Replacing the AC unit in my home - Requesting advice from any home AC guys on here

HVAC contractor here, own a Trane dealership.

Nothing wrong with flushing, like everything else, just needs done properly. It is an approved method by all major manufacturers. I haven't changed a lineset in years. The time saved by flushing matters to me. And on startup, if the flushing is done poorly, the pressures will reflect that. I have never seen it be an issue, but I use flush and nitrogen like it's going out of style. I also love my vacuum pump, because well, it was expensive and I want my moneys worth out of it.

Of your quotes, i'd say the Amer. Stan is my fav so far. I do not like Goodman equipment, or Ruud/Rheem. That being said, it's mostly preference. The single most important aspect of the job is that it is done well. If the best equipment in the world is put in poorly, it will run as such. Crappy equipment put in well will do as well as it can.

The reason Goodman equipment is popular is because it is cheap. Landlords use it. It's not inherently bad, a couple of years ago, consumer reports had a run down of brand reliability and they all were within spitting distance of each other. Brands like Carrier and Trane do get higher spec stuff from the manufacturers though.

I've worked for Lennox, Carrier, Bryant, York, Goodman, Janitrol, Water Furnace, Mitsubishi, and others before I started my own company.

Single stage AC is my preferred AC, 14 SEER is plenty, it's going to be 40% more efficient (on paper) than your current unit, the 16 SEER is unnecessary and your ROI on it may not make sense. You're in Texas though, so it may be different than where I am. For gas heat I love a 2 stage with a variable speed blower, it's the most popular setup I sell. I don't care for full variable furnaces and with you being in Texas, no way the ROI makes sense.

Also, none of this new stuff is made like it used to be (shocker, I know), so don't expect 40 years out of it lol.

 

do you like the American Standard quote because?...

Is it a good brand for ACs? I didnt know they made ACs.. Im a plumber by trade so I relate AS to sink and toilet fixtures.

How are the parts for the units?

 

Parts as in availability and pricing

 

Amer. Stan. is quite similar to the Trane. Parts cross fit between them readily.



Lol its the same thing. I actually looked into getting an A.S. dealership when I started my business, but Trane found me.

No way a Goodman quote should be close. I can get a full Goodman setup for about $1300 or so. You couldn't pay me to put a Ruud/Rheem in my house.

 

Parts can be had at any A.S. or Trane dealer so it depends on what is in your area, but it gives you multiple chances.

 

And why is your one quote a 4 ton if you currently have a 3 ton? Did anyone do a load calc? Oversizing your AC is the worst thing you can do.

 

goodman .. quote close to ...?

 

EDIT: As for pricing, depends on the dealer, but typically premium brands carry premium prices. I'm a small contractor, so I can undercut the big guys all the time. Again, depends on the dealer.

 

i have no idea. he probably mistyped or misinterpreted my existing unit

 

Goodman - 14 Seer - $5200 Installed
16 Seer - $6500 Installed

American Standard - 14 Seer - $6200 Installed
16 Seer - $7200 Installed

From your first post on the quotes you got. Most dealers have an entry level product, then a premium brand, that seems to be what contractor #1 quoted you.

 

Got it

 

Honestly, your best bet is to do your homework and research your dealers. It's a tough task, reviews can be gamed, yelp and angies list are bought and paid reviews, but doing some legwork can help you out.

 

thank you for your advice

 

Good luck.

 

As long as the existing line set is the right diameter for the equipment it can be reused. Remember distance between equipment can change the diameter. Also put in a filter drier to be safe. Be damn sure he uses a micron gauge to be sure the vacuum gets down below 400. Flush the hell out of it and make sure there aren't any low points or loops.

 

I tell people to call the supply house and ask for a reputable private guy. When the owner does the install you get a better product with less overhead to pay for. I don't advertise and pretty much live off word of mouth. Contractors hate the b.s. More than customers. No I don't take charge cards, I don't have 6mos same as cash. Yes you can help me demo and set the new equipment. I always have low bid because it's me my buddy and a truck. We are licensed and insured. The big name on the door with the fancy office is installed by a $16/hr guy who has been there for three months.