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Challenger 07-26-2024 05:01 PM

need new air conditioner
 
need new airconditioner. Who is trustworthy and company

retiredguy123 07-26-2024 05:16 PM

If i needed a new system, I would buy a Carrier unit from Munn's. I would get a standard, single stage compressor that will come with a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. There is no need to sign up for an annual maintenance agreement, at least for the first few years. Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts are more difficult to get.

Chuck Farrell is also a good company. You may save a little money with Farrell, but I don't think they are as readily available to service the warranty as Munn's, especially on weekends. Also, I don't think they sell Carrier units, which is the most common system in The Villages.

dewilson58 07-26-2024 05:17 PM

Sunshine AC

or

SunKool AC

JMintzer 07-26-2024 05:51 PM

Sunshine repaired my AC unit at 9:30 on a Saturday night, earlier this month... Couldn't be happier with their service...

Bogie Shooter 07-26-2024 06:52 PM

Munn’s is replacing my 19 year old Trane with a new Carrier, next Wednesday.
Yes, I know we have been told that has been a great run for our Trane!
Give Munn’s a call.

Topspinmo 07-26-2024 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Challenger (Post 2353330)
need new airconditioner. Who is trustworthy and company


Munns IMO.

Altavia 07-26-2024 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353337)
If i needed a new system, I would buy a Carrier unit from Munn's. I would get a standard, single stage compressor that will come with a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. There is no need to sign up for an annual maintenance agreement, at least for the first few years. Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts a more difficult to get.

Chuck Farrell is also a good company. You may save a little money with Farrell, but I don't think they are as readily available to service the warranty as Munn's, especially on weekends. Also, I don't think they sell Carrier units, which is the most common system in The Villages.

Good advise!

Get quotes from at least 3 of those recommended here.

ThirdOfFive 07-26-2024 07:56 PM

Another vote for Munn's. Our 15 year old unit died last year: I called Munn's in Friday afternoon and by noon Wednesday we had a new unit installed and running. Caveat: that was in January. You might have a bit longer wait in July, but Munn's are known for getting things done quickly.

JRcorvette 07-26-2024 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Challenger (Post 2353330)
need new airconditioner. Who is trustworthy and company

I just replaced my AC unit and got 3 estimates…. Kalos & Sunshine were very close Munds was a whopping $2400 higher for the same unit. Went with Kalos because they have been our Service company for the past 8 years. We did upgrade to a 2 speed compressor and 2 speed fan but they gave us prices for all models of Carrier units.

CFrance 07-26-2024 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive (Post 2353374)
Another vote for Munn's. Our 15 year old unit died last year: I called Munn's in Friday afternoon and by noon Wednesday we had a new unit installed and running. Caveat: that was in January. You might have a bit longer wait in July, but Munn's are known for getting things done quickly.

You make a good point about the time of year. Our next-door neighbors, who have had service contracts with Munn's for over a decade, had to wait ten days for them to replace their air conditioner in July. (Munn's did put a portable air conditioner in their bedroom.) This caused another neighbor to replace their unit before it broke.

asianthree 07-27-2024 04:41 AM

Have used Chuck at two different homes. Service is excellent, and happy with price. For our third home Chuck doesn’t travel south, office recommendation was Kalos. I would use them again.

First home came with Sunkool, I was happy with them until they wanted me to buy a new unit, said our 6yo unit rusted out, new unit $8,000. Had Chuck for second opinion, didn’t need a new unit yet, not rusted, fixed minor problem, $175. Unit lasted 10 more years.

Fourth new build comes with Sunshine, first time with them. Had first yearly check up. Will see how it goes for next year.

Challenger 07-27-2024 05:00 AM

Thanks for the many responses. Think I'll call Munns first based on the numerous recommendations that I saw here.

CFrance 07-27-2024 05:25 AM

Challenger, just curious. Has your unit gone out, or are you taking preventive action?

CFrance 07-27-2024 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2353406)
Have used Chuck at two different homes. Service is excellent, and happy with price. For our third home Chuck doesn’t travel south, office recommendation was Kalos. I would use them again.

First home came with Sunkool, I was happy with them until they wanted me to buy a new unit, said our 6yo unit rusted out, new unit $8,000. Had Chuck for second opinion, didn’t need a new unit yet, not rusted, fixed minor problem, $175. Unit lasted 10 more years.

Fourth new build comes with Sunshine, first time with them. Had first yearly check up. Will see how it goes for next year.


That was exactly our experience with SunKool after six years. We switched to Kalos and have been happy with their service, especially prompt service when the capacitor went out.

Plinker 07-27-2024 06:54 AM

Currently, there is a $2,000 tax credit available. Our A/C started leaking refrigerant from coils last week. It is 10 years old. Munn’s is replacing it next week.
Cost is $8,500 before tax credit.

