I'm in process of selecting a replacement Heat Pump/AC for my 35 year old home. 2400 sq ft. one level. Panhandle of Florida. Current unit was a Lennox, installed approximately 20 years ago and now the compressor is making some strange noises but still cooling OK. I'm looking at possibly having a Payne installed in the Fall if the old one holds up that long. The current unit is a 4 Ton, 2 speed motor and cools better than it heats. I also have a dehumidifier unit that I "think" bumps up the motor speed a little if the humidity in the house rises about a set level. The AC & Heating installer doesn't think I need that feature in my new unit. I'm told that Carrier now manufactures the Payne units. I frankly had never heard of Payne. The company giving me an estimate can also sell me a Goodman or a Trane or Carrier.

Two questions after all that gibberish. Is the Payne a reliable product? What size, features, extras, etc. should I be looking at in heating and cooling my home?

Name brand doesn`t make much difference they all are pretty much the same,the most impprtant thing is good installation,from a experanced contracter,and ask which has the best warranty,most contractors will give you a free service for at least a year,some more.I personaly don`t like carrier,they seem to need a lot more parts than other units.Buy what you need only,the higher 14-15-16 seer equipment can cost a lot more,when you purchase and also down the road

I for one like carrier but that's my opinion. Payne is at the bottom side of the carrier product models, more of a cheap builders model that is put in spec homes. But all brands have the lower end models they offer. Get 3 prices from 3 different companies. Check warranty and SEER with each model and make.