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QUESTION:Both my AC and gas furnace for my home are about 20
years old. The gas furnace has been slowly failing... enough repairs in the
last couple of years to tell us it really has to go. The central AC is of
course not very efficient given its age. Since I really have to replace the
furnace I figured just do the whole thing at once. Both existing systems are
builder's grade stuff. The furnace is a Borg Warner and the AC is either a
Lennox or Carrier (don't remember right now - we are not the original owners
of this house).
I know proper installation is they key to any job of this sort, but I also
want to get state of the art plus reliability plus efficiency in both of the
new units. Oh, and overly high priced, proprietary replacement parts are a
negative (I've heard that associated with Trane equipment). I read up a bit
on central AC; from what I've read it sounds like Ruud is well respected.
Carrier seems to have a good rep for furnaces, but I'm not sure about their
ACs. So I have some questions:
1) Is it a bad idea to replace the AC and furnace with units from different
manufacturers?
2) If the answer to 1 is yes, then can anyone recommend a manufacturer that
has the highest level of performance and reliability for both AC and
furnaces?
2) If the answer to 1 is no, then are Ruud and Carrier considered among the
best, respectively, for AC and furnace?
3) Are there any that are better for either? My definition of better is,
again, reliability, efficiency, a good modern (but well proven) design, and
low total ownership cost. That last means I'm willing to pay up front if the
combination of reliability / replacement parts cost / efficiency will result
in a lower TOC.
Once I have a clearer idea of who all to look at I will need some follow on
help with things like 2 piece vs. one piece AC, etc.
ANSWER: Here is some peripheral info that you might not be aware of. As of next
year, the minimum SEER (basically, efficiency rating) for AC units is being
raised from 10 to 13. If you are looking to do your AC unit, and want
anything lower than a 13 SEER, you have to do it this year (you can discuss
this with your installer and he can explain all of the pros/cons).
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