• 13 SEER air conditioning.
• Single-stage scroll compressor offers reliable service that is quieter than most.
• Outdoor coil designed with copper tubing and aluminum fins for faster cooling.
• Factory-tested for leaks and proper performance before shipping.
• Balanced, direct-drive fan is quiet and requires no maintenance.
• Galvanized steel cabinet offers components good protection and is powder-coated to resist corrosion and chips.
• Uses R-410A refrigerant that is environmentally safer than older refrigerants.

Aire-Flo 13 SEER  4AC13L18P Prices
This is one of the more affordable air conditioners according to consumer central air conditioner reviews.  Here is a list of current pricing for the most popular sizes:
1.5 ton Aire-Flo 4AC13L18P central air conditioner: $949
2.0 ton Aire-Flo 4AC13L18P central air conditioner: $999
3.0 ton Aire-Flo 4AC13L18P central air conditioner: $1,249
4.0 ton Aire-Flo 4AC13L18P central air conditioner: $1,499
5.0 ton Aire-Flo 4AC13L18P central air conditioner: $1,659

Aire-Flo  4AC13L18P Air Conditioner Warranty
This affordable, standard performance air conditioner is backed by a 5-year parts and compressor warranty that is about average for entry-level and value-priced central air conditioners.  Aire-Flo does offer a 10-year extended warranty that also covers labor.  If you plan to use this model heavily, it might be worth the extra expense to add the extended coverage.

Quality Installation Will Maximize Dependability
Even though this is a standard-performance air conditioner, it still requires proper installation to run as it should.  You'll get the best efficiency and durability from it when you have a professional HVAC crew handle the installation. They will have the experience and skill to install it and coordinate its performance with the rest of the split system.  Adjusting the system to achieve the highest efficiency and durability is something you can trust a qualified contractor to have the knowledge and experience to do right the first time.

American Standard is a premium HVAC brand and the Platinum XM central air conditioner line is the finest they make.  As you browse HVAC reviews on our site to compare models, look at this one side by side with Trane XLi, Carrier Infinity and Lennox Signature models.  It's that good! The price is quite high too, so it may not appeal to consumers looking for a more affordable unit for their home.  If you live in a moderate to warm climate and rely heavily on your AC, this model gets high marks in consumer central air conditioner reviews for efficiency and durability.  In the rest of this  American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16 central air conditioner review we'll take a look at the top features of this model before  offering pricing, warranty information and a suggestion about installation.  Here are its key features:

• Up to 16 SEER efficiency, an Energy Star product.
• 2-staged cooling.  Runs on low  approx. 75% of the time to maintain cooling and full capacity when a boost in cooling is required.
• Low-speed compressor mode is quieter and provides gentler, consistent cooling and better humidity reduction.
• Variable-speed fan motor is also quieter because it runs on low most of the time.
• New R-410A refrigerant (Puron) doesn't contain chlorine and won't deplete the earth's ozone layer.
• AccuLink Communicating technology monitors the system and protects the compressor.
• Coordinated operation produces maximum efficiency and indoor climate control.
• Spine-fin coil dissipates heat quickly so your home cools down faster.
• Corrosion-resistant and fade-resistant coatings on cabinet and fasteners.
• Models available: 2, 3, 4, and 5 tons.
• Now called the Platinum XM; previously called the Allegiance 16.

American Standard Platinum XM Prices
Platinum XM central air conditioner prices are competitive with other top models on the market.  Here are price averages for the 4 models in the
XM series.
2 ton American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16: $2,379
3 ton American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16: $2,669
4 ton American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16: $2,989
5 ton American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16: $3,299

Platinum XM Allegiance 16 Warranty Information
The warranty provided by American Standard for this series is only slightly above average for the industry, and some consumers think it should be higher for a top of the line model like this.  The warranty gives you the 12-year limited coverage for the compressor and a 10-year limited warranty on the coil and parts.  We should note, however, that this American Standard central air conditioner has an excellent service record and should last 15+ yeas with proper maintenance, even in warm climates where it gets a workout.

Professional Installation Counts
This unit, when paired with a variable-speed air handler, can give you precise control of every feature of your indoor climate.  To enjoy the greatest comfort, the system needs to be properly installed, tested, adjusted and tuned.  An experienced HVAC contractor will have the expertise and tools to install this unit so that it will live up to its capabilities.  Hire a qualified contractor for the job and you'll enjoy the benefits the American Standard Platinum XM Allegiance 16 for many years to come.

