Replies

1. 
   junkhound | Oct 19, 2009 08:13pm | #1

   Goodman with a Copeland Scroll compressor is the best value IF you are iwlling to do a little cabinet upgrade yourself.

   As others will likely tell you, the quality is in  the installation.

   Tax credits different in different states, generally must be listed in the ARI and meet whatever rating the local poco rebate offer is.

   Install - if they dont do all of the following, IMO it is a hack job.. not included is proper sizing and heat load determinations, etc.....

   1. Silver braze all fittings with nitrogen purge

   2. Hold 400 microns or less for at least an hours

   3. TVX preferred, orifice OK in a few cases - some brand differences here, go  a TVX best.

   4. Filter dryer installed right before the TVX

   5. 500 psi nitrogen pressure test

   6.   Final 200 micron evacuation before charging

   7. Weigh in charge per mfg recommendations, PLUS check subcool and superheat.

   8. Verify irflow and ducting also, etc..

   9. Discuss defrost cycle - you may want to have the resistance heat elements disabled during defrost, you will get a blast of cold air during defrost but your heat bill will be less.

    

2. 
   DanH | Oct 20, 2009 01:49am | #2

   There are 4-5 major manufacturers, sold under 10-12 different brand names. Mostly you'll find that you get what you pay for, with the more expensive units being higher efficiency, better warrantied, and with more features.

   Especially if you don't know much about the topic, you're best advised to pick an installer you trust, and then pick from the brands he carries.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
3. 
   Clewless1 | Oct 22, 2009 03:06pm | #3

   Tend to agree w/ other posts. Good brands include the usual major furnace/AC mfgs e.g. Carrier, TRANE, Lennox, Bryant (a Carrier product, I think). Install is everything and that is where you can often find work that is sloppy, IMO. It's a skilled trade that often employs people that really don't know the trade well, IMO. A good tradesman will be worth it to install it.

   More money often means more efficiency and better e.g. warranty. I'm assuming you are keeping your gas furnace for the backup heat? (i.e. when it gets too cold for the heat pump).