Lottoguy 07-27-2024 11:14 AM

Call CHUCK FARRELL for a quote. He does many installs and has a great reputation.

Toymeister 07-27-2024 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353337)
Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts are more difficult to get.

there is a distinct and notable difference between a two speed vice a variable speed compressor. Parts, comfort and cost savings make absolute sense for a two speed systems. Variable speed systems are much more expensive with complex, less common parts.

JRcorvette 07-27-2024 03:24 PM

Two speed compressors are just find and will save you on your AC bill. Parts for any Carrier AC are not an issue or problem. Yes they are more expensive. If you are 90 probably not worth it.

Lyarham 07-28-2024 05:29 AM

Ac unit
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Challenger (Post 2353330)
need new airconditioner. Who is trustworthy and company

Chuck Ferrell

RICH1 07-28-2024 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353337)
If i needed a new system, I would buy a Carrier unit from Munn's. I would get a standard, single stage compressor that will come with a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. There is no need to sign up for an annual maintenance agreement, at least for the first few years. Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts are more difficult to get.

Chuck Farrell is also a good company. You may save a little money with Farrell, but I don't think they are as readily available to service the warranty as Munn's, especially on weekends. Also, I don't think they sell Carrier units, which is the most common system in The Villages.

This is the Best Reply to the OP Question ...,l

sdeikenberry 07-28-2024 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Challenger (Post 2353330)
need new airconditioner. Who is trustworthy and company

Call Chuck Farrell HVAC. the most honest and trustworthy HVAC company in the area. They replaced my HVAC in April, and we could not be happier with their staff and level if careful installation.

JudyLife 07-28-2024 07:42 AM

Munns

mrf6969 07-28-2024 08:11 AM

We have had great service with DeSantis HVAC. They just installed a new system for us, $7900. Used them for 4 years now and every time perfect results.

mrkorn12@aol.com 07-28-2024 08:49 AM

Call Good Guys Air Conditioning & Heating. They do excellent work, and very fair prices. (352) 557 - 9437. The guys on the team are: Billy, Brian, and Donnie. They have done work for many neighbors. They recently installed a new Carrier A/C system next door-- they are very pleased.

Cliff Fr 07-28-2024 08:49 AM

FYI: New EPA regulations go into effect in January. A different and new refrigerant will be required in all new units sold. The new refrigerant is flammable so all fittings will have to be compression fittings instead of soldered fittings. Prices are expected to increase about 25%. It is not known if modifications to existing installations will be required due to the increased fire hazard.

New Englander 07-28-2024 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toymeister (Post 2353633)
there is a distinct and notable difference between a two speed vice a variable speed compressor. Parts, comfort and cost savings make absolute sense for a two speed systems. Variable speed systems are much more expensive with complex, less common parts.

Are the two speeds the fan or compressor?

jrref 07-28-2024 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353337)
If i needed a new system, I would buy a Carrier unit from Munn's. I would get a standard, single stage compressor that will come with a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. There is no need to sign up for an annual maintenance agreement, at least for the first few years. Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts are more difficult to get.

Chuck Farrell is also a good company. You may save a little money with Farrell, but I don't think they are as readily available to service the warranty as Munn's, especially on weekends. Also, I don't think they sell Carrier units, which is the most common system in The Villages.

Yep, get the cheapest unit possible from the cheapest installer around. Don't consider the savings on a higher efficienty system over the time you will spend in your home and there are no spare parts for any systems except the cheap ones. Also don't worry about the installer being around for the next 5 years or anything like that. Just get the cheapest.:loco::loco:

jrref 07-28-2024 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliff Fr (Post 2353813)
FYI: New EPA regulations go into effect in January. A different and new refrigerant will be required in all new units sold. The new refrigerant is flammable so all fittings will have to be compression fittings instead of soldered fittings. Prices are expected to increase about 25%. It is not known if modifications to existing installations will be required due to the increased fire hazard.

The new refrigerant will only be for the new units starting 1/1/25. Changing of refrigerants has been going on for over 20 years and your existing systems will not need any modifications. The older refrigerants will be around for many years for maintenance purposes. Although the new refrigerant is somewhat flammable, it has a significantly higher efficiency and will not me a problem. It's similar to propane which many have in a tank in their yard or under the ground near their house. The newer HVAC units are more efficient and more sophisticated to get these efficiencies both for cooling and heating when using a heatpump which most of us are. This is why they will be more money. But the additional efficiency should offset some or all of the additional cost.

retiredguy123 07-28-2024 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2353823)
Yep, get the cheapest unit possible from the cheapest installer around. Don't consider the savings on a higher efficienty system over the time you will spend in your home and there are no spare parts for any systems except the cheap ones. Also don't worry about the installer being around for the next 5 years or anything like that. Just get the cheapest.:loco::loco:

Not what I said at all. The single stage Carrier system is, by far, the most commonly installed system in The Villages. Munn's is well recognized as an authorized Carrier dealer and expert installer and warranty repair company in The Villages. If your system fails, a Carrier system can usually be repaired within a day or so, even on a weekend. To me that is important. Neither the Carrier system or Munn's are the cheapest way to go.

