Ah, I see. So it's just another renamed Heil/Comfortmaker? I'm looking at these model numbers for a rental.. Condenser WCH3244GKB and air handler WAPM244A. I just need a basic heat pump, no variable speed, programmable thermostat, or anything like that.

Do you know if this air handler uses the same heat strips that a Carrier would use?

Yeah, more or less. ICP or Watts Co, whichever name you prefer is more or less who makes the equipment, this was some sort of elaborate arrangement / partnership thru Watts Co and Carrier. It appears the arrangement benefitted Watts Co, more because they are swallowing Carrier bit by bit. The brand name they stick on the unit has more to do with the design of the fan shroud and the wrapping that goes around the condenser.

Because the condenser is what most people see / look at, the difference between Carrier, Heil, Grand Aire, Comfort Maker, Day n Night, Bryant and all the other brands ICP has it's hands in is mostly in cosmetic appearance. "These comments relate to value brand /low end side of equipment."

Once you go above about 14 SEER then you will only see Carrier, Heil, Bryant and a few others. Grand Aire currently is only made up to 14 SEER configuration in AC and you might get to 15 SEER in a heat pump depending on tonnage of the equipment.

The air handlers are more or less identical except for a branding emblem or sticker and in some cases the color of the paint job may be different.

Austin Air: you seem to know what you're talking about. I bought a GrandAire 3 years ago. It's not working. I was told by the Company that installed the unit that the transformer blew. They are unable to obtain the parts for a month. Is this likely?

I have been researching and it looks so complicated--there's Baker Distributing, then Peirce Phelps (which has just been bought by Watsco). I thought I would call parts distributors to find out why it takes so long to get parts for a 3 year old AC unit. But no luck. Any ideas what's happening here?

I was told by the Company that installed the unit that the transformer blew. They are unable to obtain the parts for a month. Is this likely?

Sounds like a stall tactic if you ask me. Why they do this is beyond me.... Is the company that installed the unit associated with a home warranty company in any way? This is very common among that group is why I ask.

As an example I carry transformer(s) on my truck as a replacement part they are interchangeable among different brand systems. So no a transformer is not something you would have to wait for a month? That's ridiculous.

But I preach about this service thing all to often on this board. Service is something people don't realize is such a thing until a problem develops.

Are you looking to get this part covered by a manufacturer warranty? OR are you paying out of pocket for the replacement of it?

I'm trying to find an air handler drain pan for Grandaire unit. Can you help? I'm located in Jacksonville, FL 32208. Are there any distributors in my area. I hope you receive the attached photo. L. Richardson.