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Posted by Dr. Hardcrab on April 13, 2008, 9:35 am
> I'm in the midst of getting estimates. Trying my best to compare apples
> with apples. From what I've read, I believe it will come down to who
> will do the best installation. I'd like some *unbiased* opinions from
> people who have had installations done by:
>
> Peachtree
> Neese Jones
> B. Tucker
>
> I've gotten a quote for a Lennox (Peachtree) and a Carrier (Neese Jones)
> so far. How much should I pay for 17 Seer for 2000 sq. ft. older two
> story home with one zone? I'll appreciate any advice. It's a very
> confusing purchase, to say the least.
>
> If I'm in a group of installers, I apologize for asking for an unbiased
> opinion. Could you direct me to a group of consumers. Thanks, again,
> in advance for any info you can offer.
I take it you have already gotten prices from these guys? Best thing to do
is ask neighbors, co-workers, and friends who they would/do use. Some
contractors will be higher but you want one that has a good record not just
a good price. And as someone else suggested you need to compare apples to
apples. You may want to ask them what the SEER rating is on the system they
are proposing. Yes I know, you stated 17 SEER. But not every system
installed will GET you 17 SEER. I'll give you an example:
I can't remember the exact model of the air handler, but we installed 2 17
SEER Infinity systems in a house and one of them was actually only rated at
about 15 SEER (even stated on the yellow government sticker attached to the
unit). Now the system will achieve a total rating of 16 SEER with the air
handler we were using, but still. Yes, Carrier even says that it states in
their brochures that the units will get "up to 'X' SEER". Out of all of the
size unit they have in each catagory, there will be a "trophy model" that
will get that efficiency. Usually that mean a smaller unit like a 2 ton
matched with a larger air handler (like a 5-ton). Now not all of them are
like that. But some are. The customer was just a little upset that they were
paying for a 17 SEER system and not getting it. In other words, they could
have put in a 15 SEER outdoor unit with one of the variable speed air
handlers and gotten a HIGHER SEER than the 17 SEER system AND for a lot
less. We DID end up throwing in a lot of "freebies" and they were happy
afterwards. I check ratings now beforehand.
O.K., one other example: The owner's daughter is building a house this
summer. It will require a 4 Ton and a 2 Ton A/C systems. She wanted to go
with the highest efficiency units availble so I looked at the Carrier
Infinity 21 SEER. The BEST that you can achieve from the 4 Ton unit was
16.4!!! Strange...
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