Trane vs. Carrier HVAC Equip

[loknload]

Okay guys, need your thoughts here, no this is not a gun poll.
Last two months I've been beating my brains out about new HVAC equipment.
The units I have now were installed when the home was built 30 years ago and it was Bryant contractor grade equipment.
After doing my research and after being in the business, quite a few years removed, I have it narrowed down to two contractors both do good install and service work. I have some connection to both contractors.
One handles Trane and the other handles Carrier
Both are giving me comparable prices but can't decide which equipment to go with. Both companies make good equipment.
So which one are you running and which one would you install!

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

I'd pick the one with the best included parts, labor, service, factory warranty. If that's all equal I'd flip a coin.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Show me the money!

 

[zonker5]

I put in three Carrier units a few years ago. Work well but two have had the compressor replaced under warranty. Carrier was super helpful with the warranty part, the dealer not so much.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Had a Trane for over 20 years. Serviced this year for the first time. Fuse was the problem.....

 

[mtgianni]

They are different companies but both also have around 6-8 companies that get the same furnace with the only difference being the name plate. Go with the local company with the better service record not the manufacturer.

 

[loknload]

Trane is made by Trane and they make American Standard as well. Trane is owned by Ingersol Rand
Carrier is made by UTC which also makes Bryant, Payne, Day & Night, Heil and Tempstar.
They are both supposedly made in this country? Which I find hard to believe, I know Carrier doubled back and did move some to Mexico.

 

[swsig]

I have two Trane units. They both work great. One is 13 years old, and it required a new compressor motor, but that was covered by the warranty at no charge. The other is fairly new, but it's been perfect so far. They both get heavy use in our Texas summers. I had our HVAC work done based on the contractor's reputation, not the brand he sells, but since he's a Trane dealer that's what I got, and I've been very pleased so far.

Consumer Reports has just published reliability ratings of central A/C systems in their July 2018 issue. They're from owner reports, and are based on the frequency of breakage during the first five years of ownership. American Standard was #1 at 15%. Trane was #2 at 16%. Carrier was #5 at 18%. Last was York at 25%. If all other things are equal, I'd go with Trane.

 

[HARDWARE]

Have had good luck with a trane in a very hostile environment...that's all I can add

 

[zzclancy]

2 years ago new AC and furnace. IMO Trane is the best product.

 

[LVSteve]

Trane makes nice gear but their warranty folks can be a PITA from what I hear. In this town their parts supplier also has a rep for service with a sneer. I just had an Amana fitted and that have an excellent service record around here.

 

[tlawler]

Trane is made by Trane and they make American Standard as well. Trane is owned by Ingersol Rand
Carrier is made by UTC which also makes Bryant, Payne, Day & Night, Heil and Tempstar.
They are both supposedly made in this country? Which I find hard to believe, I know Carrier doubled back and did move some to Mexico.

Trane and AS parted ways a few years ago. You left out York, which is now part of the monopolizing conglomerate known as Johnson Controls. Pretty good units, I think the build quality of the cabinets are better than Trane or Carrier, which is the only proprietary thing made by any of them. Inside, all the parts are made by someone else, Danfoss, Alliance, or Copeland compressors; relays, contactors, capacitors, and control boards all made by different manufacturers and none in this country. If you really want a quality unit, give Dave Lennox a call. But then what do I know? I'm just a chiller mechanic.

 

[sheepdawg]

I've been told by a few folks in the know to avoid a new Trane so I went with a Lennox. It replaced a 15 year old Trane and it's much more efficient and far quieter.

 

[doublesharp]

Ask about Goodman.

 

[Model 19 6"]

Nothing stops a Trane!!!

 

[LVSteve]

If you really want a quality unit, give Dave Lennox a call. But then what do I know? I'm just a chiller mechanic.

If you've got deep pockets and are prepared to put up with their "our way or the highway" attitude to spares, Lennox is great. Most A/C folks in this city will only touch a Lennox under protest.

 

[loknload]

I nixed out Lennox early on because of their proprietary and supply chain issues.
In all reality I believe it's going to be Trane this time around,but I have to admit the Carrier installer was looking good!

 

[loknload]

I want to thank everyone for your thoughts on the subject it has been a great help in making this decision. I really do appreciate it!

 

[slickracer]

The installer is worth more than the equipment when you are talking about HVAC.

 

[s&wchad]

I'll give you something else to consider.

My AC went out about 5 years ago on a 90 degree day, so I called a Trane dealer who belongs to my gun club. The AC unit was 20 years old and about shot and my furnace (builder installed) was the same age and on its last legs. In the summer, my electric bills were between $250 and $300. In the middle of winter, my gas bills were about the same. Our house is around 2600 sq/ft, plus a full size basement.

The Trane dealer evaluated my bills and recommended a heat pump and a high efficiency back-up furnace. The heat pump acts as an AC, but it also acts as a heater when it's above 40 degrees. The total package, which included an electronic air cleaner and humidifier, ran about $13,500 and included a 10 year warranty. That's substantially higher than a conventional furnace and AC unit, but he assured me I'd save a lot on my utility bills.

He was right! During peak months, my highest gas or electric bills rarely top $160. I just paid my June electric bill and it was $107, with the thermostat set at 68. The heat pump is on interruptible service, which provides about a 12% discount (more in the winter). Over the last 5 years, my utility savings have been $1000/yr plus. The system will just about pay for itself over the life of the warranty and I couldn't be more satisfied with it.