New furnace/AC recommendation

[GK]

I'm looking at replacing my furnace and central AC (forced air). What are some of the more reliable brands/models? I've been thinking Carrier or Trane.

Thanks in advance. George

[HeatMan]

Go with the contractor, not the brand.

[CBHvac]

Simple:

You forget the name brand on the unit, and you go with the contractor that is going to do the best job, and that includes, not just looking at your unit that you have now, and pricing out the same size stuff, but someone that does the calculations to insure that the system was sized correctly from the start, that will insure all permits are pulled, and inspections performed, and I can promise the best system wont be the lowest bid.

Carrier and Trane, just for the record, are NOT the best systems on the market. If installed by a hack, they can be the worst. If installed by a competent installer, then they will perform as designed.

Personally, if I was looking at the best the market had, I would be looking for a good York installer, and a Stealth TS, and a Diamond 95% Ultra...but thats me..

[Ron]

Further to this excellent advice, if the contractor sells name brands, as many do, get the contractor's advice on your choice. We did this and it really paid off. After 8-9 years, our furnace developed a problem with the heat exchanger as discovered by the contractor that had installed it when he was doing our annual cleaning and inspection.

It ended up that the furnace had to be replaced because the heat exchanger was no longer being produced by the manufacturer. The manufacturer replaced the furnace (no charge) and the contractor gave us a big discount on the installation.

The same contractor had installed our AC (a York) and it has worked flawlessly for more than 15 years where our neighbours had other brands and they experienced trouble.

Just my two cents worth.