I would also point out that there was another thread where a guy was waiting 4 months to get a part to repair his variable speed compressor that was installed by an out-of-town company. I doubt that a similar situation could ever occur with a single stage Carrier unit in The Villages.

Cliff Fr 07-28-2024 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2353837)
The new refrigerant will only be for the new units starting 1/1/25. Changing of refrigerants has been going on for over 20 years and your existing systems will not need any modifications. The older refrigerants will be around for many years for maintenance purposes. Although the new refrigerant is somewhat flammable, it has a significantly higher efficiency and will not me a problem. It's similar to propane which many have in a tank in their yard or under the ground near their house. The newer HVAC units are more efficient and more sophisticated to get these efficiencies both for cooling and heating when using a heatpump which most of us are. This is why they will be more money. But the additional efficiency should offset some or all of the additional cost.

But propane tanks are not allowed inside a house or business. I think there's a reason for that.

Cliff Fr 07-28-2024 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plinker (Post 2353455)
Currently, there is a $2,000 tax credit available. Our A/C started leaking refrigerant from coils last week. It is 10 years old. Munn’s is replacing it next week.
Cost is $8,500 before tax credit.

Wow!!

jrref 07-28-2024 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliff Fr (Post 2353845)
But propane tanks are not allowed inside a house or business. I think there's a reason for that.

Look at some Youtube videos on the subject. It's not going to be a problem.

nn0wheremann 07-28-2024 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353337)
If i needed a new system, I would buy a Carrier unit from Munn's. I would get a standard, single stage compressor that will come with a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. There is no need to sign up for an annual maintenance agreement, at least for the first few years. Also, don't buy a fancy variable speed or dual speed compressor. Too expensive and parts are more difficult to get.

Chuck Farrell is also a good company. You may save a little money with Farrell, but I don't think they are as readily available to service the warranty as Munn's, especially on weekends. Also, I don't think they sell Carrier units, which is the most common system in The Villages.

Five years ago a neighbor’s ac stop working on a Saturday. It was 15 years old. Munns said it had to be replaced and they could do it in two days on Monday. The start capacitor was shot, swollen, no good. A trip to Grangers in Ocala, $35, ten minutes work, and that now 20 year old AC is still working just fine. Steer clear of Munns!

retiredguy123 07-28-2024 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrkorn12@aol.com (Post 2353812)
Call Good Guys Air Conditioning & Heating. They do excellent work, and very fair prices. (352) 557 - 9437. The guys on the team are: Billy, Brian, and Donnie. They have done work for many neighbors. They recently installed a new Carrier A/C system next door-- they are very pleased.

I have heard excellent reviews about The Good Guys. But, before I hired them to install a new Carrier system, I would be interested in how they will service a 10-year parts and 5-year labor warranty. They are not listed as a Carrier dealer on the Carrier website. Does that mean they need to partner with a Carrier dealer for warranty work, or does Carrier supply any contractor with parts that are covered by the warranty? I would ask a lot of questions before hiring a non-Carrier dealer to install a new system.

jrref 07-28-2024 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353843)
Not what I said at all. The single stage Carrier system is, by far, the most commonly installed system in The Villages. Munn's is well recognized as an authorized Carrier dealer and expert installer and warranty repair company in The Villages. If your system fails, a Carrier system can usually be repaired within a day or so, even on a weekend. To me that is important. Neither the Carrier system or Munn's are the cheapest way to go.

I would also point out that there was another thread where a guy was waiting 4 months to get a part to repair his variable speed compressor that was installed by an out-of-town company. I doubt that a similar situation could ever occur with a single stage Carrier unit in The Villages.

