Home HVAC Systems (San Antonio, Spring, Anton: homes, heat pump, to buy)

[wellguy]

Good Morning,

I thought this questions should be asked of all Texans since we are about to enter the Heat of the Spring and Summer.

My neighbor is in the market to purchase a new system before his goes out. I guess he want's to put the cart before the horse. All the homes in the Subdivision (Centex) had TRANE Units installed.

He has talked to a couple of A/C Companies here in San Antonio and they seem to "dog" TRANE and have highly suggested AMANA and GOODMAN.

He told me yesterday evening that one Company quoted $10,500 for a new system and to check all of the Ducts for Leaks etc. Tis price excludes any Duct replacement. I do not know if units with heat pumps are higher. Can you all please give me your suggestions and the Brands tyou feel good about? I don't know what SEER was suggested and his home is a little less than 2200 square feet.

Thank you very much. Your information will help others and myself when our time comes.

[NewTexans2010]

Dear Friend,

We are "in transit" moving to Northern Texas.

Our 2,000 sq. ft. home in Ohio just had a 2009 Goodman "split" sytem heating and cooling system put it. Natural gas furnace and electric A/C. We love it! Saves us 30-40% in electricity from the unit the home was built with. Trick is to have your technician do a good "work up" on what you need. It gets pretty hot and humid in Ohio.

I would not hesitate to buy another Goodman.

Heat pumps are a different animal. Can't say too much about them.

Amana? don't know much about it. Goodman seems to be on the ball. Check out their own website and your local BBB for complaints, etc. Or, just Google "Goodman HVAC ripoff" and see what comes up.

TIP: Look around your local businesses. Find out all of the HVAC outfits. I got one guy who works full time at his HVAC "day" job, but works "on the side." He installed mine on a weekend. I saved thousands!!! He put in a new furnace, took out the old one, installed the outside A/C unit, ran copper tubing ($1/foot), checked it balanced it, put in a new thermostat, vent pipes, etc.=$3,000. But, it had to be cash. Got my warranty card, registered with factory, all is well.

[Steel Man]

My last system was a Trane and my new system is a bigger Trane. No problems with the new system. Of course having a 10-year warranty (parts and labor) adds to peace of mind.