Need new furnace and a/c

nipper · #1 09-09-2009, 03:02 PM

Well, the A/C condenser went out in the house this weekend and had our normal repair guy come out today. He says the condenser is shot and says the furnace is in pretty bad shape also. I wish he would have told us that in May when he was out to replace the blower motor unit in the furnace. In any event, we are looking to replace the whole thing (about 21 years old now) and wonder if any of you have suggestions on brands. Our house is about 3000 square feet including the finished 1/2 basement with 2 levels above the basement. I have heard all furnaces are made by the same company except the top brands like Rheem, Trane and Carrier. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

nipper · #2 09-09-2009, 03:05 PM

Should have told you that we will be installing a natural gas furnace. I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Any of you in similar climates ever use a heat pump system?

Blue_Runner · #3 09-09-2009, 03:25 PM

Nipper, I'm in a much warmer climate than you here in NC. When I built my house we started off with an oil furnace. It was nice instant warm heat. When we remodeled gas was going up so I switched out to a heat pump. I love the heat pump and for me it costs less to run than the oil furnace.

As for brands, I can ask my dad what he thinks. He's plant manager for over 30 years at a plant that builds oil furnaces. I put in 10 years there on the assembly line back in my younger days too. From what I know on the subject (not a lot) I don't think I'd go with a heat pump in Indiana. I think you are on the right track with Natty gas.

I just emailed my dad....we'll see what he says on brands.

Blue_Runner · #4 09-09-2009, 03:53 PM

Ok, he's already knocked off work for today. I should have an answer for you tomorrow - if he even knows!

THEFERMANATOR · #5 09-09-2009, 04:59 PM

I don't have a furnace, but I have an A/C with heat strip. When I was shopping around I found GOODMAN to be the cheapest by far, and has the same warranty as the big names do. They make all kinds of units and there prices seem to be the best out there from what I have found. I know my neighbor does HVAC and he uses alot of PAYNE and TRANE units as well as a few CARRIERS, but he recently started carrying the GOODMAN's due to the cost difference.

macojoe · #6 09-09-2009, 06:38 PM

I have a Goodman AC that is 10 years old and works great for me, had to change the capacitor this year.
I live in Mass and have forced hot air gas and it is by far the best heat I have had, a bit dry but add a humidifier to the unit and adjust to what you like
And the duct work is perfect for the AC to run also