A/C question - Trane vs. American Standard

[timoub007]

Our outside A/C unit was making a lot of noise, so a technician diagnosed it as the compressor going out. He said because there was an insulation blanket around the compressor, it allowed it to rust and leak all of the oil out; hence the noise. Does this sound correct? It sounds plausible.

This unit was about 13 years old, an Amana model RCC48A2D. Best I can tell is that it was a 12 SEER unit.

We were quoted $2,487 to replace the compressor and that work would come with a one year warranty. Looking around on the net, the compressor alone would likely cost me over $1,000 so I think that that quote is not too out of line.

We were also quoted a all new outside unit for $3,277. This was quoted as a 5 ton Trane unit for R-22. This would have a 5 year warranty.

We chose to go the new unit route.

Yesterday they installed a new unit while I was at work. I got home and found an American Standard 4 ton unit; model number 2TTB3048A1000CA. Now I understand that American Standard and Trane are both owned by Ingersoll Rand, but is there a difference? Ford and Lincoln are both owned by FMC, but a Navigator is different than an Expedition.

I intend to call them this morning to discuss the size difference, but would like to know if I need to question the brand too.

Thank you for your opinions,
Tim

[Joe H]

The size difference would be my biggest concern. If the American Standard stayed there would be a major adjustment in what I would pay.

[125Dad]

Not a AC guy but I got two question's

1. If they quoted a 5 ton wht did they put in a 4 ton ?
2. Did they replace the furnace and Acoil ?

[4R Daddy]

Ummm, you are a ton short. AS is a good unit but it's the incorrect size. Regardless of the similarity in quality, nothing you were quoted was installed. Make them bring the right unit. This wouldn't be the first time an installer was a dumb dumb with more than one unit on the trailer and installed the wrong equipment. Not all installers are AC guys. Sometimes they know nothing more than installation.

[Sticks&Strings]

Make them replace it.

[Mertzon Man]

Make them replace it.

X2

[LWolken]

I would ask for the price difference back between the 4 ton and 5 ton. As far as the dry R22 units they are exactly the same units only difference is the badge on the unit.

The price difference between the 4 ton and 5 ton is $175.00.

If the indoor coil is a 5 ton unit and you needed the extra capacity then I'd ask for the 4 ton unit to be replaced with the 5 ton which was quoted.

If the indoor coil is a 4 ton unit then I would keep the 4 ton outdoor unit and ask for a refund of $175.00

[enewman]

The Amana model number you posted is a 4 ton unit. Need to just check. Did they bid you a 5 ton by mistake.

But it looks like they put in the right unit.

[bowhntrmatt]

The Amana model number you posted is a 4 ton unit. Need to just check. Did they bid you a 5 ton by mistake.

But it looks like they put in the right unit.

This. I wouldn't worry about the brand difference. Just make sure it matches what you have inside. Is your indoor unit also 13 years old? If so, I have a hard time seeing that it doesn't have a single problem that may justify the additional cost of replacing the entire system with a 410a system. But I guess that's water under the bridge now.

[BrandonH]

I'm not sure why several people are saying don't worry about the brand. I agree that it may still be a quality unit, however it is NOT what you agreed to. That's like ordering a GMC Sierra from the dealer and showing up and they have a Chevy Silverado waiting for you. Not a huge difference, but are you going to just take it and be ok with it?

[txoutdoorsman24]

Trane and American standard are the exact same systems. Just slightly different in color and price. Components are the same. Have sold many American stardars in place of Trane systems. You old unit was a 4 ton. And they went back with the same size. I would ask why they went with American standard instead of Trane.

[timoub007]

Thank you guys. What you all have said is exactly the conversation I had going in my head.

I realized that our old unit was a 4 ton after the fact. Not sure why they would quote a 5 ton replacement, but since they did I want a price concession.

Like others have stated too, I am not sure if there is much real difference in the Trane vs. AS, but there is a perceived difference in quality and price so I would like an explanation and maybe more price concession.

Yes, the inside unit is also 13 years old and was reportedly just fine. I'm sure it will fail in a year or two and I'll be kicking myself in the nads!

Thank you for the replies/thoughts. My morning work has slowed enough now that I can call them and see what they say.

Tim

[125Dad]

Like I said before I'm not a AC guy but is it ok to swap just the outside with out changing the A coil on the inside unit ? For some reason I thought it was not good.

[enewman]

Like I said before I'm not a AC guy but is it ok to swap just the outside with out changing the A coil on the inside unit ? For some reason I thought it was not good.

As long as they matched the btu's up it should be ok. And or if the indoor coil has a txv valve.

[grizzman]

I use to work for Trane/Ingersoll Rand on the commercial side until 2014. The American Standard and Trane units both come out of Tyler, and my understanding is that they are essentially the same. The only differences would be minor or cosmetic.

We kept the American Standard name for residential AC units only when Am Std spun us off in 2007.