Question:
I would like some recommendations for Central Air for people that
really know about this subject (no offense). I got several quotes for
putting central air in my 1500sq feet house in So. California (Orange
County). I am looking for a 4ton 14 SEER unit for AC. There was
somebody sent from Home Depot that gave me the highest quote, $10,500
and they use Trane. I also got one highly recommended contractor (that
worked on a friend's house) that charges $8500 and uses American
Standards, and I got a third recommended contractor that would charge
me $6000 and uses Rheem. These quotes include parts and labor.
I am definetly inclined to use either one of the contractors
recommended. Does anybody know how good are the Rheem/American
Standards units?
Answer:
First, forget the name brand.
But, since you brought it up, American Standard OWNS Trane.
Home Depot would be the LAST place I would get a unit from, since all they
do, is subcontract out to the SAME companies YOU can, for more than you can
hire them for.
Part of that 10 grand, simply goes to Home Depot.
Rheem/Ruud is no longer an American owned company, and for that reason, I am
inclined to tell you to ignore it, but as a former contractor in Palm
Springs CA, I can tell you that any of the units you ask about will work,
last and run fine, provided they are installed correctly.
There are also other units out there that are more popular in your area,
that would work as well, and would be in the same price range.
