Gibson heat pump

[swampkow]

We are replacing a dead 9-yr old 2 ton Janitrol heat pump and have received quotes from 3 reputable outfits on Trane, American Standard, Gibson, Ducane, and Grand Air - all 13 SEERs. We plan to be in this house another 6 years max (live in humid Virginia). Unfortunately we have another identical Janitrol unit in the house and are hoping it lasts a little while longer to save $ for its emminent failure some day. Everyone told me Janitrol is builder-grade garbage - lots of coil leaks. I specifically asked for quotes on good and lower end systems to see cost spread and the probable need to replace two systems within the next couple years here.

From reading other threads, I gather installation quality is top priority (I think these outfits are quality), higher the SEER longer to pay back (all are 13), etc. I'm leaning toward the Gibson JT3BC-024K b/c it's 1.5k less than AmerStd/Trane and I can buy an increased warranty covering all parts and labor for 10 yrs and still be way cheaper than the AmerStd/Trane with the already included 10 yr parts/labor.

From my perspective, it could break every year and still be covered so aside from inconvenience doesn't have a monetary impact on me. So I am looking for input on what else I should be considering or if you all agree that Gibson is going to be satisfactory and help keep costs reasonable. Without paying for Consumer Reports, I haven't seen any websites laying out direct comparison reviews of systems. Noise, cooling, humidity, whatever... Thanks!

[psychometric]

Gibson is one of those spinoffs, Tappan I think, that are usually found at plumbing supply houses. They are bare bones, good for rent properties etc. Some people care more about price than quality. Now if you want a top of the line guitar...

[papa_jo]

http://www.nordyne.com/Gibson.htm

look at this

[smokin68]

You're replacing a 9 yr old Janitrol h/p.....well Goodman replaced Janitrol and has improved it's product. Goodman is teamed with Amana. You really might want to look at a Goodman bid before a Gibson. JMO.

[icyflame]

I would go with a Trane and consider what that fifteen hundred dollars is buying you! Over the next six years your system will probably not break down. It will give appearance of quality, reliabity, and care. It may be the visual that a perspective buyer needs to justify the purchase of the house, They may think that since you bought quality here that you would have bought quality eles where in the home.

To buy the cheap brand, It is probable that it will break down. Morelikly at the worst time. Family, Friends over, they go home thinking everytime we go over there they are having a problem with there heating or cooling. A perspective buyer sees the junk and says how old is this equipment, you say six years and he is thinking it is about dead, Its going to cost him to replace it so now he wants you to drop the price or pay all the closeing cost. Also he thinking well these people bought the cheapest system, they probably bought everthing eles in the house at the local thrift store. It adds justification to offer less than what you are asking for the home. Just a Thought!

[RoBoTeq]

Just make sure you replace the entire system and don't just throw an outside unit in the yard.

[swampkow]

All good points. Thanks for the literature link papa. I didn't get Goodman quotes from installers so to keep things simple I'll probably pick from the quotes I have. We are definitely replacing both outdoor and indoor units.

Do you guys have good luck with Gibsons (I'm assuming it's Nordyne's lower end but may have similar pros/cons to other Nordyne products)? Is there a specific reason that I should steer clear of a Gibson?

Also curious if you have an opinion on my question about 10 yrs parts/labor warranty covering anyway, so why step up to higher end system... I was told most heat pumps regardless of brand have about an 8-12 year lifespan since they run year-round. 10yrs on Trane, 10yrs on Gibson...all gets fixed anyway. Thx.

[TLTrex]

I have sold a lot of Gibson and Tappan product with no problems out of the ordinary. When I was a tech with another company I saw the same amount or more problems with two of the big names (Y AND L). The Nordyne factory puts each unit through a live performance test to ensure it is operating up to spec. Most factories only test random units. Tappan is bringing out the most advanced condensing unit to hit the market; a 23 seer with variable speed fan and compressor.
In short, do not fear and do not be drawn in and pay more for a name.

/Let the flaming ensue

[m kilgore]

I would not hesitate to go with the Nordyne product. We have put them in for years and have an unbelievably low warranty percentage. Nordyne has great support and warranty department.
As for the 10 year parts and labor warranty, Nordynes is transferable which may be a future selling point. I don't know if Tranes is? Remember you will still need to have regular maintiance on either unit or risk voiding warranty.
As long as you have a great installation company, go for it and enjoy.
I don't think that most people look at the heating system to see what kind of quality you put in your home. IMO

[TLTrex]

Nordyne Receives Quality Award from Copeland

NORDYNE, Inc., has been recognized by Copeland Corporation for manufacturing exceptionally high quality HVAC products using Copeland compressors. NORDYNE’s products achieve compressor failure rates 35% lower than the industry average. Copeland Executive Vice President Scott Barbour and Vice President of Sales Karl Zellmer recently presented Nordyne President and CEO David LaGrand with an award acknowledging this consistent quality in technology and manufacturing. It marks the fourth time Nordyne has received this recognition from Copeland Corporation. For more information, visit http://www.nordyne.com.

Source contractingbusiness.com

[swampkow]

I heard Nordyne bought Copeland four years ago...just kidding. That clinches it - I'm going with a Gibson. Thanks everyone!

[TLTrex]

Originally posted by swampkow
I heard Nordyne bought Copeland four years ago...just kidding. That clinches it - I'm going with a Gibson. Thanks everyone!

You're welcome. Mention to your salesman that he owes me a bird dog fee for swaying you, lol.

[blubby]

If you're thinking of a Gibson, I just hope you have a well sound-proofed house and no neighbors...because it will keep you (and the whole neighborhood) awake at night! The noise is unbelievable.