'94 RUUD Compressor dead? Need advice on new system

[CoolMan74]

For the last couple of years, every 4 months or so our compressor just stops working. The same repair man has come out and said it is on its last leg. The last couple of times, I have just opened the case and retightened the connections which seems to keep it running for a bit.

It seems the connection block and wires on the Copeland scroll are blackened.

Can only the Copeland scroll part be replaced or do I have to go for a full new system?

I have been looking at Rheem, Amana, Carrier, Trane but not sure which manufacturer is better in the lower range. Any recommendations?

Also, what questions should I ask the reps that come for the quotes? I can't spend a fortune, but don't want to buy junk that will give me lots of problems later.

Living in Central Florida in 1600sq ft block home, BTW

[sktn77a]

Can only the Copeland scroll part be replaced or do I have to go for a full new system?


Well, you can replace the compressor only, but it'll cost you more than 1/2 the cost of a whole new condenser. At 15 years old, it's probably time to bite the bullet.

All of the brands are good if you install them properly. Get several quotes and try to compare apples with apples, equipment-wise. Then decide who you think will do the best installation (quite difficult, but BBB checks and personal references are the best).

[CoolMan74]

I just got a quote for a 3 ton Carrier Comfort Series 15 SEER Heat pump (410) and a Carrier Performance Series Furnace with variable speed motor.

It is quite a bit more than the Amana that my mother-in-law picked up last year, but it qualifies for the energy credit and they are also willing to move the outdoor unit from the rear of the house (bad location) to the side.

Is Carrier that much better than a Rheem? Is that model of Carrier worth a premium?

Thanks for your help!

[james80031]

I just got a quote for a 3 ton Carrier Comfort Series 15 SEER Heat pump (410) and a Carrier Performance Series Furnace with variable speed motor.

It is quite a bit more than the Amana that my mother-in-law picked up last year, but it qualifies for the energy credit and they are also willing to move the outdoor unit from the rear of the house (bad location) to the side.

Is Carrier that much better than a Rheem? Is that model of Carrier worth a premium?

Thanks for your help!

Having the most skilled installer trumps everything else. That being said, Carrier is the best manufacturer of equipment in my opinion.

[CoolMan74]

Ok, so I just received my 2nd quote... Here are the details. The prices are basically the same (after the Rheem rebate). I really expected the Carrier to be more expensive overall.

Rheem - 15 SEER Heat pump system with variable speed fan (tax credit eligible as well)

Condenser
Model: RPQL 036 JAZ

Air Handler
Model: RHPL HM 3621 JA

Both installers come well recommended, so now it is just a pick between the Rheem or Carrier.

[Gunnery Sergeant Hartman]

Ok, so I just received my 2nd quote... Here are the details. The prices are basically the same (after the Rheem rebate). I really expected the Carrier to be more expensive overall.

Rheem - 15 SEER Heat pump system with variable speed fan (tax credit eligible as well)

Condenser
Model: RPQL 036 JAZ

Air Handler
Model: RHPL HM 3621 JA

Both installers come well recommended, so now it is just a pick between the Rheem or Carrier.

Carrier hands down...

[qwerty hvac]

Go Rheem

[aintitfun]

amana 16 seer properly matched systems qaulify for the tax credit, they have a LIFETIME compressor warranty and 10 years all other parts. Kind of a no brainer

[CoolMan74]

Thanks for all the responses. It would be really helpful if y'all can give me some details about why to go this way or that way. I know the installer is the most important part, but some equipment has to be better than others.

One thing I have noticed with the different installers is that there are typically 2 camps.. the one's who sell only Trane and Carrier and the one's that sell the rest - Goodman, Amana, Rheem, Ruud, etc (but not Carrier/Trane).

The Amana warranty is nice, but I will likely not be in the house for longer than 10 years and I haven't read too much good stuff about Amana, Goodman, etc.

I think Trane is probably the best, but to get a Trane with Variable speed is above my price range. The Rheem sounds ok, but requires me to shell out a few hundred more up front and then deal with the rebate later.

Is there any reason I should NOT go with Carrier?

[CoolMan74]

So I just got a quote on a Trane system. It is 15 SEER, but does not have variable speed air handler. It does have a 4 speed blower motor.. so I guess it is semi-variable.

The model numbers are:

4TWR4036C - 3 ton 15 SEER Heat pump
4TEH3F42B - 3 1/2 ton HE Air handler

Is Trane that much better or should I get the Carrier/Rheem that has the variable speed instead?

One nice thing about the Trane is that it comes with 5 year labor (with option to extend another 5 years later)

All the companies I am considering have good recommendations and standing with the BBB.

[BaldLoonie]

Rheem :p

Anyway, not sure if the Trane can do it without VS blower, but the Carrier & Rheem can use dehumidify on demand with the proper contol. Honeywell IAQ or Carrier's Infinity. That slows the blower to really increase moisture sucking. A nice feature for Florida.

[catmanacman]

the trane has a ecm motor that is not variable speed this air handler has a better seer rating than the variable speed air handler in some matchups

[docholiday]

Ok, so I just received my 2nd quote... Here are the details. The prices are basically the same (after the Rheem rebate). I really expected the Carrier to be more expensive overall.

Rheem - 15 SEER Heat pump system with variable speed fan (tax credit eligible as well)

Condenser
Model: RPQL 036 JAZ

Air Handler
Model: RHPL HM 3621 JA

Both installers come well recommended, so now it is just a pick between the Rheem or Carrier.

This one also qualifies for the federal tax rebate.