Payne or Ducane

[Black Adder]

Been using Ducane 12 SEER Heat pumps for the past 6 months, so far have no real issues with them. Scroll compressor runs very quiet. 5 year parts, 10 year compressor warranty customers have had no complaints. Only problem I have is they are too much like Lennox for my tastes.

[Irascible]

Robo,

Personally I grow increasingly ambivalent about brand. I will say that there can be no question about cabinet quality differences. Trane's condenser cabinet is one solid hunk of metal compared a lot of them. But hefty cabinets are a nicety not a necessity except in unusual circumstances. The only other thing that I have heard (and it hasn't been proven otherwise to me) is that Trane recips are rated for a percentage of liquid (unlike any other) and Trane scrolls are the only one's with a break to prevent backward operation. I don't drink any OEM's Kool-Aid. So if you have knowledge that contradicts those reputed attributes of Trane compressor then please share.

So as a result I do like Trane. But I'm not rabid about it, especially when you consider price. I tell my customers exactly that. If they just want a very nice fit and finish and a better compressor, pay the extra for Trane. If they understand that I'm the "know-it-all mofo" that's going to make the difference then they often opt for Goodman. Those are the two brands I give bids on. My customers so far have gone about half and half in their decisions.

[RoBoTeq]

Actually, Trane was not one of the brands being compared. I have heard pros and cons on Tranes scrolls; pros from Trane dealers and cons from others...of course.

Of the two brands being compared there is really no differences other then personal preference. Come to think of it, Trane may have a different compressor but they still perform the same, so again, is the added cost worth it?

I have nothing against any brand overall and I have at least some things against every brand specifically. They are all great when they are doing what they are supposed to do and they are all crap when they don't.

Of course, we only make a living because they all eventually turn to crap

[Irascible]

LOL. Your comment brought to mind all of my favorite restaurants. They'd be out of business if their product didn't turn to crap.