Question:
I need to replace my central air conditioning system and currently
investigating the various brands on the market. Does anyone have comments
on the various brands available? Is there a web site or article available
that provides information on manufacturers? I have lists of installation
and repair companies in the DC metro area so that's not an issue.
Answer:
One brand, cheap as hell, made cheap as hell, IS cheap as hell, is complete
and utter garbage, but other than that, they are all about the same...
From an installers, and tech, and service mans point of view, each brand has
its own set of issues..
But run from Janitrol/Goodman units.
It better be an issue. It better be the ONLY issue. You forget the name
brands...(other than Goodman/JaniJunk..err..Janitrol) You find a contrator
that is going to look out for you, and your interests. Do they run a
complete manual J and D to insure that your existing unit was sized properly
from the word go, and that the duct work is correct..do they offer a service
agreement as part of the total package, can they provide you with a list of
people that are satisfied with their work and would use them again? Can they
provide a valid insurance company, and licence number?
What you should do, is call a few of the local HVAC supply centers, and ask
to speak to the manager, and explain what you are doing, and that you are
sorry to bother them, (this time of year, they are swamped) and ask one
simple question...if you had to hire a company today, to do a complete and
valid installation, WHO would it be?
Then, get at least 3 estimates, and keep in mind, the lowest bidder MIGHT
not be looking out for your best interests, as it costs alot to be in this
biz, and also keep in mind that prices are lowest before the contractor goes
and files for bankrupcy.
I can go in, and if the customer is educated, and aware of what everyone
that is quoting him prices is doing, can come in several thousand higher
than the guy selling the Goodman crap, and get the job...happens all the
time..and 90% of the time, we get called BACK to jobs we quoted, to fix
things that the Goodmanguy that was working out of the back of his station
wagon didnt do..
