How to you choose the right system?

[DK38]

At this point I am very confused on which system to choose. I have had 4 quotes and everyone recommends a different manufacturer and type of system I was told by the service contract company (NJNG) who came out for a service call that I need to replace my compressor and that I should also replace the furnace and switch to a high efficiency system.

So they come out and suggest Rudd and if you want to upgrade to a better system they suggest Bryant.

So I call in a Bryant HVAC company and he said it is not worth it to go to high efficiency and recommended changing to just a 2 stage system.

Then I have Sears come out and they recommend Carrier as an upgrade from Kenmore and do recommend going to a high efficiency.

I had someone else come out and they recommend Trane high efficieny.

Which is the best manufacturer to use, Bryant, Carrier, Trane, Rudd? Should I be upgrading to a high efficiency?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[AvantGarde]

Make sure he does all the calculations on your house. See if he will supply you w/references, do a BBB check, Angie's list check.

When you find the right guy then let him install and maintain his specialty.

This is not a situation where you can go to Consumer Reports and get something definitive.

Good luck, we went through this process last summer/fall and installed in the dead of winter when our tech guys had more time.

I would consider upgrading to a hi-f unit you get tax breaks and you'll prolly be able to pull down some savings in the long run.

I would put any of those systems in my house that you mentioned, we chose an 18 SEER Amana. Some ppl on here poo-poo Amana/Goodman but others will warn you about pros who poo-poo other brands just to sell their own.

[classical]

Most contractors are tied into one or two brands for various reasons mostlty because they benefit financially from the association some are just Tranewashed ohh I mean brainwashed.

You need to look at the climate you live in and what your utility cost are. If you are spending a fortune to cool the house then the highest efficency is a probably a good choice, if you live in a mild climte and cooling cost are not that bad a less efficent model may be your best bet.

Any contractor that comes in and blast another brand and does not qualify the quality of their install and only sell brand look elsewhere.