Most recommended and most efficient central residential air conditioning?
Question:some contractor says lennox, some carrier, some trane, I am confuse...please advise.
Answers:
Most contractors have agreements with manufacturers to sell their equipment, which is a great for both sides. Contactors get help with marketing, and manufacturers can control the certifications and competency of installers. That is why it is very important that the contractor you choose is factory authorized to sell and install the equipment you are purchasing.
Having said that, I believe that Goodman is about the best deal out there right now, with 10 year warranties on all parts and 99 year compressor warranties (on some models) built into the price. Their 14 SEER and 16 SEER units use the new r410a refridgerant, which is replacing Freon. It's more cost and energy efficient in the long run.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is, however, SEER ratings are calculated in perfectly controlled environments with all matched equipment. This means if you add a 20 SEER outdoor unit with your old coil, air handler, and furnace, you won't get anything close to 20 SEER. Thus, we recommend at least replacing your coil with your outdoor unit to match them. You'll realize much greater efficiency when you match all the components.
There are numerous options from all manufacturers today that make systems more efficient. The first is dual fuel (electric/gas) systems, which use blends of fuel to save money when it gets very cold. The second is variable speed motors and blowers. They never completely shut off, and thus do not have a huge rush of energy consumption when they start. This saves money. Also, making good use of zoning systems and programmable thermostats, to save energy when you aren't at home, will save you money and make your system more efficient.
I can't really say that one brand is far and away above all others. Bryant, Carrier, Goodman, and Amana all make great systems. We prefer not to sell Lennox and Trane due to issues with their systems in the past. We refuse to sell or install low end models, such as ComfortAire, Comfortmaker, or anything builder grade. They are inefficient, break frequently, and not worth the savings in cost. It's not saving that much money to put in a better system.
Now, within the manufacturers, for instance, Carrier, there are a wide range of price points with equipment. They make an entry level Comfort Series, mid level Performance Series, and a high level Infinity Series. Most manufacturers have a similar spread. Therefore, even great manufacturers' products are within most people's budgets.
So, for a summary to your question, we mostly recommend Goodman, for its good all around performance, low cost, and great warranties. However, the most efficient unit is likely the Carrier Infinity 21 SEER, which has about every bell and whistle you can get, including a thermostat that lets you control temperature, humidity, air quality, fan speed, and ventilation rates. It's a marvel.
Hope it helps. Take care.
All of the brands you mention are American which are not necessarily the best (sorry to say).
If you want true efficiency you should consider a Japanese brand called Daikin as they are extremely efficient and reliable.
There are many others but they are the best.
When people give you there opinion, that's all it is, is an opinion. Find the fact sheets for all of the companies and they will tell you how good they are. They are required by the government to give accurate numbers. If a person never used a Lennox, how do they know if it any good or not.
I thought Egg gave you a good answer, and did
you notice his avitar looks like Dave Lennox ads??
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