|
Post by raphael on Sept 4, 2008 15:52:51 GMT -5
We replaced our really, really old HVAC unit about 2 years ago and the power bill dropped $100 per month. It doesn't take long to get a payback at that rate.
Thought I'd move this one over here. I was lucky for now it was just a capacitor. Cost me $100 but I know I'm on borrowed time right now. I was told on my unit I would save around $20 to $30 a month. I'm only cooling 1400 sq ft upstairs. The man who fixed it was a Ruud dealer and of course he was telling me that Ruuds were just as good as Carrier but when it came down to repairs in the future the Ruud would be cheaper in repairs and he reeled off several examples. He wants $3800 to replace my Carrier which apparently is still kicking. The Carrier dealer came in and wanted $3777 so they are pretty much the same. Does anyone know anything about Ruud? I'm thinking there's not a whole hell of a lot of difference between any of them. My Carrier is a 10 seer unit and the ones they want to replace it with are a 13. The man from Ruud was telling me they are going to a new refrigerant soon and you can actually buy the ones with the newer refrigerant but they are more expensive. He said Dupont ran out on their old patent so they lobbied Congress because they sold them that the new refrigerant was more economical and envirormentally friendly.
|
|
|
Post by Fredo on Sept 4, 2008 16:00:14 GMT -5
Carrier, Heil and Tempstar are all made by the same company in the same plant now.
I use Tempstar for pretty much everything. It's not really as good a unit as Trane, but it's so much less expensive that I don't feel like the extra longevity is worth the price.
13 SEER is the current standard and the minimum that's allowed in Hamilton County, so it's going to be that rating or higher. For my money, I think 13 SEER is plenty. We looked at going to a 14 or 16, but I didn't feel like the payback was quick enough for the money.
For 1400sf, you're probably looking at a 2.5 ton unit. If it's just a unit change, you should be able to do it for about $3000... give or take a bit.
On RUUD: Sorry, I don't know anything about them.
|
|
|
Post by Fredo on Sept 7, 2008 11:08:08 GMT -5
I asked my boys about RUUD equipment. They said that they had only installed two of their units in the recent past.
1 has given no problems and is. therefore, assumed to be operating perfectly. the other has been repaired about 10 times in the last year. Evidently the same part keeps breaking.
Based on that, I still couldn't form an opinion, but that's the info I have.
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 7, 2008 11:18:17 GMT -5
I asked my boys about RUUD equipment. They said that they had only installed two of their units in the recent past. 1 has given no problems and is. therefore, assumed to be operating perfectly. the other has been repaired about 10 times in the last year. Evidently the same part keeps breaking. Based on that, I still couldn't form an opinion, but that's the info I have. 10 times in a year doesn't sound very good. I had a friend of mine who is a Bryant dealer trying to sell me one. He says the problem he had with Ruud was getting parts. He said I might need new duct work if there's any blackmold in it but that was a very slim possibility. He was also saying it would be better to get a larger Seer such as a 14 or 16 for the money and to get one with this new refrigerant. He said a new filtering system might be good as well. He also said if I wanted the best that he had it would cost me up to $8k or he could sell me the bare bones for $3400. I'll probably stay with Carrier type products which he says Bryant is basically the same thing. Man this stuff is so confusing. It's hard to get any real data on units because each guy is selling you theirs and downing the others.
|
|
|
Post by Fredo on Sept 8, 2008 8:45:53 GMT -5
I usually don't recommend that people go with a really high SEER rating unless they have done everything else available to effect energy efficiency. The extra money is usually better spent on more insulation or better windows.
|
|
|
Post by copperhead on Sept 8, 2008 9:04:17 GMT -5
I replaced my 20 y/o carrier with another carrier last summer. A 13-seer unit. I went ahead & paid for the 10 year parts & labor contract. We made a call earlier this summer...it turned out to be our thermostat...and it was covered by the contract. Seven years ago our heat exchanger went out on my old carrier unit. It cost 1100 to replace it. This is why I purchased the addtional contract.