• 19 SEER air conditioning; 9.5 HSPF heating.  An Energy Star product that will reduce costs by 50% or more in most homes.
• Hybrid heat capability makes it a good choice in any climate and for consumers committed to reducing energy consumption.
• Uses the Infinity Control, the highest-rated thermostat in HVAC reviews for precise control and usability.
• 2-stage compressor runs low most of the time for quieter, balanced and efficient operation.
• Internal pressures switches protect the compressor from high pressure and loss of charge situations.
• Silencer System II features sound-reducing design and materials so that the unit runs at just 69 decibels during low operation.
• WeatherArmor Ultra cabinet and design protects internal components from falling debris and yard waste.
• Uses Puron/R-410A refrigerant which is more efficient and less harmful to the environment than older refrigerants.
• Models available: 2, 3, 4, 5 ton capacity.

Carrier Infinity Series Model 25HNA9 Prices
This top of the line heat pump from one of the leading manufacturers comes at a price point that is beyond what many consumers will spend, and it may not be a cost-effective choice in cooler climates where 19 SEER efficiency isn't required.  For the top price, you'll get top performance and a unit with a very good service record.  It is expected to deliver 15-20 years of service, even where it gets heavy use.  Prices vary significantly based on local cost of living and individual dealer incentives, but here are recent price samples to use for comparison.

2 ton Carrier Infinity 25HNA9 heat pump: $3,219
3 ton Carrier Infinity 25HNA9 heat pump: $3,599
4 ton Carrier Infinity 25HNA9 heat pump: $3,879
5 ton Carrier Infinity 25HNA9 heat pump: $4,129

Carrier Infinity Series Model 25HNA9 Warranty
The warranty on this model is slightly below average for models in its class.  Some consumers are surprised to learn that the unit is covered by just a 10-year compressor and parts warranty.  The Infinity 25HNA9 does have a good service record, however, and will last well beyond its warranty in most cases.

How to Get the Most from your Investment
The quality of the installation for any heat pump is an essential part of the performance it will deliver.  To get the greatest benefits from the Carrier Infinity Series Model 25HNA9 heat pump, have it installed by an experienced contractor who is familiar with the Carrier Infinity series.  It takes precise tuning between system components to get the best climate control and indoor comfort from a split system that includes this model.  A qualified contractor will have the skills and tools to handle the job.  You also need to pair this unit with a variable-speed air handler or gas furnace to make the most of the high efficiency and the 2-stage compressor the Infinity 25HNA9 heat pump offers.

How is SEER Determined?
SEER is much like fuel efficiency in your vehicle. The further your car or truck can go on a gallon of gas, the more fuel-efficient it is.  For a condensing unit, the more air conditioning or heating it can produce for the same amount of electricity, the more efficient it is.  The reason it is called the "Seasonal" EER is that it is measured over an entire heating or air conditioning season.  Technically speaking, SEER measures the heating or air conditioning output of a condensing unit in British thermal units, or Btu, during an entire heating or cooling season.  It divides the output by the total input of electricity, measured in watt-hours during that period.  The higher the unit's SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.

What SEER Ratings are Available?
In 2006, federal regulations were put in place that requires a minimum SEER rating of 13 of new central air conditioners and heat pumps.  There are still units at work in homes with a SEER rating as low as 8.  Manufacturers today make a product lineup that features a range of SEER ratings.  The best selling models offer SEER ratings between 14 SEER and 18 SEER.  The most efficient residential condensing units have a SEER rating or well over 20.

SEER and Cost
The more efficient a condensing unit is, the more it is likely to cost.  As a rough estimate, with every 1 point increase in SEER, the unit will go up in cost by 8-10%, all else being equal (capacity, features, brand, etc.).  Of course, the higher the SEER rating, the less energy it will use and the lower the energy cost will be.  If an 8 SEER air conditioner is replaced by a 16 SEER model, energy use will be cut in half, and so will the cooling portion of the utility bill.

In warmer climates, choosing a unit with a higher SEER is a cost-effective decision.  The time it takes to recoup the extra expense of a more efficient unit in the form of lower energy bills is known as the "payback period."  In warm climates, the payback period for choosing an 18 SEER central air conditioner over a 14 SEER model can be as little as 2-3 years.

