WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN RESIDENTIAL HEATING AND AIR EQUIPMENT

When it comes to selecting an air conditioner, many homeowners place a great deal of emphasis on the brand name. They may assume that a well-known brand automatically guarantees quality and reliability. However, the reality is that most brands of air conditioners share a core list of common parts.

With the exception of some Carrier and Trane/American Standard systems, most air conditioner brands use the same brands of compressors. These include Copeland, Tecumseh, and Bristol, among others. Additionally, most brands use about three or four brands of motors. This trend continues for almost all parts, with the exception of the sheet metal and the coils.

Furthermore, almost all brands have a few years every decade where they have coils they produced that are leaking long before they should. This issue can take years to surface and is a problem that affects almost all air conditioner brands at some point.

That said, with a few exceptions, almost all brands are pretty good. Some brands exaggerate in their marketing a lot more than others, while some quietly go about building great solid equipment without boasting so much. Some brands try to be “exclusive” by only allowing certain dealers to sell them. However, this is often just a marketing ploy, as the same equipment with a few changes is sold through “distributors” that smaller companies with lower overhead buy through. In most cases, the warranties, people building the equipment, and most parts are all the same, with only minor cosmetic differences.

In light of these factors, it is important for homeowners to focus less on the brand name and more on the expertise and reputation of the installer. Even high-quality air conditioning equipment can perform poorly if it is not installed correctly. Therefore, it is essential to choose an experienced and knowledgeable installer who has a proven track record of success.

In conclusion, while brand is certainly an important consideration when selecting an air conditioner, it is important to keep in mind that most brands share a common set of parts. Therefore, homeowners should prioritize the expertise and reputation of the installer when choosing an air conditioner for their home. By selecting a qualified and reliable installer, homeowners can ensure that their air conditioner is installed correctly and operates at peak efficiency and performance levels for years to come.