Home Centra Air Conditioning - Recommendations/Info

[JMAK74]

I'm looking into getting a central air conditioning unit for casa de JMAK74 (in Ajax)

I've never bought a central air conditioning unit before, so, what should I be looking for in regards to the unit? Any manufacturers a fellow TM3'er would recommend?

Thank you

[KenYork]

This may help you with terms (http://www.yorkupg.com/homeowners/air_conditioning/index.asp)

Lennox (http://www.lennox.com/products/list.asp?type=1)
Keeprite (http://www.keeprite.com/products/18ac.html)
Carrier (http://www.residential.carrier.com/products/acheatpumps/ac/index.shtml)
York (//http://www.yorkupg.com/homeowners/air_conditioning/select_a_model.asp)
I had the York Latitude TCGF put into a 2300sqft home last year. Works great. The other house has a Keeprite, it's been there for 22yrs.. it's still working.

They're all recommended companies, just need a good contractor to install. I'd say a minimum of a seer 14 unit for a house between 15-2100 sqft and another seer lever for each additional 3-500 sqft.

[kevcol74]

I have a Trane for my house, 1890 sq ft, unfinished basement currently. 13 SEER, which is basically the best bang for the buck. 14 seer is turning into more common place. But going any higher is not worth the extra cost. Basically the cost for the higher efficeincy doen't pay itself back over the expected life of the units.
Trane is one of the better units, Carrier, York and Lennox aren't as good. Keeprite is better than the others.
If someone (contractor) reccomends a different brand, look into it. Most are made by the same companies, badged under another name. There are alot of Keeprite made units under different badges. (ie Sears brand)
FTR, I used to design HVAC systems, thats why I have a Trane.

[JMAK74]

Thank you for the info.

I've heard about the SEER number, but now have a better idea on it.

JMAK