SEER and Energy Star
The federal government began the Energy Star program as a way to identify energy-efficient products.  Currently, for a condensing unit to meet Energy Star requirements it must be rated 14 SEER or higher along with an EER of 12.5.  EER is the point in time Energy Efficiency Rating versus the SEER that measures seasonal average energy efficiency.

Conclusion
Today's condensing units continue to get more energy-efficient with each new generation of products.  Homeowners welcome this due to the high and volatile cost of electricity.  Higher efficiency is also attractive to many consumers because it means that their HVAC system is producing less greenhouse gas, reducing their impact on the environment.  Knowing what SEER is and how it affects your energy bills and your lifestyle is an important part of choosing the right central air conditioner or heat pump for your home.

• Up to 16.6 SEER air conditioning; 80% AFUE for heating. Energy Star qualified.
• Also known as the American Standard Triumph 4YCZ6 Gas/Electric package unit.
• 2-stage Duration compressor and variable-speed Vortica blower enhance temperature balance, air filtration/purification, and humidity control.
• Spine Fin coil efficiently transfers heat for faster cooling.
• Heavy-gauge steel cabinet and Weather Beater top are designed for excellent air flow and reliable protection of internal components.
• Models available from 3 ton to 5 ton air conditioning capacity and 60,000 to 96,000 Btu heating capacity.

American Standard Platinum Series ZM Gas Pack Price
This top of the line model is offered at prices that are competitive with the best models from other leading manufacturers.  Here are gas pack prices samples for the Platinum ZM gas pack.
3 ton  American Standard Platinum Series ZM gas pack: $4,159
4 ton  American Standard Platinum Series ZM gas pack: $4,399
5 ton  American Standard Platinum Series ZM gas pack: $4,629

American Standard Platinum Series ZM Gas Pack Warranty
The warranty for the  American Standard Platinum Series ZM / Triumph 4YCZ6 Gas/Electric package unit is about average for quality gas packs.  It includes a 20-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year limited warranty on all other parts.  Extended warranties that cover labor past one year are available.

A Gas Pack is Only as Good as the Installation
The reality is that faulty installation can ruin a quality gas pack like the American Standard Platinum Series ZM gas pack.  Energy-efficiency can be reduced and mechanical problems can develop long before they should.  They key to long-term energy efficiency and durability is to have a well-trained, qualified contractor handle the installation.  They have the training, experience and equipment required to install the system, charge it with refrigerant, and tune it for optimal performance.  When you invest in a quality gas pack like the American Standard Platinum Series ZM gas/electric system it is important to know that it has been installed properly and that you are getting the performance you paid to receive.

Lennox Merit ML193 Features

• 93% AFUE—can save you hundreds of dollars each year
• ENERGY STAR® qualified—meets or exceeds EPA guidelines
• Sealed blower compartment— Less than 1% leakage at 1.0" ESP
• Dual-fuel capability—can be combined with an electric heat pump
• Stainless steel secondary heat exchanger— captures more heat for greater efficiency
• Robust blower assembly—exceeds industry standard airflow
• Duralok Plus® heat exchanger
• SureLight® ignitor—silicon nitride for long product life
• Durable steel cabinet
• SureLight integrated control board—ensures full control of furnace operation and ease in troubleshooting

Merit ML193 Gas Furnace Pricing
Finding Lennox prices online can be a challenge. Lennox has a good network of quality dealers and that is where you're likely to get your best pricing information. Lennox furnace reviews can also be a good source of information. For a custom quote however, call a few local dealers and ask them to provide you with a written bid along with their recommendations. We have managed to locate some pricing information to help you determine if the ML193 is within your budget:

• A Maryland area dealer is offering the ML193 with 40,000 BTUH for $3200 installed

Remember that pricing information will vary based on the installation situation, whether or not duct work or electrical work will need to be done and can also change based on additional add-ons like humidifiers or condensate pumps.

Lennox Merit Warranty
The warranty you receive on your HVAC equipment should be one of the basis of comparison. Lennox offers a decent warranty on their Merit series furnaces. The ML193 has the following warranty coverages:

• 20-Year Limited Warranty on heat exchanger
• 5-Year Limited Warranty on covered components

Extended warranties are also available. You may also be able to purchase a warranty through a Lennox dealer that will cover any necessary labor costs as well. Labor warranties can be well worth the expense - often they will pay for themselves with one service call.

