Our AC outside unit died yesterday. It had smoke and gas coming out of it. The technician said it burned up.
It is 12 yrs old. We have a 1800 ft 1950s house. From what I have read tonight , we need a 3 1/2 ton unit probably with a seer of 12-14. The technician mentioned 3 stage unit? or maybe that is what we have had. It is a Lennox unit now. We have never been really cool. It has always been SO loud. I have read about Variable speed compressors as being quieter. But what other things should I look for? Brands? About what would the cost be..he quoted me 3500-4500 but I think that is high.
Ellen
Tom’s Answer:
Podcast: Play in new window
Tom: Now, brands I don’t care about. Whatever contractor you use, make sure you stick with them. They install it; they maintain it. Brands are all the same. You’re going to start at about a 13. Now 12’s I don’t even know if they make them anymore. As far as, you’ve never really been cool because it’s too small, you need four tons. That is really important, and they’re going to talk you out of it, but don’t let them. Four tons with a slower fan speed. The slower fan speed will keep it quieter, and you don’t have to buy all those bells and whistles, because most older homes just don’t justify the extra cost.