Trane? Carrier? Goodman?

[wthensler]

I am replacing both 17 year old gas furnaces and AC units with completely new units. Sizewise, they'll be about 80,000 BTU, 3 tons. Looking at 95%, 2 stage, and 15 SEER.

Can I expect major differences between the mfrs. of this equipment? Any one to specifically avoid? How about reliability?

Thanks in advance!

[DE J-man04]

asking that is asking if you want a Chevy, Ford or a Dodge everyone has a favorite make its more about proper install and less brand name i seen good and bad installs and the name don't matter if not properly installed so get ready for a long post with replies

[tigerdunes]

wthensler

You should insist upon a written heat/cool load calculation.

Also have ductwork thoroughly inspected. Now is the time to address any hot/cold spots in your home that would probably be ductwork and/or insulation related.

What is your electric rate?

What is area/location where you live?

1.Carrier Infinity System

2.Trane XV95 system

no rating on Goodman

use authorized dealer that has a good reputation and ask for customer references...

IMO

[ITB CO]

You will want ot consider the reputation of your contractor much more than the brand of equipment.

[Twilly]

Coleman

[cmajerus]

Coleman

where did that come from? I never would have guessed

[arc8]

Is price a factor?
If yes, go Goodman!
If not, either Carrier or Trane.
I prefer Carrier. They look much prettier.

Is there a reason why go 95% 2-stage?

[marter]

Coleman

hey they make my sleeping bag and it keeps me warm.. they must be good at everything else

i prefer carrier or if you want abit cheaper but still a carrier. go with bryant

[dash]

NO,Coleman Carrier,or whatever!!

[heatpumpguru]

In PA we do alot of HYBRID HEAT heat pumps with gas back up,we sell Carrier and Trane both good. I think the board would agree that INFINTY alittle nicer set up. It would be cheaper to heat a home with a heat pump and back it up with gas then to get a 95% heater and a/c.You get a BIG break on your bill from the power company here 6 cents vs 15 cents Oct 15 -May 15. Remember a heater takes something,burns it for heat and then expels it as exhaust,a heat pump makes heat and is 300% efficent above 35 degrees. Ask your contractor,if your staying in the home that is the way to go.If you want cheap stuff go with GOODMAN,we use it on NEW CONSTRUCTION due to price bing the driving factor.

[dsfitzgerald7]

I have installed all three, and they are all good in their own ways. Carrier seems to be the best as far as technology, but they are also the most expensive. Trane is makes some great equipment aslo, and they are a little more affordable. Goodman does not have the best reputation, but they have completely redesigned their equipment, they are the most affordable, and have the best warranties. You might also consider Carriers other brand Bryant, Tranes other brand American Standard, or Goodmans other brand Amana which has a stainless steel heat exchanger that has an available life time unit replacement warranty. My advice is to find a good contractor that will offer you options in different brands. The biggest problem with any equipment is faulty installation. Find a company with NATE certified techs.

[RoBoTeq]

Don't know much about the Carrier or Trane, but with Goodman you have many options.

Goodman has both R410a and R22, 14 SEER nominal rated systems that will all achieve a 15 SEER rating with the use of a variable speed indoor blower and TXV.

When used with certain Honeywell thermostats, any Goodman system that uses a variable speed blower will have the same comfort features that the Carrier Infinity provides, without the need for as much control factors.

Compare true efficiency ratings, not the overall model claims. Many brands claim that a certain model is a certain efficiency when in reality only a few, or even one size system using that model actually achieves the claimed efficiency.

Always request an ARI rating sheet that specifies all equipment neccesary to achieve the required efficiency.

[tarheel_tech]

We have sold some of them all as well,and my personal favorite is American Standard.We sell about 45/45/10% American Standard/Goodman/Bryant-Others,and I just like setting up and servicing the Trane/American Standard products.You should find three recomended companies and get estimates and make sure they do load calculations and go with the company that impresses you the most.