HELP......so many choices

[sheshines2000]

I am interested in a 3.5 ton packaged unit (gas-heat/electric-cool) for my primary residence. 14SEER/12EER with at least 80% AFUE.

I am about 7 estimates into a potential purchase. One more rep coming today.Everyone is pushing a different product. I have done my homework. I have been to so many sites.....system overload. Carrier vs. Lennox vs. Rheem vs. Amana vs. American Standard vs. Day and Night. Scroll compressor vs. spine fin. Aluminum vs. steel.

Most of the units I am considering are very similar...except for cost$$$$ and warranty. It is worth the money to receive a tax credit of $1500. That pretty much reduces the final cost of the more expensive/efficient model to the price of the lower end models that still use the R22.

Any words of Wisdom you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!!

[air2spare]

find a good reputable HVAC contractor in your area, do not beat him up on price so he can do a good install and your choices should be easier to make.

[sheshines2000]

I understand...I have looked up lic# and affiliation wilth BBB. Satisfaction is more important than saving a couple of bucks. I will gladly pay for some peace of mind. You know the " I have a friend..." stories never work out. I have a neighbor and a friend...but there is not gonna be any peace of mind...minimal work for greatest profit is what that entails with no satisfaction guarantee!!! Thanks

[wahoo]

Look for an experienced contractor (I agree with previous post). who puts in a product with the best "out of the box warranty", which means you don't have to buy an expensive additional warranty to get a good one. Look for a contractor who has a pre-paid maintenance program that is reasonable in costs and gives you some distinct advantages over other customers (IE prompt service at a discount). Watch out for "pick up" contractors, who advertise their cell phone numbers as their business number! Make sure they are licensed and insured also! The BBB thing is not that important in my opinion, but you can't hurt to check it. "Goggle" the owner, or company name, or check Angie's list for complaints. Good luck, and sounds like you are doing your homework!

[bmathews]

I'm not a big fan of Goodman/Amana for my own reasons. But they do make a decent package unit. We sell Carrier/Bryant and I'm not a huge fan of their package unit. I've had pesky problems with them, nothing major, just enough to irritate me. Trane/American Standard makes good rooftops. Never messed with one that wasn't rooftop. Lennox and Rheem's in my area aren't that popular.