Air Conditioner Reliability

Living in the SW air conditioning is a large portion of our monthly electric bill expense. Our master bedroom unit is needing some TLC. It's an old 2 ton, 10 SEER unit manufactured in 1993 and the main card needs to be replaced as well as other touch up work. Cost is $2100. On the other hand, I could have a new unit installed for $3500.

After doing some online searching it sounds like replacement is a no-brainer given the improved efficiencies. We could save up to 21% of our monthly electric bill by buying a 14 SEER unit. The question is, how reliable are new AC units these days given the parts are probably made in China etc. It seems every time we replace an old home appliance we quickly curse the new, more computer craptastic design.

Hopefully some units are more reliable than others. Does anyone have input on reliable a/c manufacturers?

Any good brand unit is only expected to last 15-20 years tops. Going new in your case seems like the smart way to go. Just the monthly cost savings seem to make up the higher price of going new.

I haven't looked much into central ac info although I believe our is in need or replacement just because of age. I'm thinking of the ductless ac units like from Mitsubishi.

theshyguy wrote:

I haven't looked much into central ac info although I believe our is in need or replacement just because of age. I'm thinking of the ductless ac units like from Mitsubishi.

If you go that way, Mitsubishi is the only way to go. I had several installed for my last job, a one day job, including the electrician. They work very well. I know we overpaid for the install, but when people bid on government jobs the price always goes up since they have to pay prevailing wage and put up with a lot of crap just to bid. I wish I could remember the size of the units I had installed. I'll look in see if I have them in my work files that I took with me when I left.

My hvac guy had one in his hunting cabin, he was amazed. Blowing warm air at 10 degrees outside. Not sure if you need heat much, but even if you need a little a mini split heat pump is the way to go. Seer ratings of 20+. Check out prices here https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/

That's for the input guys. I never heard of ductless systems. Interesting idea.

Some online reviews show American Standard and Bryant as more reliable.