armstrong opinions

[zaskar]

I've trolled this site for several yrs and i don't see much written about Armstrong. Not interested in hearing from brand bashers. Yes I know its all in the install. But I also know that you can't polish a turd. I'm comparing the RGRM and RAPM vs the 95V and 414LE. Same installer but they may have more experience with armstrong. Things seem equal on paper. I can save a bit of money with the armstrong (enough to buy a dryer I badly need, actually I don't need it my wife needs it). But, I'm willing to pay for better quality if its there. I know the RGRM has some fans but searching here reveals little about armstrong. Some other sites have some brand bashers, but I'm interested in hearing from someone that really knows (like someone who installs and services both). I already know its owned by Lennox which doesn't mean anything to me. So, same quality as Rheem? yea or nay?

[Sleuth]

You've got the right idea (margin) IMHO.

Rheem generally a better cabinet, ignition, heat exchanger ....

Armstrong makes their price point and you can still have a dryer.

:angel:

[2old2rock]

Armstrong has held up well for us. No specific issues. The 95 V and LE's are good units. Rheem may have a few advantages.
Get a media air cleaner with your system - you won't regret it.

[heaterman]

Good all around equipment for the money, with the right installer you will be happy.

[BaldLoonie]

Rheem is quieter equipment in & out but really have had no problems with the 95 variable speed furnaces or the A/Cs.

[plumadkl]

I have installed most every piece of equiptment there is. I would say that as far as Armstrong as apposed to any other unit it really makes little difference. When you look at the basic's there is only one system still made in America anyway and that is Goodman but that also means that is the old Janitrol which means nothing anymore I was a Armstrong dealer at one point and believe theirs is a good product all the higher end 2 stage and variables are gonna have the same basic warranty and parts I would go with the Armstrong and get the drier for the wife you will be happy and so will she .

[BaldLoonie]

South Carolina isn't in America? :eek2:

[BlizzardDude]

The 95V is a very solid product. For the price you'll save it's definitely worth it. We only install Armstrong brand and our service calls are minimal, usually stupid **** that was forgotten about during install.

Good luck.

[beenthere]

South Carolina isn't in America? :eek2:

No, its in the Carolina's. :LOL:

[dan sw fl]

South Carolina isn't in America? :eek2:

SC IS in America : 3rd Grade Geography

[tinner73]

Armstrong is fine. i have put some in my rental properties. Rheem would be my first choice with Armstrong a close second.

[zaskar]

So it sounds like Rheem has a slight edge over Armstrong with the better cabinet which probably contributes to its quieter operation. But other than that their about equal. I wonder why they don't get much press? Its just my perception but it seems like not a lot of people use them. Baldloonie had some interesting things to say about the construction of the armstrongs in a post from 2004. Baldloonie, Does that all still hold true today?

[behappy]

South Carolina isn't in America? :eek2:

Norman, OK isn't in America? :eek2:

Tyler, TX. isn't in America? :eek2:

[threadcutter]

I have been installing Armstong equipment for about 12 years. The product line has served my customers well. IMHO their high end stuff does an excellent job. Allied Air is the company that produces Armstrong, along with several other brand names. There a decent company. Its been my experince that they stand behind their product line. I would worry more about the installing contractor then the name on the machine. A good installer will listen to your concerns and honestly evaluate your needs. A load calculation must be done and equipment selection must be based on the load calculation while still considering your budget. Request references. Contact the references. Focus your questions more on the contractors performance then that of the equipment.
There is a lot of good equipment on the market today. But its still the installer that makes the job.

[AvantGarde]

wasn't installed correctly and still did fine.

It is loud other than that no issues

[beenthere]

wasn't installed correctly and still did fine.

It is loud other than that no issues

Makes you wonder how good it would have done. If it was installed in your house. Instead of at UPS. :LOL:

[zaskar]

Is it true that the 95V has been out longer than the RGRM series? If so, would that mean it has a longer history of reliability? Any pros and cons on the crimped heat exchanger vs the tubular style. I would think the tubular is better but maybe it just doesn't matter. Are the extra diagnostics that come with the rheem really valuable to a tech trying to diagnose a problem or are they equal in that regard?

[zaskar]

as usual, its more fun to beat up on the goodman guy.

[beenthere]

as usual, its more fun to beat up on the goodman guy.

That wasn't beating up the Goodman guy.

That was beating on the guy that mistyped what he wanted to say.

[BaldLoonie]

The RGRM is new but the design is 1993 vintage. The inducer is same as the Mod uses, 2 stage gas valves are very common. Can't remember if a Honeywell or W-R. Only the board is new, a 2 stage version of the single stage spark ignition board.

The 95V is a noisy furnace for a 90. It has a louvered front so you can really hear the inducer. The RGRM is just a whisper. Air noise, however, you'll hear from any furnace and some is a function of size and duct system. Armstrong's crimped HX is stainless. I don't recall having any problems with them except one someone else put in - hideously installed & oversized.

[mo-flo]

i like the armstrong for the reason that it is has a sealed combustion chamber,doesn't use the cabinet to seal the combustion chamber..........as others have said,it's not the brand,it's the install.......both are good brands.

[zaskar]

Thank you Baldloonie. As usual you provide excellent useful information. sounds like the RGRM may be worth the extra money. I'm going from a early 70's furnace to a modern 95% with ECM. I've never personally heard a draft inducer running. other than when the circulating blower kicks on I don't really hear my furnace. Would I notice the noise from the 95V. In other words is a direct vent furnace louder than a natural draft furnace?

[zaskar]

Before my thread disappears can anyone give me an answer on the noise difference between natural draft and a direct vent?

[2old2rock]

I have a 95V, 2 stage Armstrong in the basement.
I never hear it in 1st stage, barely in 2nd stage.
If it's in the closet next to your bedroom, you'll probably hear it.
Don't laugh, I've seen it!