|
QUESTION:Gas lines are being installed in our area (we now have a heat pump).
We're starting to get estimates from heating contractors. Each one
indicates they can install any model, but everyone seems to favor a different
manufacturer. The maddening part is that they each have a long list of reasons
why not to choose any other manufacturer. So far, we've heard from 3 different
companies that Lennox, Trane, and Amana are #1. Obviously, they all can't
be the best. If we continue to have men come out, we'll probably hear
another batch of mfg. held out to be the best!
What's a homeowner to do? I went to the library to check Consumer Reports,
but found no reports on furnace ratings. Does anyone know where
these ratings might be found?
ANSWER: Unfortunately, it's too big a project for Consumer Reports. Lennox makes
mainly basic models; prices are high for what they offer. Carrier is the
premium brand; Trane is well-known too. But what you want, reasonably
enough, is statistics, not word of mouth, and I've never been able to find such
statistics or quantitative information about things like noise levels or electricity
usage.
The salespeople will tell you that whatever they sell is the best; many of them
get volume discounts so they push one brand. People in this website will
say "I have Brand X and it works fine" which is not terribly useful. The best
you can do is study the brochures and maybe cruise the web; for example, if
you feel that stainless steeel is better for heat exchangers than aluminized steel,
you might buy a Rheem. Get lots of quotes; prices vary a lot, and for no
obvious reason.
|
|
|
|