I was just poking fun. You are correct. The larger companies like Munn's, Sunshine and other's are going to be a little more expensive BUT, they not only store a huge number of parts but they also have systems in their warehouse that they can pull and install incase they can't fix your existing unit because of a part issue. Also these newer variable speed inverter systems are way more efficient and will become the "norm" over the next couple of years. When you get estimates from Munn's and Sunshine or any of the big authorized Carrier guys they always give you a choice from the basic to the most efficient units. They have the parts and support for everything they sell. Then its up to you to figure out how long you plan to stay in your home, how much savings you will get from a higher efficiency system, how much added value will a more efficient system add to the resale of your home and finally what no one is talking about is how much more comfortable will you be with a more expensive inverter system. The older style system that most of us have is either all On or all Off. Its like driving your car with only one speed, full throtle. This wastes energy and makes it difficult to control the humidity in your home. The variable speed inverter systems run at the speed that you house needs at the moment dependent on the outside temperature and humidity and what the thermostat is telling the system about the temperature and humidity in your home. This saves energy and effectively controls the humidity in you home so its going to feel more comfortable. Did you know that these mini-splits use this "newer inverter technology" that everyone says there are no spare parts for?

Also, there is nothing wrong with going with a smaller company but just know they can have great prices and to an excellent job and be very honest, but they usually don't have the same capacity as the larger companies and here in Florida you can't be without air conditioning.

I forgot to mention, no matter what you buy, unless you maintain it, eventually its going to fail and you are going to be unhappy. Most maintenance involves cleaning the coils in the outside condensor and the inside evaporator, and the condensate line and this can be done by a homeowner if they have the ability and experience. But what the homeowner can't do is measure the decline of the start and run capacitor which will degrade over time and check the refrigerant once a year to make sure you don't have a leak and your unit is operating at maximum efficiency. Many will say, I have a spare capacitor from Amazon that I can replace when it fails but did you know as the capacitor degrades over time at a certain point the system will still run but the compressor will be doing more work and you are ultimately damaging it and shortening its life? So when someone said that you don't need a yearly contract, I would say the way things are here in the Villages, the amount they charge for this yearly preventive maintenance is definetly worth it.

Hope this helps.

jrref 07-28-2024 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann (Post 2353850)
Five years ago a neighbor’s ac stop working on a Saturday. It was 15 years old. Munns said it had to be replaced and they could do it in two days on Monday. The start capacitor was shot, swollen, no good. A trip to Grangers in Ocala, $35, ten minutes work, and that now 20 year old AC is still working just fine. Steer clear of Munns!

I'll bet you didn't have a service contract or they would have been to your house the same day. Additionally, they should have been able to see the capacitor degrading way before it failed and replaced it. Many will say, I have a spare capacitor from Amazon that I can replace when it fails but did you know as the capacitor degrades over time at a certain point the system will still run but the compressor will be doing more work and you are ultimately damaging it and shortening its life? So preventive maintenance always should be done.

Finally when it comes to the capacitor, generally, you will be charged anywhere form $75 to $150 to change the capacitor. But I always here people say they got ripped off and they could get the capacitor from Amazon for $20-$30. What you don't realize these are cheap Chinese knock-offs and they don't last as long. You can get American Made capacitors on Amazon form AMRAD but they are going to cost almost double but they will last significantly longer. You also have to consider the HVAC company has to charge you for the trip and their overhead to stay in business so at the end of the day, you are not being ripped-off unless someone charged you a crazy amount.

lake5798 07-28-2024 10:42 AM

We had Sunkool for 10 years, when I had a problem with my split unit in my garage,tech told me was not allowed tocharge if they knew it had a leak, total BS. I received quotes on my split unit in garage and also my whole house ac. Munns ,Kalos and Sun Kool. I told sun Kool to sharpen their pencil ,due to the service tech's false info. SunKool and Munns were $4K higher than Kalos. Kalos did a great job installing both in one day, I performed AC&R work while in the navy, so I knew Kalos was totally upfront and honest with what I was looking for. Would not hesitate at all to use them again!!

mikempp 07-28-2024 12:09 PM

I wouldn't buy a trane after what they did to us in the village of hadley.

jrref 07-28-2024 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lake5798 (Post 2353874)
We had Sunkool for 10 years, when I had a problem with my split unit in my garage,tech told me was not allowed tocharge if they knew it had a leak, total BS. I received quotes on my split unit in garage and also my whole house ac. Munns ,Kalos and Sun Kool. I told sun Kool to sharpen their pencil ,due to the service tech's false info. SunKool and Munns were $4K higher than Kalos. Kalos did a great job installing both in one day, I performed AC&R work while in the navy, so I knew Kalos was totally upfront and honest with what I was looking for. Would not hesitate at all to use them again!!

If you have a leak as you probably know, adding refrigerant will only fix the problem for a short period of time. It may be a day, week, month, can't tell because it depends on the size of the leak. The tech's company, Sunkool may have told him not to recharge when a leak is detected. The trick is to make sure the tech really found a leak or is he just trying to get you to purchase a new system. I haven't seen any of the big companies try to scam customers. Often its a mistake by the tech. I'm glad you found a good company to get the work done.

vettman01 07-28-2024 01:22 PM

Do not call Frank Gay!!!!


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