HVAC Opinion (Carrier vs. Trane)

[Dennis]

Well, it's time to replace our HVAC systems and I've narrowed it down to two installers (both reputable dealers).
We currently have a Carrier system and it has performed well for the past 20 years. The two systems I'm looking at, one is a Carrier and the other a Trane system. The prices quoted are within a $300 of each other, so now I'm looking at quality and performance. I'm leaning one way, but I won't say which until I get some good feedback from this multi-talented group

Based on your personal experiences, which manufacturer do you like: Carrier or Trane?

TIA,
Dennis

[Barnyard]

We had a Carrier that was installed when the house was built in 1989 (25 years ago). It worked great until January 2013 and finally quit. We replaced it last year with a Trane because the price was a bit better. We like the system so far after using it for a year. We bought it through Home Depot and the dealer they had install it screwed it up. We had a devil of a time with them getting it straightened out. Now that it is working right we switched service companies and are happy with it.

[Rick Spivey]

Never had a Carrier, but plenty happy with my two Trane systems; gas heat plus AC compressor on the outside. Dealer/installer was great (also bought through Home Depot), never a minutes trouble in 10 years. Previous system was original to the house, lasted 30 years even though contractor grade (Armstrong). They don't make them like that anymore.

[Scrivet]

No first hand experience with either, but without a substantial reason not to, I'd be inclined to ride the same kinda horse I've been riding for the last twenty years.

[v w]

We installed a Trane about five years ago and other than routine service haven't had any work done on it. Ours is a model referred to as a heat pump rather than an air conditioner but the only difference is that the valves reverse and try to cool the outside and pump the heat inside. It is 43 degrees outside and the house is being heat by the heat pump. As it cools tonight the system will switch at 42 degrees and begin to run the furnace which is natural gas. The change over temperature is adjustable but we haven't changed it. The changeover ideally is set so that whatever is cheapest is being used. Since this depends on the cost of gas, the efficiency of the furnace, and the cost of electric, you need the chart to figure it and I don't bother. The cost is (was?) about $1000 more than straight AC and we were told about a 3-1/2 year payback and I think that was close. Look into this system if you haven't. Vern

[Bill E Bob]

We had a Trane for 10yrs and about 6 mos out of warranty, the compressor locked up. The installer the contractor subbed for the HVAC was an idiot and my thinking is they didn't get the system free of moisture, hence the lockup. Would buy a Trane again, however, a good installation is as important as a good system.