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Choosing the Right Brand & Model

It would be great if you knew exactly what brand and model you wanted when you started shopping for your new HVAC system. Unfortunately, that's very difficult to determine. In order to work like it's supposed to, all three major components (and the refrigerant lines and duct system) have to be matched exactly to each other. That's not so easy to do.

You could come up with literally hundreds of combinations within one brand alone! There are all kinds of different models of furnaces, condensing units and evaporator coils as well as different efficiency levels, capacities and sizes. Once you start taking bids, you'll see how many different choices you're given. How can you decide what you need?

Most Minnesota HVAC contractors will give you an estimate on one or two different brands. That's probably what they warehouse and sell and there's nothing wrong with that. Just remember, it doesn't matter what brand you choose if the system is installed improperly! Most of the problems that arise after you purchase a system (including shortened equipment life) are caused by the installation and/or improperly sized equipment. I'll tell you more about that later in the report.

If you find an HVAC contractor you can trust, it shouldn't make much difference what kind of equipment they install. The brand issue is secondary since the wholesale price to the dealer is not much different between brands, so that shouldn't make much of a difference in the estimate. A lot of the cost differences are installation-related (it costs more to do it right).

If they can do it right, let them use whatever they want. If you have a personal preference, let them know and they can probably get that brand. If they can't get the brand you want, you're better off with their brand properly installed than your brand improperly installed. Total Comfort offers installation, repair and service on many HVAC brand names including Trane and Honeywell.