Central AC repair

Concrete Helmet

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Got a new Goodman system a few months ago, replacing a Trane unit. The A/C company did NOT think Trane was worth the extra money, and in fact preferred Goodman systems. They also quoted the problem in getting Trane parts.
I've replaced 4 AC units in the last 2-3 years with Goodmans because the installer's is a friend and he says for the money they're fine. Haven't had any issues yet . I replaced one with a Trane at one of my rentals because the tenant knew someone who could install it quicker. The only difference I can see(hear actually) is the Goodman's are a little noisy.
 

jeeping8r

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I work on automotive systems and I just want them to decide on one particular refrigerant and be done with it. In the early 90's they went from R12 to R134a, Now they're starting to use R1234yf and the costs are through the roof.
R12 used to cost me about a buck per pound.... R134a costs me about $3/ pound when on sale.... The new crap would cost me almost $20/ pound if I messed with it. Through snap on tools the machine to do R1234yf would cost me $13,200

Homes usually use different stuff

Whatever you do DO NOT use any refrigerants with a sealer in them, The valves in your unit can clog and your A/C guy will be real pissed when he realizes his multi thousand $$ machine is now pretty much useless.
 

bradgator2

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Anybody has any experience with the "Mistbox "?


That pic looks like the outdoor compressor. Air gets pulled into the house from there? Maybe I dont get the design.

Maybe it cools the compressor better?
 

78

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American Standard is to Trane what GMC is to Cadillac -- the same product without the badge and at a lower cost. I've had one at the office for 11 years and it's been a workaholic.
 

Durty South Swamp

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doodley doodley doo!
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Got a new Goodman system a few months ago, replacing a Trane unit. The A/C company did NOT think Trane was worth the extra money, and in fact preferred Goodman systems. They also quoted the problem in getting Trane parts.
I put in a 13 Seer goodman in 09 and have been very pleased. Have a freind who owns his own AC install/repair company and it's what he recommended. Apparently years back they weren't very good but are actually now pretty comparable to higher end brands but much less expensive. Had him buy it for me at wholesale cost and install it. Was surprised to find that when he finished the install he wouldnt take any money for the labor, choosing to instead give it to me as a wedding present (had recently been married).

Thing still runs great and cools very well and my electric bills actually went down. Goodman has a bad rap but its a pretty good system.
 

78

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Lightning took out my compressor last week at the office. I replaced the entire system with one from Ameristar, a division of Ingersoll Rand, which manufactures Trane. I'm hoping it gives me Trane-like performance at a lesser cost.
 

crosscreekcooter

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Lightning took out my compressor last week at the office. I replaced the entire system with one from Ameristar, a division of Ingersoll Rand, which manufactures Trane. I'm hoping it gives me Trane-like performance at a lesser cost.

Saw these comments in an HVAC forum (10 years old )
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I noticed this question while surfing the net. It was asked a while back, but I was compelled to give my opinion. I am a HVAC contractor in Florida who sells Trane, American Standard, and Ameristar equipment. They all use the same functional components, the quality of the parts are of the same standard. They do not use a grading system to determine if a part should go in to a Ameristar, but not a American Standard or Trane, or visa versa.
Differences are in warranties, cosmetics and prices.
In my opinion you can't go wrong with any of their equipment, I think they are the best.
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I am a licensed (in SC) HVAC contractor and have been in this business since 1984.
As has been said already, these 3 units have the same 'core' design which fall under the parent company American Standard. They are all great equipment (virtually the same). As was stated in another reply, the basic components are the same, some of the appearances have been changed to extend the 'parent company's' marketing ability.
It's kind of like buying a GMC truck vs. a Chevrolet truck. They both use the same design and structure, but they look slightly different from one another. The customer may prefer the looks of one over the other, but the core of the vehicles are the same!
p.s. You will find the same with Carrier: Bryant, Day&Night, and Payne are all products which fall under the same parent company of Carrier.
Further example: Some of you 'end-users' have heard of the following: Heil, Arco Air, Comfortmaker. You guessed it! These are all the same core design with basic appearance changes.
 

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