[kittekat]

Hi, I decided to buy a new unit and because I requested a 14.5 seer, the company said that a Goodman 3 ton has to be installed. Also a 10 year parts and labor was offered at a price. I consented to the above.
I originally was going to get a Carrier unit but was told that there was not a 14.5 seer under Carrier. I should mention that the reason I requested 14.5 seer is because my energy company will reduce my rate if I meet the criteria here in SC.
Does anyone have any feedback on Goodman products? I hape I am not making a mistake. My current unit is a Heil/ICP which is only 5 years old and in my mind is a piece of junk!
Thanks to HVAC1000 for his response.

[hvac1000]

First of all did they do a manual J to make sure your unit will be the correct size for your home? Note it does not make a difference what size is in your home now because it is possible it is the incorrect size.

also a 10 year parts and labor was offered at a price

Did they charge more for the warranty? Does it include BOTH parts and labor for 10 years? Is it a factory warranty?

You can get a 15 SEER or 16 SEER if you want a different brand!

Goodman is a good brand but some may say Carrier is better depending upon the exact model you are getting.

The most important part of this entire deal is the install. I have seen jobs with the most expensive equipment turn to JUNK because the installer did not know what they were doing. I have also seen cheaper equipment last a long time because it was installed correctly.

Some things to consider.

You need to get more that one estimate, two is minimum and three is better. This way you can look over all the different ideas the other companies have and make a much better informed decision.

Are you getting an R-22 or R-410 unit?

Are they replacing the line set? That is the copper tubing from the inside unit to the outside unit.

If your current unit is a piece of junk in 5 years I would probably not consider allowing the same company to sell me another unit since as I have mentioned before about the install being the most important thing. No unit should turn to junk in 5 years unless the company who installed it or worked on it did not know what they were doing.

Make sure the warranty is a factory warranty and not just a dealer warranty. The dealer can go out of business and then you might not have an extended warranty.

Never rush into buying a new unit. Take the time to make sure your decision is a good one based on facts not fiction.

[kittekat]

hvac1000
Thank you for the information. I did get a couple of estimates.
I am getting a R-22. I have my doubts about the R-410 unit right now.
Unfortunately I am having my unit installed Friday 10/17 but I will call the company and ask a few more questions before the install.
I also thought about the dealer warranty vs factory warranty - so, that is another question to ask.
Yes they did charge more for the warranty which includes 10 years on parts and labor.

Your questions have helped me immensely.

[hvac1000]

One last recommendation. Make sure the indoor coil has an expansion valve instead of a flow rater type metering device. Most units today come with one standard but check to be sure. If it has one or one is being put on make sure there is a time delay (delay on break) built in or added on for the outside unit and a hard start kit installed for the outside unit.
There is a long explanation for this but I am to lazy to type it LOL.


One more thing to check for. DO NOT get the unit with the variable speed indoor motor if you can help it. Now you did say you were going to get the warranty BUT when the warranty is gone it will cost big $$$$$ to fix it if any component of the variable speed goes bad.


R-410 is the wave of the future but the person that installs it should have passed a certification class provided by the manufacturer. Rumors of less dehumidification are true unless it is installed by a real professional.

[kittekat]

All is well, my new R22 system by Goodman is installed and working well. My thanks to hvac 1000 for helping me ask the right questions to the heating and air company who did the install.

[hvac1000]

You are welcome. Enjoy your new system.