Need Help Picking a new HVAC unit PLEASE

[RUBC555]

Im looking to replace a 20 year old unit ... Still runs well just so out dated.
The home is 20 years old. Tri Level around 2,100 sqf.
I can see the $$$ go out the windows those will soon also be gone.
I would like to replace now before . Bang have to... This make sence???
I live in Omaha Nebraska. And planning on staying here.

Help needed is picking the right unit.. for me and this home.
Im looking for something Im not paying for the name.. High efficisncy.
Is inportent Var.. speed or 2 stage is also. 14 seer a +.

The old unit just dont cool the third floor with out running 24-7
this is the bed rooms.

Ive been reading here for a few days and heard lots of bashing.
I know people have there choices and ideas and opinions.
But please help go beyond this.

From what Ive read Im thinking Goodman. with a 96% and 14 seer.
Warentys good price is good.
I dont know much other then what Ive read here and on line.
I do know I will have to get some bids and a load rate done.

I have the money for a top of the line but would like to replace windows also.
Just not that much money to do both.

How do I know when its all over the new units getting me the most bang for the $ ... ?

I just need your Ideas on BANG 4 the Buck. Are there others in this price range ? Thinking a 3-5 ton just not sure. Is the rule 0ne ton for every 500sqf? Thank you for reading PLEASE HELP.. Thanks Rick

[mrlighturfire]

Rule of thumb is bad subject on this site. No one believes in rule of thumb although probably biggest part of us has been taught with rule of thumb. As for as your new unit goes every one on here has different opinions on what brand of unit. I like certain brands more than others but that is me I will not bash one brand from another. It is all in the install as to how good the unit is and how it is sized. Good Luck on your adventure. Get more than one quote and go with who you trust and who will be there in your time of need if you should need to call for emergency service.

[RUBC555]

Im planning on doing just that.. Im doing some home work on this being the first time with HVAC replacment....
I dont jump in to anything knowing I cant swim, Thanks WISH ME LUCK LOL

[dan sw fl]

I am replacing a 20 year old unit ...
Still runs well just so out dated.

home is 20 years old. Tri Level ~ 2,100 sqf.
I live in Omaha Nebraska. And planning on staying here.
High efficiency.

The old unit just does not cool the third floor bed rooms with out running 24-7

From what Ive read Im thinking Goodman. with a 96% and 14 seer.
Warranty price is good.

I do know I will have to get several bids and a load analysis performed.

... but would like to replace windows also. Just not that much money to do both.

How do I know when its all over the new units getting me the most bang for the $ ?
I just need your Ideas on BANG 4 the Buck.

Are there others in this price range ? Thinking a 3-5 ton just not sure. Is the rule 0ne ton for every 500 sq ft ?

Rule-of-thumb is 300 to 1,200 square feet per ton depending on MANY factors.

Omaha ... high end of range ... 1,200 Sq Ft / ton
20 years old .. middle of range ... 700 Sq Ft / ton
poor windows ... low end of range
old equipment ... low end of range
new equipment ...middle of range
____ So, the big index fingering ( thumb figuring ) = Meaningless

Best cost [ bang 4 the $ ] is based on Life Cycle Cost Analysis
... First cost, operating and maintenance costs __ with the Right Sized units

Right Sized = ACCA Manual J and D performed by an experienced HVAC person

does not cool the third floor bed rooms ... Air Distribution problem

Bryant, Carrier, Trane, A-S, Lennox, Armstrong, Amana, ...
take your pick __
include 10 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

> 13 SEER in Omaha may have a rather lenghty payback period ... good luck

[RUBC555]

Thanks for your input. I see there is alote of factors to this.
The list you gave are all Top Name Units.$$$$$
I will get the home tested. Just dont wish to pay for more unit then needed
and be unhappy with one that dont GET-R-Done.. Or Pay for the Name..
When there has to be good HVAC units up&comming for there place in the
market place. Tran & Carrier started at the bottom at one time.
Now they are seen all over and you pay for the TV adds.
Not looking for a Name to buy.. Just a good unit that works well with a good warrenty that works well and saves energy compared to what I have.
Thanks Dan Any Ideas guys ?

[Irascible]

Goodman provides excellent bang for the buck. If they have the feature set you're looking for then go for it.

As you may have read by now, the installer is much more important the brand. The third link in my signature talks about that. The first link will show you some of what goes into a good install.

Bang for the buck is fine as long as you understand that you're buying a service (the installation) just as much as you're buying a product. Get bad service from a lousy contractor and that Goodman or any other brand will perform horribly.