"Remember, the Trane systems have a lifetime parts and labor warranty."

[deckeda]

That's what I was told by my contractor after he also gave me quotes for some Carrier setups. They REALLY like Trane; it's the only thing mentioned in their glossy brochure and on their website.

He was referring to the fact that if I do their annual maintenance agreement, they will (and this is from their brochure) "Lifetime Parts and Labor Warrantee: We will repair or replace all comfort system components in the event equipment fails as a result of a manufacturer's defect for the life of the equipment." Doesn't say ya gotta buy a Trane setup, but maybe that's the only way they offer it ...

I'm not anti-Trane, and probably wouldn't have pursued any real interest in Carrier had he not mentioned that he liked their zone system and Infinity controls. (I can't do the zoning, but at that point I knew he could get Carrier. Since then I've brained-up a little on Infinity, and like what I've read.)

I can't give you complete part numbers but I'm leaning to these scenarios (assume 3-ton systems for the sake of conversation, and if you know of advantages one way or another lemme know?)

1) Trane XR13 heat pump/coil/XV80/XL803

2) 13 SEER Carrier Performance heat pump/coil/Infinity 80/Infinity t-stat
(not sure if that's a 25HPA4 or 25HPA3; what's the difference?)

3) 13 SEER Carrier Comfort heat pump/coil/Infinity 80/Infinity t-stat
(not sure if that's a 25HCA4 or 25HCA3; what's the difference? Presumably it's not the R-22 25HCR3) YES, the "Comfort" is the lower cost option of the three.

I will also double-check that the Carrier quotes include a tin-plated coil.

The #2 Carrier setup (Performance model) costs a bit more than the Trane, but if all else was reasonably equal, the "Infinitiness" is what I think I'd prefer for the more sophisticated controls, particularly for humidity reduction. Seems also like the Performance might do a little better supplying heat relative to the Comfort or the Trane? Might not be worth worrying over.

And am I right in thinking that an Infinity setup is easier for the installers to wire up? I don't want to have to call them back because some semi-obscure t-stat feature got overlooked by mistake, so I'd like to lessen that chance if possible.

FYI the Comfort is what my contractor referred to as "builder's grade" in my post earlier today ... yes I realize it's louder than the Performance but so is the XR13, right? [Not worried about noise. My neighbor's recip Amana can drown out anything.] I think he's probably a bit anti-Carrier overall. Just a hunch. Did I mention only Trane in the brochure?

All of this is a step down from my original wish list, which included a more efficient heat pump, but that placed the cost too far out. Even these scenarios are a serious stretch for us. The wife thinks I'm being irresponsible for replacing a working furnace, and I'll admit to wondering if that cash wouldn't be smarter if put instead to a zoning system for our 2-story house.

[beenthere]

Then that warranty is by his company. Trane doesn't have a lifetime part and labor waranty.

[beachtech]

trane has an optional 10 year part and labor warranty the will sell you

10 years is about the lifespan of equipment

[BamaCool]

He was referring to the fact that if I do their annual maintenance agreement, they will (and this is from their brochure) "Lifetime Parts and Labor Warrantee: We will repair or replace all comfort system components in the event equipment fails as a result of a manufacturer's defect for the life of the equipment."

If I was going to give you a warranty like this, you wouldn't want to see the cost of my "Annual Maintenance Agreement"

[joe123]

If I was going to give you a warranty like this, you wouldn't want to see the cost of my "Annual Maintenance Agreement"

Bingo!

It's like those annual termite contracts. First 3 years around 200 bucks. After that, it increases exponentially becuase the probability of a termite infestation also incrases.

Can you say 1 grand a year for termite inspection.

[BURL-REF]

"He was referring to the fact that if I do their annual maintenance agreement, they will (and this is from their brochure) "Lifetime Parts and Labor Warrantee: We will repair or replace all comfort system components in the event equipment fails as a result of a manufacturer's defect for the life of the equipment." Doesn't say ya gotta buy a Trane setup, but maybe that's the only way they offer it ...



Thats a play on words if I ever seen one. "manufacturers defect ?

Occasionally, a recall is announced on a part, notification is made and a new part issued. Thats what I would say a manufactureres defect is.

Here is how he handles that: Sorry that part just wore out, that will cost $XXXX.00.


Im interested in reading this on their website, can you email it to me ? My addy is in my profile. Thanks

[skippedover]

Be careful about interchanging product names so you don't get disappointed. You state that the Infinity control system is what you want and yes, it's easy to install (4-wires, communicating controls) but is only available on the Infinity and Performance level systems. It is NOT available on the Comfort Series. Just like buying a car, the more creature comforts you want, the more it costs. The Comfort series is the entry level product but is NOT the builders product. There's a lower line for builders, who always want the cheapest of the cheap.

[aadam21]

I know the Atlanta company that was offering a lifetime warranty on equipment - they ran ads on every radio station here, but I can't find any mention of this on their website. We got a new customer who had them change out a system and he has the lifetime warranty - as long as he agrees to an annual service contract with them. The price is very reasonable, so I was wondering where they made their money, but the "manufacturer defect" seems to be their out. Our customer wasn't really impressed with these guys, so we service one system in his house and his son's house, but he keeps the annual contract for the newer system to maintain the warranty.

[deckeda]

I will ask a few more questions about the warranty and see it in writing. At this point it's the main reason for me to go this direction --- it does sound a bit too good to be true --- and I've already told him "OK" but we haven't done the paperwork yet.

And when I asked about if the same would apply to a Carrier system he said no, just Trane. Something about Trane being more reliable over the long run than the other brands they carry, and so that's why they can offer it. My gut tells me it's just their preferred brand to sell, and that he's probably fibbing a bit about the better reliability?

I'm not 100% comfortable with this arrangement yet. Doesn't make sense to essentially pick a brand because the contractor offers a "lifetime warranty" on it. Yes, the price seems reasonable per year and I'm not much of an "extended warranty" or "maintenance agreement" type of guy, especially when I'm already counting on getting about 10 years service out of it anyway before trouble starts. But I could be wrong there; I know you guys have seen issues with some parts sooner than that.

aadam21 --- Can't say if this is the same outfit or not. It's in Marietta. I've already emailed another place in Marietta (primarily a Carrier shop that advertises "5 years parts and labor" on their web site) and we'll see what happens. Now I'm thinking I should slow down with the first guy and let this other place give me a quote on the Carrier. My gut, right or wrong, tells me it's a little smarter setup than the Trane setup I'd be getting.

BURL-REF --- I see what you mean. Found the link on their site and it says nothing about any system for life. Just that they warranty REPAIRS for life with the agreement. I am SO gonna get the sales guy to talk about that "little wrinkle" when he surely calls me on Monday to pop on over to "start the paperwork."

[deckeda]

Wait a sec. I think THIS may be it instead:

[Our]'s Exclusive Lifetime Parts and Labor Warrantee*
...

[We] will repair or replace all comfort system components on: air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air handler, programmable thermostats and electronic air cleaners in the event of failure for the life of the equipment.

* All we require is that you participate in [our] annual maintenance program on the covered equipment to ensure peak performance and maximum efficiency.

OK, that certainly jibes with what I was told. Except for the requirement that it be Trane.

BURL-REF, I'm sending you the link.

[rponson]

The difference in Carrier Option 2 and 3 is

Performance Heat pump will give you full Infinity control and diagnostics and the sound ratings are much better.

The Comfort system will work but you will not get the diagnostic features.