Need some home AC guys-need advice

[brushtrooper]

I am in need of a new inside/outside system
I contacted a Carrier company. They say I can step down from a 3.5 ton and go with 3.0 ton 16 Seer. This was the brand description: Carrier home comfort 16 for right at 9k

Then Carrier rolled out the Performance 17 that does the most magical things at a price of 13k

A local guy came in today, quoted a 3.5 ton setup and it includes both exterior and interior. for the price of 6200.00
Its a American Standard brand.

FOr the AC, please lmk your thoughts. I am open to suggestions of other brands and if a TBH member is in business, LMK. House is in Portland, TX

[Bowtech38]

I did a 4 ton Goodman inside and outside units for 5200 this summer.

[wickll]

My friend who has an AC business has installed RUUD for years. I can't remember if it was Carrier or American Standard, but on some of the higher dollar units, it takes a dealer to troubleshoot problems because of the complex circuit boards. (need a specialized diagnostics tool).

My RUUD was installed July of '02, so it has done pretty well. I had a couple of issues at about 2 and 3 years of age because of some solder joints leaking, but been doing well ever since.

I will probably run it till it quits, unless he decides to go out of the business. But when I get a new unit, I will probably go for simplicity over efficiency. I want something that I can work on. I have replace capacitors in mine. I believe the fan is still original as is the compressor. and about everything else.

[Copanocruisin]

American standard and trane are the same in most models, made in the same factory. Well anyway, that's what my brother told me in 2017 when I replaced both of my units. He has been in the AC business in the Austin Area for may years. I went with Trane, although he said it,didn't make a difference. Just saying.......

[tigerscowboy]

I approach it from a different direction.

Provide plans and a survey/site plan. Have them complete and qualify the calculations for the dwelling. If they can't, they aren't qualified to do the job correctly.

FYI - You are seeking a bid on a central HVAC system. Not inside/outside.

[Johnny Dangerr]

I wish I had asked a lot more questions and got more bids 5 years ago. Got a new everything and it has been a long term mess. I would of paid a second company back then to tell me what the installing company was doing wrong.
Just had to have everything in the attic changed. My second company comes out next week to inspect the new repairs.
I plan on hireing the second company for warranty if they will approve the new repairs to the system.
Modern HVAC systems need to be set up as a complete system......

[Strummer]

Shoot scooter on here a message . He can help you out .

[fishfeeder01]

361-290-1389. Farr ac, here in Portland.

He installed a complete system after Harvey.
price was great, knocked off a bit since I am a Veteran.

[Briar Friar]

When I read or hear American Standard...all I hear is Nolan Ryan in my head.

13k is too much. The Carrier 16 Seer could be found for less. American Standard...trust Nolans drawl.

It doesnt matter greatly so long as the system matches the house and you change the filter. CHANGE THE FILTER! Sorry for yelling.

Bigger is not necessarily better.

Warranty plays a big deal. Lifetime parts gives me a warm and fuzzy. Labor is rarely, if ever, covered by warranty...IME. Goodman, Amana, Carrier have all been good performers for me.

Good luck MrTrooper.

change the filters...Im whispering

[txoutdoorsman24]

There’s a lot info needed to really give you good opinion over the internet.
Sq footage, insulation type or how much, double pane windows, etc. Forst thing I’d do is a have a load calc done to properly size what you need. Price depends on features most of the time. Do you want a zone system with a 2 stage system and variable speed blower motor. Or just a simple single stage with regular blower. Unfortunately there is a lot that can go into a system if you are willing to pay.

Of the brands you listed, American Standard is a great system. Trane rebranded really. Carrier is great too. The performance and life of the system will set truly depend on the installers. A $15k system can be crappy and underperform if not installed properly.

[Kelmat]

I'm in the business. I installed a 21 SEER York 3 ton a couple of years ago. About $5300 my price from my vendor. I wouldn't recommend paying someone to install a high efficiency unit like that- the payoff is usually not worth the upfront investment. A 16 SEER unit will be very efficient and if properly installed you will see a big difference in your electric bill.

[Daniel32]

Give us a call at 361-882-2111 (Rapid Air)

We have an office in Corpus that can help, and we can get you a couple different estimates based on what you need, and walk you through the process.

I run our Victoria branch so I can't help too much but I can help answer any questions you have. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you'd like

[bowhntrmatt]

One guy is right and the other is wrong (or there is a possibility that they are both wrong).

The homeowner and AC guy shouldn’t get to decide the size, the house does. Is either of them scientifically defending the size they want to install with an ACCA Manual J load calculation? If not, keep shopping.

Look for things like warranty, filtration, comprehensive installation, certified installation techs, customer service. Things like up-front price and brand mean very little if these other needs aren’t met.