[marz1]

I just happened upon this site after I gave the go ahead to replace the exterior condensor unit. Before they order it and install it, I am hoping I can get some advise.

Background, I live in Jacksonville Florida and my home is about 3100 SQ Ft.

My AC unit is a Bryant, the external unit is a Bryant 5-ton Heat Pump model 698A. I've been told that this was a pretty nice system in it's time.

It has a variable speed motor and apparently the low speed is messed up. I was told there is some type of circuit that is locked open to prevent the condenser from working. Anyway I was told that I would need a new condenser and that it's not too much more to just replace the whole outer unit.

I'm fine if I need the outer unit, but he wants to put in a Rheem Classic 5-ton and it's only single speed. My old unit was 14SEER and this new Rheem is only 13SEER.

So my questions are:
Does it sound right to replace the whole thing vs. just the condenser?
Is there a problem mixing & matching a Rheem & Bryant?
Am I going to be happy going from a two speed model to a single speed model?
What's a SEER worth per year? I'm thinking if I'm going to spend this much to replace the outer unit should I be looking at getting one of the more energy efficient ones. I know we don't talk price but ballpark %increase is say a 15SEER over 13SEER and do I save in terms of $100/yr or $1000/yr on electricity

Any advise would be appreciated

 

[marz1]

It's hard to be diligent when it's 84 degrees inside at 11pm but I probably should hold off to get another person to view it. I'm thankful for finding this site.

The Model number is 698AN060-B
Serial # 0698802885

 

[marz1]

just so I'm not butchering what the tech told me, here is from his description what is wrong

found compressor to be open between common and ran internal overload is open. Compressor is cool but overload will not close.

 

[marz1]

The whole system was shut down for several hours before the tech came. Boy would it be nice to have it be a starting component.

I just got off the phone with another company who seemed pretty knowledgeable and they have Bryant techs but they were already pushing me for a complete new system saying that Bryant is ok but 10yrs should be end of life for this system and that if it can't be fixed then I should not just put in the condenser I should do the entire system. I'm going to have them run through diagnostics tomorrow. I'm a little concerned with the sales pitch (of course they push Trane) I figured if I'm having a detailed conversation about HVAC systems on the phone with them at midnight it's probably a pretty good company.

In your opinion, roughly how long should one expect a system to last?

 

[marz1]

Awesome idea on the warranty. I found the people that installed this (no longer Bryant Dealers though) and they are coming to see what's under warranty. If I decided to get a new system and use a warranty credit, what's the deal with Bryant? It doesn't seem like people here care for it that much. Maybe because they sell Carrier & Rheem & Train & Comfort Something. Fortunately, this forum gives me an unbiased professional view, so is Bryant a pretty good system?

 

[marz1]

Thank you everyone for responding. This has been very informative and you actually saved me lots of money. fixitmanmc, If you hadn't pointed out the compressor was still under warranty, I would never have gone down the warranty path. I had read it, but in my mind I was mistaking condenser for compressor and the condenser wasn't covered by the warranty. When I tracked down the installer via the old owners paperwork, I found out they actually purchased a 10yr extended warranty all parts & labor! So now I'm out of pocket $0. So this is my new favorite site.

On a side note, this might sound stupid so forgive me (or laugh at me) if it does. I guess I'm kind of low on the priority side so they are saying next week before they can fix it. I've got lots of fans but that ain't going to cut it through the weekend 87-88 degrees inside during the day, 83-84at night. Is there such a thing as a portable AC? I was wondering if a window unit has to go in a window. There are no windows that open in my main living area. Could I buy an inexpensive window unit and just set it on the floor?