What’s in a Brand Name?
This topic has been coming up a lot lately and I want to take a few minutes to discuss the differences between the different brand names of air conditioners on the market.
Let’s begin with the fact that while there are more than twenty “brand” names in the marketplace, and there are actually only six manufacturers of air conditioning equipment. Rheem and Ruud – same air conditioner, Carrier makes Bryant, Payne and a couple others, Lennox and Airflow same thing, and of course American Standard and Trane are the exact same air conditioners. Rounding out the pack is Daiken, which makes Goodman and Amana, and last, but not least, York. Why so many brand names you ask? The simple answer is that over the years companies have merged and the respective brand names were popular enough that the corporate executives decided to keep them and just merge the two or more companies.
So, the question is, do brand names really matter, and in a word the answer is no. As long as you are comparing the same features and benefits the machines themselves are pretty much the same. When you get into inverter style air conditioners the outdoor units can have many different speeds ranging from three to seven hundred. If you want to take a deeper look at the benefits of inverting air conditioners jump over here to an article I did a couple months back. You also need to make sure you are comparing the same SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating), and that the indoor unit comes with a variable speed fan motor, or is it a constant torque. Yes, constant torque is just like it sounds it has one speed; “on”.
The next question posed is, “What about warranties?” Again, all the major players have the exact same warranties, if the equipment is registered with the manufacturer you get ten years on the major pieces and parts, if the equipment is not registered that drops to five years. This is applicable in residential situations only. Warranties are transferable to a new home owner providing they contact the equipment manufacturer and let them know they are the new owners. If this step is not completed within ninety days of closing on the home, most companies will no longer honor the warranty.
Here is what it boils down to. Some companies prefer some brands over others, some guys have personal reasons why they like one brand over another, much as some people love Fords and others must drive a Toyota. The biggest factor to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system for your home is the company that is going to install it. As with everything, there is a process to properly installing an AC unit so that it will provide you, the homeowner, the most life and best efficiency. A cheaper price usually means that some form of short cut is going to be taken during the installation process that very well may reduce the life span of your brand-new system. Check the labor warranty and do your homework on the company performing your installation before worrying about the brand name is the best advice I can give you.
Ok I’m off to Miami once again my friends, so until your path leads you in this direction once more, remember that a good pun is its own re-word.
House Whisperer out!!
