anything else. Little coil & fan protection, no sound deadening. Stepping up to Carrier, especially models beyond the base units, will get lots of extra features, compressor protection, coil protection, sound deadening features and better warranty. If you can afford it, I'd sure do it.

http://www.payne.com/Images/Payne/Global/US-en/product_literature/Payne06-AC_HP_125.jpg

http://www.residential.carrier.com/images/products/achp-ac-comf-lg.jpg