My ac home units is 18 years old and the ac coil is leaking feon. I going to replace my unit with a new one. I presently have a Rheen unit, 2 ton (high efficient) that heats and cool the up steps, which is about 1130 sq. ft. I live in Augusta Ga. What ac unit should I purchase to replace my Rheem and the required seers.

Thanks,
Don w22601

All I can offer you is my opinion based on 18+ years of field experience... our local Rheem distributor is closing its branch, and I heard through the grapevine that Rheem has been unsuccessful at convincing any other distributors in the area to pick up their product line. That doesn't speak very highly of Rheem... having the benefit of exposure to such a variety of equipment over the years, I am very partial to Bryant. I have one in my home and it has been nothing short of my expectations. The combination of value, performance, and quality is hard to beat. SEER rating is more of an option than a requirement, the minimum standard being 13. Stay tuned for input from some of the other regulars here at AMHD, and compare the tax/energy credits that apply to each system before you buy.

Current recommendations and standards now call for 13 seer. 13 is the minimun and you can go higher, up to 16 but you'll pay for the efficiency, just depends on what you are willing to shell out. Rheem, Trane, etc... big names are all good but try to get 3 bidders to quote you on the same units so you can compare apples to apples.