Need new AC/furnace

[gml1998]

This is for the house not the garage. I am going to be replacing furnace/ac for the house. The current set up is a Janitrol furnace (natural gas) which works fine and a Ruud condensing unit which still runs fine but does not get very cold. They are the original units , house was built in 1973. If I could get my hands on a little r22 I would see if that would help, but wifey wants new stuff.
My questions are which brands are best ( reliable ) and is it worth it to go with the ultra efficient ( condensing type)furnace? I hate to replace my existing furnace, it has been extremely reliable . I've replaced thermal couple once.
I keep a spare thermal couple and have a spare gas valve in case it ever went out.
Any input would help me decide.

 

[The Cobbler]

Ive been very happy with my Keeprite furnace & AC

 

[mwchase]

Not sure if they sell Keeprite in the states.
I've been a HVAC service tech for the last 4 years and was a maintenance guy for 6 years, I do not claim to be an expert so this is just my opinion.

How many square feet are you conditioning, what climate do you live in?
Are there any rebate programs from your energy companies?
This will determine if high efficiency is worth it too you.

Personally I like a basic 90+ natural gas furnace and straight 13 seer ac for reliability.
In our climate I do not recommend heat pumps unless you are all electric or on propane.


They all have their problems, some worst than others.
Most offer 10 year warranty on parts now, which is nice.
Personally I like Rheem/Ruud products.

 

[metalTobman]

Go with a brand that reputable contractors in your area supply and install.
Good contractors will not want to risk their rep. on unreliable products.
Like mwchase says, they all have their problems. His advice is good imho.

 

[Rockhead261]

The cheapest equipment installed by a seasoned tech will outperform the best equipment installed by his helper.

Ultra high efficiency = ultra high technology. Variable speed equipment requires inverter controllers and other expensive controls. Unless you're getting huge utility rebates or electricity costs a fortune where you live, mid-efficiency workhorse equipment will generally be cheaper to run over time when you consider the potential for expensive repairs on the ultra high stuff.

I am the current owner of a 20-year old Tempstar condensing unit that was only 6 years old when I bought the house. It touts a 9.5 SEER. I pre-emptively replaced the run capacitor and contactor a couple years ago, and I oil the fan twice a season. I figure it owes me another ten years.

 

[gml1998]

Not sure if they sell Keeprite in the states.
I've been a HVAC service tech for the last 4 years and was a maintenance guy for 6 years, I do not claim to be an expert so this is just my opinion.

How many square feet are you conditioning, what climate do you live in?
Are there any rebate programs from your energy companies?
This will determine if high efficiency is worth it too you.

Personally I like a basic 90+ natural gas furnace and straight 13 seer ac for reliability.
In our climate I do not recommend heat pumps unless you are all electric or on propane.


They all have their problems, some worst than others.
Most offer 10 year warranty on parts now, which is nice.
Personally I like Rheem/Ruud products.

I am 45 miles southwest of Chicago and the house is 1488 square feet. I will probably install units myself and have a local AC guy charge the AC unit.
Is there any online outfits that one would recommend for purchasing furnaces/condensers?