|
|
|
Post by tnshecat on Sept 8, 2008 9:40:24 GMT -5
I replaced my 20 y/o carrier with another carrier last summer. A 13-seer unit. I went ahead & paid for the 10 year parts & labor contract. We made a call earlier this summer...it turned out to be our thermostat...and it was covered by the contract. Seven years ago our heat exchanger went out on my old carrier unit. It cost 1100 to replace it. This is why I purchased the addtional contract. I replaced my 10 year old unit last fall with a Carrier. I did the 10yr parts and labor also. I am sooo happy to be rid of my old propane heat. Not only for safety but the cost of propane now.
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 8, 2008 10:10:31 GMT -5
I replaced my 20 y/o carrier with another carrier last summer. A 13-seer unit. I went ahead & paid for the 10 year parts & labor contract. We made a call earlier this summer...it turned out to be our thermostat...and it was covered by the contract. Seven years ago our heat exchanger went out on my old carrier unit. It cost 1100 to replace it. This is why I purchased the addtional contract. Most of them give you a 10 year compressor 10 year parts but have an out on their 1 year labor which as I asked one of the salesmen if that meant they could charge me anything they wanted after a year. Of course you know the answer. They will nail you on the labor and a trip charge or service charge which could be anything they wanted to charge you. IMO on a new unit I wouldn't buy that extra warranty. You shouldn't have to if they made well enough quality like they should. However knowing the way electronics are today it might not be a bad idea. How much do they charge for this "extra"? I agree Fredo about the extra Seer rating. In my case it wouldn't make any sense to go for a higher rating as long as I still have my sorry windows and doors.
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 8, 2008 13:21:18 GMT -5
I replaced my 20 y/o carrier with another carrier last summer. A 13-seer unit. I went ahead & paid for the 10 year parts & labor contract. We made a call earlier this summer...it turned out to be our thermostat...and it was covered by the contract. Seven years ago our heat exchanger went out on my old carrier unit. It cost 1100 to replace it. This is why I purchased the addtional contract. Most of them give you a 10 year compressor 10 year parts but have an out on their 1 year labor which as I asked one of the salesmen if that meant they could charge me anything they wanted after a year. Of course you know the answer. They will nail you on the labor and a trip charge or service charge which could be anything they wanted to charge you. IMO on a new unit I wouldn't buy that extra warranty. You shouldn't have to if they made well enough quality like they should. However knowing the way electronics are today it might not be a bad idea. How much do they charge for this "extra"? I agree Fredo about the extra Seer rating. In my case it wouldn't make any sense to go for a higher rating as long as I still have my sorry windows and doors. When we bought a new Carrier 4 years ago, we got the guy to throw in the "10 year parts and labor" for free. (Electric cooling / gas heating / 13 SEER) Earlier this summer our unit quit cooling and the guy (from Malone Heat and Air) came out and "frazzled the dibulator" or " dangled the constipator" or some such thing. I asked him how much I owed, and he said "10 year parts and labor, have a nice day".
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 8, 2008 13:48:55 GMT -5
When we bought a new Carrier 4 years ago, we got the guy to throw in the "10 year parts and labor" for free. (Electric cooling / gas heating / 13 SEER) Earlier this summer our unit quit cooling and the guy (from Malone Heat and Air) came out and "frazzled the dibulator" or " dangled the constipator" or some such thing. I asked him how much I owed, and he said "10 year parts and labor, have a nice day".
