See It Yourself. HVAC Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Review. What's The Best? You Decide

Summary

In this comprehensive review, seven major AC and heating brands are scrutinized for the first time, offering consumers a side-by-side comparison of their features and efficiency. The Greenworks AC score evaluates each system based on useful features, efficiency, and coil quality, with points awarded for standout aspects like high BTUs and quiet operation. Brands like Lennox, Trane, and Carrier score high, while York lags in reliability. The review aims to simplify the decision-making process for consumers, providing insights into which systems excel in performance and reliability.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The video is a side-by-side review of seven major AC and heating brands, aiming to help consumers decide which to buy and which to avoid.
• 🏷️ All systems reviewed are 3 tons, single stage, and the minimum efficiency offered by each brand, providing an 'Apples to Apples' comparison.
• 🌡️ The Greenworks AC score is introduced, which is a scoring system that awards points for useful features, efficiency, and coil quality, with deductions for low CR2 ratings.
• 💡 The review emphasizes the importance of VAP coils, with a top score of 50 points and a minimum of 20 points, highlighting their significance and controversy in the industry.
• 🛠️ The reviewers provide detailed analysis of each brand's components, including condenser and air handler features, and rate them based on specific criteria.
• 🏅 Luxaire scored the highest with 290 points, followed by Trane with 220 points, and Carrier with 180 points, indicating their strong performance in the review.
• 🔨 The review points out the importance of accessibility for serviceability, such as easy access to the expansion valve and clean the drain pan.
• 🌟 Luxaire's air handler was noted for its Quantum coil, high BTUs, and efficient performance, which contributed to its high score.
• 🛑 The review mentions that none of the manufacturers provided free air conditioners or compensation, ensuring the independence of the review.
• 📐 The dimensions of the air handlers are considered, with smaller and more compact systems being favored for easier installation.
• 🔄 The script discusses the importance of ECM motors and the distribution of tubes in the coils for efficiency and performance.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video review?

The purpose of the video review is to provide a side-by-side comparison of seven major AC and heating brands to help consumers decide which brand to buy and which to avoid.

What are the criteria for the Greenworks AC score?

The Greenworks AC score is based on the presence of useful or outstanding features (10 points each), efficiency (20 points for systems over 15 SEER), and a minimum CR2 rating of 15 (zero points if below). It also considers the quality of VAP coils, with a top score of 50 points and a minimum of 20 points.

How many points are awarded for a high and low-pressure switch in the Greenworks AC score system?

A high and low-pressure switch is awarded 20 points in total, with 10 points for each feature.

What is the significance of the exterior filter dryer in the reviewed systems?

The exterior filter dryer is a feature that allows for easier maintenance as it can be changed without accessing the interior of the air handler, contributing to a better user experience.

Which brand scored the highest in the Greenworks AC score?

Lenus scored the highest with 290 points in the Greenworks AC score.

What is the CR2 rating of the Lenus ML17 XC1 036 matched with a CBA 25 UA 036?

The CR2 rating of the Lenus ML17 XC1 036 matched with a CBA 25 UA 036 is 15.6.

What is the significance of the noise rating below 74 dB in the review?

A noise rating below 74 dB indicates that the system is quieter, which is a desirable feature for consumers looking for less noisy AC systems.

What is the BTU capacity of the Trane 4TTR 436 air handler?

The BTU capacity of the Trane 4TTR 436 air handler is 34,200.

What does the term 'microchannel coil' refer to and why is it mentioned in the review?

A microchannel coil is a type of coil that holds a smaller amount of refrigerant and is more susceptible to damage. It is mentioned in the review because it affects the system's performance and the way it should be handled during maintenance.

How does the video review address the issue of brand bias or potential compensation from manufacturers?

The video review clarifies that none of the manufacturers provided free air conditioners or any other form of compensation, ensuring that the review is unbiased.

What is the Greenworks reliability score and how is it determined?

The Greenworks reliability score is an opinion-based score out of 10 points that reflects the reviewer's assessment of the system's reliability. It is not based on objective data but on the reviewer's experience and judgment.

Which brand received the lowest Greenworks AC score and what was its score?

York received the lowest Greenworks AC score with 160 points.

What is the significance of the ECM motor in the reviewed systems?

The ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) is a type of motor that offers variable speed control, contributing to energy efficiency and improved performance. It is a desirable feature in AC systems.

What is the BTU difference that the Lenus system is awarded points for?

The Lenus system is awarded points for having a BTU difference within 1,000 of an actual 36,000 BTUs, indicating a high level of accuracy in its BTU rating.

What is the CR2 rating of the Carrier 24 SCA 536 matched with an air handler FJ4 DN XB 36?

The CR2 rating of the Carrier 24 SCA 536 matched with an air handler FJ4 DN XB 36 is 15.2.

Which brand's air handler has the largest coil size?

Trane's air handler has the largest coil size among the brands reviewed.

What is the significance of the coil tubing size in the reviewed systems?

The coil tubing size is significant as it affects the heat transfer efficiency of the system. Larger tubing sizes, such as 10 mm, are generally more efficient and are awarded points in the Greenworks AC score.

What is the CR2 rating of the Tempstar N4A5 S36 matched with the air handler FJM436?

The CR2 rating of the Tempstar N4A5 S36 matched with the air handler FJM436 is 15.5.

What is the significance of the 'Core Sense Diagnostic Center' feature in the Daikin system?

The 'Core Sense Diagnostic Center' is a feature that senses amperage or high rotor amps on the compressor, which can help in diagnosing issues with the system. It contributes to easier maintenance and troubleshooting.

What is the CR2 rating of the Rheem RA14 A36 condenser matched with the RH1PZ 3617 air handler?

The CR2 rating of the Rheem RA14 A36 condenser matched with the RH1PZ 3617 air handler is 14.3.

What is the significance of the high and low-pressure cutout switches in the reviewed systems?

The high and low-pressure cutout switches are safety features that protect the system from damage due to excessive pressure. They are important for system reliability and are awarded points in the Greenworks AC score.

What is the BTU capacity of the York system reviewed in the script?

The BTU capacity of the York system reviewed is 35,800, which is one of the highest among the units reviewed.

What is the significance of the small cabinet size in the York system?

The small cabinet size of the York system makes it easier to install in smaller spaces such as closets or attics, contributing to its versatility and convenience for homeowners.