Carrier vs Rudd Central a/c

12 years ago

I have recently requested a few quotes from HVAC supplier re the potential replacement of my existing 1993 Bryant 3.5 ton 13 SEER unit. I am only replacing my a/c since I have a 5-6 old Ruud Furnace 80+ Super quiet furnace. I had asked for quotes on both a replacement 13 Seer and a 16 Seer updgrade. It has come down to these two quotes...

1) Carrier 13 Seer 113ANW0042 $4697
Carrier 16 Seer 126BNA004200 $5267
Coil for both units CNPVP 4221 (other quotes included a different coil number 4824 but sales guy said no real difference in price or function??)
this quote includes a 5 year labor warranty with 4years of preventive maintenance inspections.

2) Ruud 13 Seer 3.5ton RR13AJN42A01 $3875
Ruud 16 Seer 4ton RR-16AJL48A01 $4700-- said there no such thing as a 3.5 16 Seer???

Coil for both RR-RCFL -HM 4824cc - should it be different for the 13 Seer.

Some background .We live in the DC area and my monthly electric bills for the house (ranch 1950 sq feet main floor with partially finished basement ) average $110 during the 3 hottest summer months.

My questions are based on my usage and the cost!1) is it worth it to move to a 16 seer over the 13? 2) There is obvious value in the 5year labor warranty --- is it worth the difference in price 3) Any other comments re the chocie of a Ruud vs Carrier? Jack

Featured Answer

sktn77a

12 years ago

Prices seem a little high, but they are regional - that may be the cost of doing business in your area. I'd get a couple more quotes..

The Ruud 13AJN is as basic as they come - that price seems high. The Ruud 16AJL is a bottom-of-the-line 2 stage condenser (which why it isn't available in half ton sizes). I believe the 80+ super quiet from 5 years ago was 2 stage compatible but check that. The ANW condenser is Bryant's bottom of the line unit. Even with the warranty and service, that's a little steep. The 126BNA is Bryant's mid range single stage unit.

I'd stick with the Rheem/Ruud range but look at a better, mid-range unit (maybe a RANL/RAPM series with matching coil) and keep looking for a more competitive prices.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

sullidc
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks sktn77a. Believe it or not, these are my best bids to date. Not sure what the RANL/RAPM series is since I can't find it on the This site www.ruud.com/products/heating_and_cooling/Air_Conditioners/

Just curious what the value of the 2 stage unit compressor is? Thanks. Jack
Related Professionals
Lake City General Contractors · Panama City General Contractors · Webster General Contractors · La Crosse General Contractors · Kennewick General Contractors · Longview General Contractors · Saint Cloud Home Remodeling · Westerly Home Remodeling · Garden City Home Remodeling · Scottsbluff Home Remodeling · Calgary Home Remodeling · Vancouver Home Remodeling · Paducah Bathroom Remodelers · Southaven Bathroom Remodelers · Knoxville Bathroom Remodelers
sktn77a
12 years ago
These are the Rheem versions (Rheem=Ruud). Try the Rheem site. Like I said, prices are regional but they seem a little high for bottom of the line products. I just got two systems installed (Carrier 13 SEER condensers with Carrier mid-range variable speed air handlers) by a large reputable company in Western Virginia for $3700 each ($8400 total). I paid an extra $550 for 10 year Carrier labor warranties after they were installed. Just be sure you are comparing apples to apples with the quotes.
countryboymo
12 years ago
I had a RUUD 15.5 seer 3 ton heat pump installed with ecm air handler only because I goofed and didn't pick the variable speed air handler and every new or disturbed joint sealed with mastic with the IAQ stat for 6700.00 here in central missouri.

It seems your price might be at the upper end for lower end equipment.

An upgrade now will pay off faster as time flies by with all the pressure for less carbon emissions and other clean air issues that the greenies are putting on utilities and being forced into aquiring alternative sources with questionable equipment/resources the writing is on the wall. Oh and more natural gas is going to be burned in powerplants and more will be shipped overseas so the surplus will no longer be hailed as such a surplus so the prices can and will go up. Most everyone is pointing their fingers at the utilities but if they don't obey and retrofit and meet the standards the penalties will be outrageous. Oh and of the few companies that build the equipment to meet the energy standards can't keep up and the price just went through the roof. Supply and demand and either the utilities take the butt whoopin on the equipment and retrofit... or in penalties. It is sad. Sorry about the rant.
Phillip Rose
11 years ago
I strongly suggest no one purchase a Ruud. I had one installed in 2010. When it arrived the outside coil had a hole. No problem sometimes that happens. I said to myself. My installer fixed it and off we went.

In the four years I have had it the unit I have replaced:
inside coil
compressor
outside fan
evaporator motor.

If you are thinking it is my installer... NO. I thought the same and had 3 other installer take a look. At no time did any of the installers say it was an installation or technician issue. The unit is horrible!!!! So after 4 years I have paid $3,000 in service calls and Freon. Yes the equipment was "warrantied" but what a joke to spend this much maintaining a 4 year old unit. When I called Ruud they give me the normal manufacturer run around saying it is the technician and I should be happy the equipment was "warrantied"

DO NOT GET A RUUD!!!
Joy Rudd
10 years ago
Could you please change the word in your title to " RUUD " instead of " RUDD " ? Thanks!

Joy Rudd