looking for opinions

[dave97ss]

trane or amana? why?
--
need a new furnace and central air system--system works fine, but dont know how much life is left--almost 40yrs old--still runs fine though, but 60%efficient--ouch. thanks for the input!

[captube]

There both good systems.

if you have 2 reliable contractors offering the bids i would go with the 1 you think stands out for some reason.

To pick the installing contractor is the hard part, equipment is easy :)

[LARRIEMENDOZA]

You may want to consider the installation status of your existing (40 years old) furnace & central air,hows the total insulation in the house (had it been changed or re-insulated (for the past 40 years? that is why it performs 60%).
I agree with captube...one contractor can stand with a factor of consideration of your choice.
Equipment wise you may want to consider the best SEER rating,..code requires minimum of 13SEER or 13 SEER and above...
GOOD Luck,

[bmathews]

You may want to consider the installation status of your existing (40 years old) furnace & central air,hows the total insulation in the house (had it been changed or re-insulated (for the past 40 years? that is why it performs 60%).
I agree with captube...one contractor can stand with a factor of consideration of your choice.
Equipment wise you may want to consider the best SEER rating,..code requires minimum of 13SEER or 13 SEER and above...
GOOD Luck,

Unless theres a secret stash of 10 or 12 SEER units, you can only find 13 SEER units now. They quit making anything less 2 years ago. I prefer Trane, but if the Trane dealer is a low life, I would go Amana. And vice versa.

[heaterman]

Ask each contractor for customer references and choose the best contractor, not the equipment

[dan sw fl]

trane or amana? why?
--
need a new furnace and central air system--system works fine, but dont know how much life is left--almost 40yrs old--still runs fine though, but 60%efficient--ouch. thanks for the input!

My priorities would be
Tight House
Adequate Insulation and appropriate ventilation
Humidity Control in Summer and Winter
Dual Fuel Heat Pump depending on locale

Mfgs would come later

At 60% efficiency and perhaps decreased reliable in the not to distant future, I would think that you should finalize those heating and cooling plans soon.

[tinner73]

Ask each contractor for customer references and choose the best contractor, not the equipment

then you can talk to their relatives.;)

[LARRIEMENDOZA]

My priorities would be
Tight House
Adequate Insulation and appropriate ventilation
Humidity Control in Summer and Winter
Dual Fuel Heat Pump depending on locale

Mfgs would come later

At 60% efficiency and perhaps decreased reliable in the not to distant future, I would think that you should finalize those heating and cooling plans soon.

I agree Systems Reliability based on Adequate Insulation...Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Larrie

[CaptainCrash]

I agree pick the "company" you trust, rather than brand. Most brands have similar levels of equipment. A good company should give you several options of systems, 80%, 90%, single stage, two stage, variable speed, ect. Decide what features you like and look for good warranties. They should be able to provide pictures of their installations and recommendations from others. I've had customers even come to my personal home to see our work. Basically look for the company that goes the extra mile for you and listens to what you need, not just telling you what you should do. As this is a major investment decision, take your time and do your homework!

[dave97ss]

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

[JoJo55]

Amana's strong point over many years was their furnaces...your equipment choice is the least of your problems...both are good manufacturers although I believe the furnaces are the only thing that Goodman (parent company) has not screwed up with Amana. You need to be more concerned with IAQ and insulation then go with the installer that you feel is the most qualified and please ask for references.