Help me choose A/C system?

From the same contractor?

Make sure they complete a manual j and manual d calc before sizing.

After that pick whichever one you like best. Both use almost all the same components. I would choose based on cost and warranty if it were me.

The biggest factor is the installer. A poor install by a bad contactor will make every brand suck.

I have the 18 SEER Trane with variable speed air handler. Super efficient and very quiet. Can't even hear it when its running. I'd definitely recommend it.

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es from the same contractor. He has already did the load. He says Amana has better warranty and $900 cheaper

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I had an amana system in my last house. No complaints about the equipment.

How do you feel about consumer reports ratings? Based on their maintenance and reliability surveys of Consumer Unions members Trane gets the highest rating in both predicted reliability (8/10 rating) and owner satisfaction (9/10 rating). Amana is #15 of 21 in predicted reliability(6/10 rating) and #17 of 21 in owner satisfaction (6/10 rating).

Those are brand rating so individual models may differ. Based on my personal experience with Trane, I think I’m likely to get that brand if I have to buy a new unit.

I talked to my A/C yesterday and he said go with the Trane because of the TAM9 air handler. He said Trane is in a league of its own with variable speed units. He is a big Amana dealer with lots of kickback from them. He said in my situation the Trane unit all day long

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I talked to my A/C yesterday and he said go with the Trane because of the TAM9 air handler. He said Trane is in a league of its own with variable speed units. He is a big Amana dealer with lots of kickback from them. He said in my situation the Trane unit all day long

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Since he will install it and service it, sounds like advice worth considering.

American Standard / Trane.. Same units,same model numbers, different colors. The proper install is the key. Don't cut corners and you should be fine..

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I have the 18 SEER Trane with variable speed air handler. Super efficient and very quiet. Can't even hear it when its running. I'd definitely recommend it. I have had the same, 5 years old this summer.

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Curious, do you have open cell foam insulation in your attic or traditional blown in or bat fiberglass insulation in attic?

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blown in. I did not build it, it was a builder spec..

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Thanks and no problems (condensation, etc) associated with ductwork to date?

I ask b/c I’ll replace my 14 year old HVAC in the next year or 2 and I also have traditional blown in insulation in attic. I have quotes sitting on my desk for Trane single stage Seer 16 and variable speed Trane seer 18. I like the idea of the variable speed unit but have read that one must potentially aware of potential moisture issues in ductwork if all aspects of the duct work and air handler are not properly insulated in a “traditional” open ventilated attic (fiberglass insulation). Also I’m told that variable speed units can potentially more of an issue, condensation wise, for those who keep their AC at low temps, like 70 F or lower, because of the long run times associated with the variable speed units, reaching dew point in the attic, etc. Anyway, doing all my homework before I make my final decision.

I’m glad to hear your happy with your system. I like the idea of a variable speed system that is quiet. My single stage unit pretty loud but I’m so used to i don’t give it a second thought, but HVAC tech that provided me quotes asked if my current system was always that loud.

I disagree. A attic with spray foam on roofline is 30 to 40 degrees cooler