I was told that American Standards AC systems are identical to Trane but cheaper. Is this true or are there differences? Also what is the true advantage of a variable speed condenser is it worth the extra $?
Thanks,
MC
Yes they are some what the same.
They can save you money, if you are talking about 2-speed compressor.
Just make sure when you buy their high end equipment to buy what the manufacture recommends.
You can find this out at the manufacture's web page.
Miami Cuse;
In all fairness, it comes down to "what do you want to do?"
Are you achieving comfort? You want efficiency? Or both? Do you want economy? What's more important - immediate cost, or operational cost? Are you looking for long term?
American Standard was purchased by Trane, as well as General Electric's air conditioning divison. Are they the same? Not really. American Standard is an "economy" unit compared to the Trane line.
Your' Call
Zyp
Another buyer hung up on a brand...
You're better off finding the best HVAC company and hire them for your HVAC needs!
On those not so hot days when your running the AC , the first stage cooling is much cheaper to run for long periods of time versus the start and stop costs of cycling the second stage cooling. Think of it like a runner trying to get up to speed, it takes a lot of energy to get going, but once your upto speed it is easy to keep going. The same holds true every time your compressor fires up. Properly sizing an AC to the house's demand is vital for energy consumption. Most people think that the AC should be able to cool the house quickly and shut down, this is not true , it should literally run all day long on the most demanding days and still keep the temp where it is set. Personally I would avoid TRANE / American Standard like the plague and spend a few more bucks on a decent unit such as Carrier. You get what you pay for.
Actually KPRO is right! The installing contractor can make or brake a system install. Quality equipment and shoty install not a efficient system make.
Thornton:
Have you ever stopped and actually took readings to find out if what you are saying is true? In other words using a watt meter? Just parroting what the sales people ./ tech people say "may" not be what "we" all think it is.
In any sense of efficiency, the design of any unitary air condtioning system should be designed for the "average day" for the area of the installation. See [ASHREA] That being said, there are days that fall out of the design criteria. On those days, the system is either too small or too large. With all of those thoughts, a slightly larger system will be too large for "most days." And, as a result "may" cost more to operate slightly and not dehumidify the air as well as a properly sized system. You may experience a "clammy" wet feeling with a system that is grossly too large. But a system that's oversized by 1/2 ton may not present a problem. And yet on those days when you really, really need it, it will work well.
It is highly recommended that the installing contractor perform ACCA Manual J anylisis, and then those questions could be addressed. But most contractors don't do the design work. As a result, the system is "slapped" in with insufficient return air, insufficient supply design, and a grossly overcharged system to keep that evaporator from freezing.
What the consumer ends up with is a system that cost more than necessary to run each month, only because of the installation and not because of the equipment choosen.
Zyp
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