Need new central heat/AC

[BlueFox]

The central heater/AC for this house was probably built/installed in the early 80s, and now needs to be replaced by something reliable and efficient. It is mounted on the roof, and is gas heat.

Any suggestions for a good replacement. I don’t mind paying a few extra dollars for something that will work 20-30 years with no issues.

 

[Mike]

Trane AC/heat with variable speed. Just installed one this year. We love it and the variable speed really does save $$ each month.

 

[BlueFox]

Some Trane industrial unit is up there now. When it works, it is great, but it really loves electricity.

 

[blueoak]

Does not matter what brand you buy; they are all made by the same three companies and the quality is comparable.

The quality of the system is 100% about the skills of the installer. Expect to spend $10,000++ minimum. Although price doesn’t equal quality.

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/

Lots of great info there.

 

[GSOphile]

Some Trane industrial unit is up there now. When it works, it is great, but it really loves electricity.

If memory serves, minimum energy efficiency standards changed significantly sometime in the 1990s (?). What's sold now for home use is on average way more efficient than most old units sold previously when energy was relatively cheap. This based on my experience replacing an old 70s unit about 12 years ago.

 

[CPP]

We put a Trane XV 18 with the Trane hyperion air handler two years ago, along with 4 new duct routes and 3 duct rebuilds for efficiency, the complete system is working perfectly and we love the decrease in our power bill.

 

[Ritmo]

We purchased a Trane 18 SEER with variable speed and three zones for our new home. The unit is super quiet. Don’t know about the electric bill yet, we will in a month! Or maybe in 4 months when it gets warm here in FL.