Any thoughts as to which is a better brand? I have been offered two quotes - one on a 13SEER 3 ton RUUD unit for $3018. And another on an Amana 14 SEER 3 ton for $3500. I own a 1483 sq. ft. one story home. My current unit is a 13 SEER 3 ton Carrier. There is a refrigerant leak and I have been told that Carrier is infamous for that type of problem. Is this true? I have read that the unit brand does not make a difference that it is up to the installer. I get it - but feel that there has to be some knowledge of recurring brand problems that give some an edge over others. Please help. I am looking to replace by Wednesday.

Thanks for your time!

I`ll repeat I guess,, what you have been hearing,most all brands are much the same. There is a difference in the seer of the units,you need to compare 13 seer against 13 seer,or 14 seer against 14 seer,I myself don`t recommend the units that have all the extra parts that other brands don`t seem to need ,and they work fine and last just as long
Extra parts are just more things to go bad or wear out,the difference in the cost of the higher seer units,what do they save you in dollars? For the difference in the cost how long will it take you to save enough opperating money to overcome the higher cost. yes the most important part of a new unit is the installation. Hight dollar equipment becomes junk if not installed correctly,, (also look at the warranty on the different name brands)

Both are good units. The most important thing when it comes to equipment is the install. A bad install can make the most expensive equipment junk in short order and a good install can make the cheaper stuff last a long time. Look for a great installer and you will have a long lasting system.

13 or 14 SEER both work the same but the 14 will operate a little cheaper on the utility bill. I would check the warranty warranty on both units also. Amana might have a 10 year parts warranty.

I myself would save the 500.00 as long as the warranty is the same.

NOTE: Stay away from variable speed indoor units at all costs. When the motor/end bell electronics/or board goes bad and they do quite often it will cost you a small fortune for parts when the warranty for parts is exhausted.