Did you buy it from Malone because Malone was the one who said they'd give a 1 year labor? Now I didn't ask for 10 years all the way either though. I assume you had it in writing as well.
|
|
|
Post by tnshecat on Sept 8, 2008 14:05:18 GMT -5
Most of them give you a 10 year compressor 10 year parts but have an out on their 1 year labor which as I asked one of the salesmen if that meant they could charge me anything they wanted after a year. Of course you know the answer. They will nail you on the labor and a trip charge or service charge which could be anything they wanted to charge you. IMO on a new unit I wouldn't buy that extra warranty. You shouldn't have to if they made well enough quality like they should. However knowing the way electronics are today it might not be a bad idea. How much do they charge for this "extra"? I agree Fredo about the extra Seer rating. In my case it wouldn't make any sense to go for a higher rating as long as I still have my sorry windows and doors. When we bought a new Carrier 4 years ago, we got the guy to throw in the "10 year parts and labor" for free. (Electric cooling / gas heating / 13 SEER) Earlier this summer our unit quit cooling and the guy (from Malone Heat and Air) came out and "frazzled the dibulator" or " dangled the constipator" or some such thing. I asked him how much I owed, and he said "10 year parts and labor, have a nice day". I purchased through Malone also. I also have a yearly service contract with them. They come out spring and fall to inspect and clean the unit. I think I pay $175 a year. It's really nice not having to worry about it.
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 8, 2008 15:10:37 GMT -5
When we bought a new Carrier 4 years ago, we got the guy to throw in the "10 year parts and labor" for free. (Electric cooling / gas heating / 13 SEER) Earlier this summer our unit quit cooling and the guy (from Malone Heat and Air) came out and "frazzled the dibulator" or " dangled the constipator" or some such thing. I asked him how much I owed, and he said "10 year parts and labor, have a nice day". Did you buy it from Malone because Malone was the one who said they'd give a 1 year labor? Now I didn't ask for 10 years all the way either though. I assume you had it in writing as well. I did not buy it from Malone. The company I bought it from has gone out of business. It is a Carrier warranty that Malone is honoring. And, yes, I have a written contract on the 10 year parts and labor. We also have that twice yearly service contract.
|
|
|
Post by Fredo on Sept 8, 2008 22:23:48 GMT -5
I know a couple of people who have dealt with Malone and they have all found them to be good folks. Pretty good prices and very good service. I've never dealt with them, but I would say that someone without a hookup in the business could do a lot worse.
Personally, I never buy extended warranties. They always sound like a rip off to me, but if I have a problem, I just call my guys to fix it.
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 9, 2008 8:17:54 GMT -5
I don't normally buy extended warranties either, thats why I like the FREE 10 year parts and labor I got. And besides, I don't have any "just call my guys to fix it" guys. ;D
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 9, 2008 9:20:20 GMT -5
I don't normally buy extended warranties either, thats why I like the FREE 10 year parts and labor I got. And besides, I don't have any "just call my guys to fix it" guys. ;D I'm actually surprised another company would take over that type of warranty. I would think the parts would be covered for 10 years as that may well be an industry wide and manufacturer policy. But to come out after so many years and replace something for free from a company who didn't even sell you the unit?
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 9, 2008 10:11:44 GMT -5
It's a Carrier unit and a factory (Carrier) warranty. Any Carrier distributor will honor it.
|
|
|
Post by 502blue on Sept 9, 2008 10:22:17 GMT -5
While on the discussion, if anyone is in the need of a new one, bidonchattanooga has one listed.............http://www.bidonchattanooga.com/cc-common/ourAuction_global/ourAuction.php3?viewitem=yes&thisID=29202
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 9, 2008 12:33:15 GMT -5
I don't normally buy extended warranties either, thats why I like the FREE 10 year parts and labor I got. And besides, I don't have any "just call my guys to fix it" guys. ;D Then I guess you are saying you actually did buy the extended warranty. Because according to their website that's what you have...... www.residential.carrier.com/support/warrantyextended.shtmlMaybe I misunderstood you as what you bought came automatically without extra money.