Do It Right With Quality Installation
The cost of the equipment itself is only part of the equation when it comes to a new furnace. You'll also want to find out how much the installation work will cost. The value of an experienced installer will easily outweigh the the difference in price between one model or the next of a gas furnace. Be sure to call several local qualified contractors and get written bids. Also ask for references and check BBB ratings to ensure that they have a good reputation in your local area. It's also a good idea to ask them how they will calculate the size of the furnace - and ask for a Manual J calculation if they don't offer to do one up front.

What is a Split Air Conditioner?
A split a/c unit is one where there are two parts. There is an external compressor and internal air handlers. These types of systems tend to be the most quiet of all air conditioners because the compressor is located outside the home. The benefits of a split air conditioner is that they can be installed in any home and do not require ducts. They are often referred to as ductless air conditioners. The downside is that they typically run about 30% more than traditional central air conditioning.

Split Air Conditioner Pricing
The price you'll end up paying for a split air conditioner is dependent on several factors. First, the capacity of the air conditioner you'll need. Second, the cost of the equipment. Third, the cost of the installation. Mini-split air conditioners start at around $600. However, most homeowners will find that for a dual zone ductless a/c system it will cost more in the $2500 - $3000 range plus the cost of installation.

Finding a Qualified Contractor
No matter what type of air conditioning you decide to go with, it's critical to find the right person to do the installation work. Many jobs have been botched by people who are not educated enough on the workings of HVAC equipment or electrical systems. Be sure to find a local qualified contractor to assist you with your installation to be sure that you end up with an air conditioner that performs the way you expect. When you begin your search for a split air conditioner it can be a good idea to start by talking to several contractors or companies. They are a great resource when it comes to information on brands and models. Most companies will come to your home and do a free site inspection to help you determine your options and what everything is likely to cost.

As you interview contractors be sure to get references, check the BBB rating, ask lots of questions and get your bids in writing. Take your time and hire the company or contractor you feel most comfortable with. Most HVAC reviews will mention that the installation is often more important than the equipment itself. This is very true. Go with the better contractor even if it will cost a little bit more. You'll be happier in the long run.

Diagnosing the Problem
Make sure you know what the problem is before you purchase parts. Reading HVAC reviews on websites and forums can be a good way to help you diagnose problems, ask questions of others and find out which brands are better if you end up doing a replacement. If you can't determine the issue, call in an HVAC professional to help you diagnose. Better to spend the money on the right part than to guess and end up with something you don't need.

Types of HVAC Wholesalers
Keep in mind that when you do an internet search you'll find three types of wholesalers:

• Dealer and Contractor-Only Wholesalers. These companies only work directly with licensed dealers and contractors. Often they will publish prices though, so they are still worth looking at to get some price information.
• Wholesale to public merchants. This is where you'll likely find HVAC wholesale parts. Be sure to look at their policies. Many wholesalers will sell to the public but they specifically state that parts purchased must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional.
• HVAC retailers who have good deals but are not wholesalers. These are also great places to shop. The goal is finding a good deal, even if it isn't wholesale. These types of retailers are also more likely to have free shipping so be sure to do some comparison shopping.

Quality Installation is Critical
While it may be possible to save some money purchasing HVAC wholesale parts, don't cut corners with installation. If you're experienced with electrical and mechanical systems you may be able to do the installation yourself safely, but for most people hiring a local qualified contractor is the way to go. Keep in mind that the cost of the part (unless it's a major component) will be the least amount of the expense you incur to fix your system. HVAC contractors aren't cheap, but it's worth it. The quality of the workmanship can mean the difference between a comfortable home and years of reliable service versus a "sick" home with cold spots and equipment that fails after a few seasons.

Before you place your parts order, talk to a few qualified HVAC installation companies and get bids. Ask how much for parts and labor versus labor alone. If you're talking about a $30 part and the HVAC company has it in stock and can do it right away, it's probably not worth looking for a wholesale deal. However if you're talking about a $400 component then the savings you can find may be significant.

Determine Your Needs
Before you start shopping, try to determine what you need. Is it just the furnace blower motor? Are there other parts that are causing the problem? Is your system still under warranty? If your system is under warranty, definitely contact the company that did the installation. If it's not under warranty, then you'll need to determine which parts are the problem. You can do this one of two ways. One, attempt to troubleshoot it yourself. Two, contact an HVAC company or two to help you troubleshoot. You may not be able to know exactly which parts need replacing without talking to a HVAC installation specialist. If you're lucky enough to know what the exact problem is you will have more flexibility with shopping.

