[RickFLM4]

We have a 12-13 year old Trane 4-ton unit with a non-original motor in the air handler that's been making some noise for a while now. It is the wheel inside the motor that's coming loose. Replacing the wheel will cost $300 but may not resolve the loud operation and replacing the motor will cost about $800. However, given the age of the unit and some awful luck we've had with it, I'm considering biting the bullet and getting a new system (although I haven't ruled out going the repair route). I'd hate to spend the $800 and have the condenser break down a month later.

We have a smaller Lennox unit on the other side of the house that we put in 5 years ago and like so that's where I'm focused. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the following Lennox units (all 4 ton):

Elite Series (16 SEER): EL16XC1-047 / AH: CBX27UH-048
Signature Series (16 SEER): SL18XC1-048-230 / AH: CBX40UHV-48 icf
Signature Series (18 SEER): XC21-048-230-10 / AH: CBX40UHV-48 icf

Most interested in objective information on reliability / longevity as well as efficiency differences between them from a knowledgeable source. These are expensive units and we use AC year-round here. For once, since the AC is still running, I don't need to rush into a decision so I want to gather as much info as I can to make a good decision. Thanks.

[BOOF-M3]

I can't help you on the A/C Rick but is that Patches? What a great tribute. Sorry about your A/C. Hopefully get lucky and someone from here is in your area and can help you out in person.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

I can't help you on the A/C Rick but is that Patches? What a great tribute. Sorry about your A/C. Hopefully get lucky and someone from here is in your area and can help you out in person.

Yes that's Patches. I have a few pics of her in my car and actually copied the idea from Delta0311 and MrSugarSkulls who also lost their dogs.

We'll get the AC sorted out. Still working through Patches but getting back to work after Irma and the passage of time are helping. Thanks.

[nyalpine90]

carrier is pretty good and reliable.
our firm always recommend these units.

[Fundguy1]

I have 2 large carriers and they've worked pretty well. 11 yrs old now. Blew a capacitor and had to replace a leaky coil once. But they're getting up there in age.

[lakefront]

Why not replace the blower wheel and see if that solves the problem. If you do it soon enough, it won't damage the motor bearings any further and you may get away with a cheap fix. Think you are right sticking with Lennox or Trane. Haven't been in residential for a while but Carrier was always overly complicated.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by lakefront

Why not replace the blower wheel and see if that solves the problem. If you do it soon enough, it won't damage the motor bearings any further and you may get away with a cheap fix. Think you are right sticking with Lennox or Trane. Haven't been in residential for a while but Carrier was always overly complicated.

That was my original plan - pay the $300, hope it quieted down and get as much life out of it as I could. However, I thought more about it and, although I am not superstitious in general, I am with this AC unit. The original air handler motor died literally 2 days after the 10-year warranty ended so we replaced it with a non-OEM motor 3 years ago. It has also broken down for various other reasons over the years, almost always on a Sunday or other off hour times during the summer. It really sucks when it breaks during the summer.

So earlier today I decided to bite the bullet and get a new Lennox unit (the lowest priced one listed above, which is still not inexpensive). Will be installed Friday.

[BUFFLARS12]

I am no professional but having just replaced the central a.c. in a home I purchased about 2 years ago I've done a lot of research. I was in need of a 3.5 ton unit.

I've read that the major difference between brands is the cabinet, the insulation (how loud the outside unit will be) and the warranty. A large amount of the manufacturers use the same scroll compressor.

I purchased a rheem unit for about 40% cheaper than the Carrier/Lennox. As I live in NY I do not have long term reliability to speak of (only use it a few months) but the installer who has been in the business for over 20 years told me he was a big fan of the units due to their ease of install/service.

Just some info for thought. Good luck

[bimmer456]

You should get a home warranty and then file a claim to get a new AC

[RickFLM4]

AC was already replaced a few weeks ago.

[jaye944]

Sorry bro the FIRST bloody thing that came to my mind is this

Nothing can stop a trane

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

We have a 12-13 year old Trane 4-ton unit with a non-original motor in the air handler that's been making some noise for a while now. It is the wheel inside the motor that's coming loose. Replacing the wheel will cost $300 but may not resolve the loud operation and replacing the motor will cost about $800. However, given the age of the unit and some awful luck we've had with it, I'm considering biting the bullet and getting a new system (although I haven't ruled out going the repair route). I'd hate to spend the $800 and have the condenser break down a month later.