[wamley]

Carrier Brands = Automated Logic, Bryant, Carrier, CIAT, Day & Night, Heil, NORESCO and Riello,

[Lazydaze]

Just this past week, we had our system totally replaced…it was 17 years old (we live in Caroline). Did research on a half dozen companies and had them all quote out new systems. We did not use Chuck Farrel, but went with Munns who only install Carrier systems. Prices were comparable to others, but we felt they were very professional, on time on installation and covered everything that had to be done.

[Janetmcg]

Originally Posted by mvbird

Our house in Caroline was built in 2005. Guessing many others besides us have, or will have to replace their HVAC system.... leaks, corrosion, rust, old age. There were some nice words on the forum a few years ago about Chuck Farrell AC & Heating in Lady Lake. Their brand is 'Tempstar' (same mfg. as Carrier) and their estimate is good compared to 2 others. But, before we write the check... any comments ?

I have also been looking to replace my HVAC unit. After several calls I think I have settled on Marc Anthony who will install a Bosch unit at a competitive price. Has anyone had any experience with Marc Anthony or Bosch?
Is SEER 15 good or would you pay $1,100 more for a SEER 16?
Is a Uv light necessary?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Janetmcg

I have also been looking to replace my HVAC unit. After several calls I think I have settled on Marc Anthony who will install a Bosch unit at a competitive price. Has anyone had any experience with Marc Anthony or Bosch?
Is SEER 15 good or would you pay $1,100 more for a SEER 16?
Is a Uv light necessary?

SEER 15 is the new legal requirement for Florida as of this year. Paying extra for an SEER 16 would be a waste of money. A UV light would also be a waste of money.

I don't know much about Bosch, but I would buy a basic single stage compressor Carrier system. My concern about an unusual system would be the availability of parts if the system fails. Electricity is relatively cheap in The Villages. My main concern about an HVAC system is that, when it fails, I want it repaired as soon as possible. These unusual and energy saving systems will not save you any money over the long term, and could take longer to repair when they fail.

Note that I seached the Bosch website for HVAC service providers and the closest provider is in Clermont.

[donfey]

Originally Posted by mvbird

Our house in Caroline was built in 2005. Guessing many others besides us have, or will have to replace their HVAC system.... leaks, corrosion, rust, old age. There were some nice words on the forum a few years ago about Chuck Farrell AC & Heating in Lady Lake. Their brand is 'Tempstar' (same mfg. as Carrier) and their estimate is good compared to 2 others. But, before we write the check... any comments ?

For all the negative comments about "brands," Tempter has good reviews and an excellent warranty.

[donfey]

Originally Posted by Janetmcg

I have also been looking to replace my HVAC unit. After several calls I think I have settled on Marc Anthony who will install a Bosch unit at a competitive price. Has anyone had any experience with Marc Anthony or Bosch?
Is SEER 15 good or would you pay $1,100 more for a SEER 16?
Is a Uv light necessary?

Given the savings from increasing from 15 to 16 SEER for $1100, it would take 15 to 20 years to break even.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by donfey

For all the negative comments about "brands," Tempter has good reviews and an excellent warranty.

To me, it looks like Carrier offers a better warranty than Tempstar for their standard level products.

Tempstar® vs Carrier: Warranty Comparison
Tempstar® AC products provide a wide array of warranty choices upon registration. Their premium products have a 10-year warranty with a 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty. It also offers a No Hassle Replacement™ limited warranty, assuring replacement of the AC unit if a major component has any defect or suddenly fails during the coverage period. Their mid-tier or economical products have five years of warranty, while their standard-level products have 1 or 3 years of warranty.

On the other hand, Carrier only offers one warranty choice for all their product lines: Infinity, Performance, and Comfort series air conditioners. Upon registration, customers are entitled to a 10-year parts limited warranty and a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.