Furnace Blower Motor Prices
There are a few ways to go about pricing a new furnace blower motor.

1. Buy the part yourself and either install it yourself or have a professional install it. Before you go this route, be sure that you can find a dealer who is willing to work with customer supplied parts - some won't. Also be aware that some manufacturers will not honor the warranty if any parts are purchased off the internet. The part itself will not likely be that expensive. A few prices that can be found on the internet to give you a frame of reference:
   • Goodman B18590000 Induced Furnace Blower Motor - $85
   • A172 Fasco Furnace Blower - $69
   • Packard 48331 Induced Furnace Blower - $158
   • Rheem 51-23015-31 Furnace Blower - $185
2. Have a dealer supply the part and do the installation. This option is likely to be the easiest and may be faster if the dealer has the part in stock. Even if the dealer marks up the part, you're not talking about a lot. One thing you can do is see what a blower motor for your furnace is going for on the internet and then see what the dealer charges you. Since the part itself really isn't that expensive, in this case it may make more sense to just have a dealer troubleshoot, diagnose and repair the problem.

Installation
It's important to note that if you attempt to repair a furnace blower motor on your own and you don't have any training a lot of bad things can happen. You can get burned, electrocuted, and even killed. You could burn your house down. You could damage your furnace in a way that is difficult to fix without replacing it. Basically, if you're not familiar with working with mechanical systems or electricity - hire someone. You can find lots of great, local licensed HVAC professionals in your area. Just be sure to ask them if they're licensed, bonded, insured and certified. Also ask them how much experience they have working on the brand of furnace you've got. If your furnace blower is out you may be in a rush to get it fixed. If you can, try to talk to 3 people before making a decision - and don't necessarily go with the lowest bid.

Read a few HVAC reviews to see what others are saying about their experience with replacing the furnace blower motor. Once you make a decision keep all the related paperwork in a safe place so you can follow up with the installer if trouble with the blower should arise again.

Features of the GMVC95 Goodman Gas Furnace

• 95% AFUE rating
• Dual-Diameter Tubular Heat Exchanger
• Efficient, Quiet Variable-speed circulator motor
• ComfortNet Communications System Compatible
• Long lasting, Durable Silicon Nitride Igniter System
• Electronic Control Board with Self-Diagnostics
• Auto-Comfort Mode for Enhanced Dehumidification
• Run-Tested at Factory Prior to Shipment
• Powder paint finish
• Corrosion resistant vent blower
• Insulated Cabinet

GMVC95 Pricing
When purchasing any new furnace, pricing will play an important role. While each dealer will have different prices depending on the services they offer, here are a few prices found online to give you a ballpark idea of what one of these furnaces will run:

• Canadian dealer offering the GMVC95 in the 70,ooo BTU model for $3100 including labor
• Minnesota dealer offering the GMVC950453BX model for $1199, not including tax, shipping or labor

Keep in mind that unless the online dealer you purchase from also does the installation work, Goodman will not honor the warranty. Be sure to factor this into your decision before you purchase a Goodman furnace online.

Warranty
Goodman offers a Lifetime/10/10 Warranty on all their gas furnaces. This is a Lifetime heat exchanger, 10 year unit replacement and 10 year parts warranty. All are limited warranties and have some exclusions. You must register online within 60 days of purchase in order for your warranty to be valid.

Goodman Furnace Installation
While the furnace you buy is important, the installation work is doubly so. Be sure to ask several local, licensed HVAC installation specialists for quotes before making a final decision. Ask for references and check their history with the Better Business Bureau. Also ask who will be doing the installation for you and how much experience they have working with the particular furnace you're having installed. Before you decide on a furnace it's also a good idea to have your home properly sized. Furnaces that are either too big or too small will not be efficient and will cost you substantially more in energy costs over the long run. Ask a HVAC installation tech to size your home using Manual J calculations. This process should take several hours and will require the tech to do a good deal of measuring. Don't trust an estimate based only on the square footage of your home.

The Goodman GMVC95 is a great furnace with one of the highest AFUE ratings in the industry. With Goodman's excellent warranty you're sure to be happy with your purchase if you couple it with a quality installation technician. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find the right tech for the job - you will be happy you took the extra time.