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 9, 2008 15:04:42 GMT -5
I don't normally buy extended warranties either, thats why I like the FREE 10 year parts and labor I got. And besides, I don't have any "just call my guys to fix it" guys. ;D Then I guess you are saying you actually did buy the extended warranty. Because according to their website that's what you have...... www.residential.carrier.com/support/warrantyextended.shtmlMaybe I misunderstood you as what you bought came automatically without extra money. OK, plain and simple. Four years ago I bought a new Carrier heating and air unit from Shamrock Heating and Air. One of the conditions of the sale was a FREE Carrier 10 year parts and labor warranty. No extra cost to me. Shamrock has since gone out of business. I called the Carrier to see what to do. Carrier asked me which local Carrier dealer I would like to take over their warranty. I told them I would like Malone Heating and Air to take over. Done deal.
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Sept 9, 2008 15:23:20 GMT -5
OK, plain and simple. Four years ago I bought a new Carrier heating and air unit from Shamrock Heating and Air. One of the conditions of the sale was a FREE Carrier 10 year parts and labor warranty. No extra cost to me. Shamrock has since gone out of business. I called the Carrier to see what to do. Carrier asked me which local Carrier dealer I would like to take over their warranty. I told them I would like Malone Heating and Air to take over. Done deal. Must have been a special they were running on certain equipment. You don't find many deals today on such equipment. Obviously you got a good deal. I'll remember this when I have to buy a new unit. I'll ask for what you got.
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Sept 9, 2008 15:32:17 GMT -5
OK, plain and simple. Four years ago I bought a new Carrier heating and air unit from Shamrock Heating and Air. One of the conditions of the sale was a FREE Carrier 10 year parts and labor warranty. No extra cost to me. Shamrock has since gone out of business. I called the Carrier to see what to do. Carrier asked me which local Carrier dealer I would like to take over their warranty. I told them I would like Malone Heating and Air to take over. Done deal. Must have been a special they were running on certain equipment. You don't find many deals today on such equipment. Obviously you got a good deal. I'll remember this when I have to buy a new unit. I'll ask for what you got. Right now I can't remember if it was a special deal from Carrier or if Shamrock threw it in to get my business. Either way it has more than paid for itself. ;D When it comes your time, by all means, try to get them to throw one in. Tell 'em Manlyman sent ya'!
|
|
|
Post by tnshecat on Sept 9, 2008 16:40:37 GMT -5
Must have been a special they were running on certain equipment. You don't find many deals today on such equipment. Obviously you got a good deal. I'll remember this when I have to buy a new unit. I'll ask for what you got. I think it must be specials that "Carrier" is offering at the time. My Dad had to replace his unit 6 months after I did and the offer was, I think, 5 years parts and labor at a lower price. Don't really remember but I know the offer was better when I bought my unit. I do agree that Malone is a very fine company to deal with and very prompt and reliable.
|
|
|
Post by raphael on Jun 22, 2010 11:43:14 GMT -5
Update! My borrowed time is up the compressor finally locked up yesterday So I go back to my Bryant friend and will give another update after I pay out 3k or 4k or whatever the hell it's going to be. Love those hot summer nights without ANY air. Boy were a spoiled lot ain't we. ;D
|
|
|
Post by manlyman on Jun 22, 2010 12:30:36 GMT -5
Update! My borrowed time is up the compressor finally locked up yesterday So I go back to my Bryant friend and will give another update after I pay out 3k or 4k or whatever the hell it's going to be. Love those hot summer nights without ANY air. Boy were a spoiled lot ain't we. ;D Why didn't you pick the hottest day of the year to have your A/C go out? Sorry, bad joke. I hope your guy can come out quickly and get "you good people cool before bedtime tonight".
|
|
|
Post by Fredo on Jun 22, 2010 13:30:39 GMT -5
My old A/C went out about 3 years ago during one of those hot July weeks and I found a novel solution. The compressor would overheat and limit out after about ten minutes, so I chopped a hole in the vent and inserted a water hose. A steady stream of water kept the thing cool enough to operate for the two or three days it took to get the new one installed.
The a team would have been proud. ;D
|
|