Overall, Tempstar® air conditioners have the advantage since it offers a broader array of warranty choices.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by donfey

Given the savings from increasing from 15 to 16 SEER for $1100, it would take 15 to 20 years to break even.

I agree, if you omit the time value of money factor. But, if you apply a 5 percent per year value to the initial $1,100 cost, there is no savings or break even point at all.

[PurePeach]

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

I think I’d stay with the name brands and maybe have the new system installed by Lowes or Home Depot. Watch for their sales. The reliability of their guarantees will be more reliable than a small contractor.

We are Home Depot folks to the core (native Atlantans, HD Headquarters). We got ours through Home Depot last July. They use ARS based in Orlando and have been their HVAC contractor for 18 years and they are the contractor for Lowe’s as well (11 years). It’s a Carrier and came with a Nest thermostat, which I like. The price was excellent. They arrived on time, installation was neat and clean, and the installers were great guys. We had our first annual service a couple months ago and the person arrived on time and was thorough. We’re very happy.

[zummy]

Originally Posted by mvbird

Our house in Caroline was built in 2005. Guessing many others besides us have, or will have to replace their HVAC system.... leaks, corrosion, rust, old age. There were some nice words on the forum a few years ago about Chuck Farrell AC & Heating in Lady Lake. Their brand is 'Tempstar' (same mfg. as Carrier) and their estimate is good compared to 2 others. But, before we write the check... any comments ?

Who ever you use, be aware that you can get a 2000. Nonfundable tax credit putting in a qualified unit. Nonfundable means you have to owe the feds money at tax time to take the credit so you may have to modify withholding. I just replaced mine with Sun Kool for 8200, less 2000 =6200 including a 10 year parts and labor on a Carrier unit with a IWave air purifier. Wife says she wakes up with no allergy symptoms. Call Salina at 352-266-0456 for a free in home estimate. She knows her stuff

[retiredguy123]

I have never paid for annual service on any HVAC system. But, if you buy a new system with a 5 to 10 year warranty, you can save money by rejecting the maintenance contract and doing your own maintenance, at least until the warranty expires. Changing the filter, keeping the condensate drain clear, and inspecting the outside unit for dirt and debris will keep the system operating efficiently.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by zummy

Who ever you use, be aware that you can get a 2000. Nonfundable tax credit putting in a qualified unit. Nonfundable means you have to owe the feds money at tax time to take the credit so you may have to modify withholding. I just replaced mine with Sun Kool for 8200, less 2000 =6200 including a 10 year parts and labor on a Carrier unit with a IWave air purifier. Wife says she wakes up with no allergy symptoms. Call Salina at 352-266-0456 for a free in home estimate. She knows her stuff

The amount of taxes withheld has nothing to do with the credit. You need to actually owe taxes for the year to receive the credit. So, increasing your withholding amount will not make you eligible or ineligible for a non-refundable credit.

[PJ_Smiley]

We owned designer Gardenia approx. 2000 sq. ft. We extended and enclosed the lanai (420 sq. ft.). Tossed around mini-split on lanai, but we decided we wanted to have A/C ducts and return in lanai. If you have a larger home you may want to consider what we did when we upgraded/replaced our A/C. We had Munn's installed a "zoned" A/C system with 4 zones. Each zone has its own thermostat to control temperature in that zone. We actually moved the original whole-house thermostat that was located in hallway to master bedroom, just opposite the kitchen, to the hallway next to living room. This made more sense to us to control living/dining/kitchen area of the house. Our four zones - main living area, master bedroom, guest bedrooms and bath, and lanai. We did not need to cool whole house at night just to have master bedroom colder. Or we could cool lanai only when we were using it. More efficient and more control over each zone.

[swiley]

I have used Chuck Farrell to replace three hvac systems for me in different houses and have been extremely satisfied. I have also recommended him to others who were also well satisfied.

[daniel200]

I had a new Trane HVAC system installed (SEER 16) last year by M&S Air Conditioning. No issues or tegrets