Making a wise choice on a complete HVAC system

usedtobe, thanks for the link. Oh, so that is what the ESA was. Figured it was something like that. I’ve not ever been one to ever buy extended warranties, but I really got burned bad on my last unit, and don’t particularly want to eat another 5k+ only to be yet another piece of junk that even the installer can’t figure out. Carrier said if I didn’t buy into it and pay the additional $140.00 a year for the next eight years (first two years were free), it would void the warranty on parts and labor.

I did mention to the Carrier sales team that I did have 3’ of insulation in my ceiling, but that was already after they determined I needed a two ton. Just thought it was important to point that out to them, even though they didn’t ask for it.

The Tanner is a brand name, just not a popular one, and the company I bought it from that has some 30 employees should have their own manuals I would think since they sold it to me. I talked to the owner of the company today that sold me the Tanner HVAC. He said he would get back with me, and wanted to talk to the installer first. I don’t expect them to do anything, they haven’t thus far, but at least wanted to let him know what was going on about what kind of help his supposed top-hand was.

I learned from a few HVAC guys, that this will be the last year for 13 seers ratings. Starting at the first of the year government is requiring a minimum of 14 seers.

Had a guy out today that is going to give me a bid on a Trane, and for comparison, he would get me a bid in on a Lennox too. He said the heat pump is only about $200-$300 more than one with out, so I’ll get that option. He said newer units can still run efficiently down to low twenties on the outside temperature with just heat pump. Older units with the heat pumps, he said needed to be turned on to emergency heat to run just the coils when the temperature got down to around 35F or so.

I’ve got one more coming out tomorrow for another system. Hopefully, out of the three different bids, one can get me a reasonably priced unit for a 14 seers single stage, with some kind of decent warranty, at least 5 years, but we’ll see.

The Trane guy did say they wouldn’t have that additional $140.00 a year ESA fee, but he said not to get that, it wouldn’t include parts on their warranty, but still include labor for ten years. I imagine they will mark up the parts price to make up for the free labor, but that’s expected. I’m okay with that if the compressor doesn’t run much more than $400.00 or so, which is generally the most expensive part that could go out.

The Trane guy also installs Goodman, and didn’t seem to have any problem with them. He said their warranties are 10 years, but limited warranties.

I’ll bring the other bids out when they come in. Might help out others on what they are getting into.

Thanks for your help.

Got my two other quotes in for various units, and they were both more down to earth, way more reasonable than my previous quote. Was told by both of these HVAC installers that Carrier and Bryant came from the same plant, parts and assembly line, only difference was their brand name they put on it.

Best quote for a Bryant 15 seers rated single stage was $4,185.55 for cash price with no financing, and includes sales tax. Add additional $250.00 for new Freon lines which I think I will get. Comes with a ten year parts and labor, nor does it require a ESA or required yearly maintenance schedule that would void my warranty if I didn’t get that.

I think the main difference on how they could do the same units for almost $3,000 less than the top bid, was dealing with smaller companies that had far less employees and less overhead. These two didn’t spend as much on advertising, compared to the first quote that came in which has a lot of tv commercials and radio ads out quite often.

Done all I’ve known to do, hope this turns out better than my last one.