Air Conditioning experts-best ones?

[elaine]

we came back from a trip with AC unit frozen (solid week of 100 degree weather)---we let it thaw, then tried again--no luck--motor for blower looks burned up, at the very least.
Assuming we need a new unit, anyone done the research recently? we have zone AC. One unit for 2200 sq ft main level, another for upstairs. We have 9.5 yr old York units that had 10 SEER.
We live in DC area--use AC May-Sept with July/Aug. @ 90 degree weather most days. Tx, Elaine

 

[flexible]

we came back from a trip with AC unit frozen (solid week of 100 degree weather)---we let it thaw, then tried again--no luck--motor for blower looks burned up, at the very least.
Assuming we need a new unit, anyone done the research recently? we have zone AC. One unit for 2200 sq ft main level, another for upstairs. We have 9.5 yr old York units that had 10 SEER.
We live in DC area--use AC May-Sept with July/Aug. @ 90 degree weather most days. Tx, Elaine

My husband Ken (who retired from HVAC business in the mid 1980s) mentioned:

In GENERAL terms:
When the indoor coils or compressor (or another part in that area of the unit) FREEZES:
it indicates
LOW or NO REFRIGERANT
AND/OR
Restricted Air Flow over the indoor COIL
- which could be caused by plugged or dirty air filters OR a non-functioning supply motor

 

[Passepartout]

This is by no means an endorsement or anything else, just comment. A TUGger, hvacrsteve is, I think, a contractor on these in your area. Perhaps an email.....? I see he hasn't been here in about a week.

Jim

 

[nightnurse613]

9.5 years is not an excessive time for an AC -especially in your neck of the woods. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the coils, changing the filters, etc does help - and, being home when problems occur! 10 is still a pretty good seer (although it's probably less now then it was). When we were shopping I heard a lot of good things about Trane, Rheem/Rudd and Carrier. You might check some AC forums for HVAC recommendations. Some of the SEER units are now 16+ (variable or twin compressors) with some units over 20!! Check the ACCA website. Also check KUDZU for installer recommendations We just replaced an electric heat pump so, I am not sure about gas units - or even split units. I have been told (1) highest SEER rarely ever returns your investment and (2) most of the AC units are pretty much the same - although I have heard INSTALLATION on a split system is VERY important. Be sure to check your utility company for any rebates, too! Of course, August IS NOT the best time to be looking for an AC deal!

 

[artringwald]

Our 17 year old AC died a month ago, in the middle of a heat wave of course. From the research I did, the contractor you choose is as important as the AC brand. You should choose one that's a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America: https://www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor/

You also might check to see if your power company is offering rebates. Ours offers rebates, but only if the AC was installed by one of their approved contractors. Many contractors will try and sell too large of a unit, which ends up wasting power.

We found a ACCA contractor that was approved by the power company, and got a 16 SEER Trane unit. Our old unit would struggle on hot humid days, but the new unit doesn't have any trouble keeping it cool. The neighbors also like it because the compressor is much quieter.

Here's Consumer Reports reliability chart by brand:

 

[Don]

Our original Ruud died after only six years. The Trane we replaced it with is now six years old and is still going strong.

 

[SmithOp]

Our original Ruud died after only six years. The Trane we replaced it with is now six years old and is still going strong.

Another vote for Trane. When we moved in had a York 2ton unit that went out within 3 yrs, repair company negotiated a free warranty replacement but it was another York. Within 5 years it was groaning and buzzing again so I switched to a Trane 3ton 16 SEER, it's still quiet and efficient 5 years later.