Air Conditioners in 2024 | What you should know

In this video we talk about everything you need to know about choosing an air conditioner in 2024, and what to look out for. Right now there are several types of HVAC systems on the market, and when it comes to air conditioning, getting the right system is all about being informed and knowing what's important to you. Do you want the quietest AC? Then maybe consider an inverter like the Daikin fit. Are you just looking for the cheapest and most basic AC? Then perhaps a 13 or 14 SEER single stage air conditioning system is all you need.
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Currently Serving:
Denver Metro, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Main Topics:
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[@EverythingHVACR]

Dope show, bro! Inverter is the way to go, but don't forget surge protection.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

It’s standard on every install 😁

[@andrew2869]

We need some good companies to service down here in Maricopa, AZ.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Happy to help if you need something done just let us know, it’s a little outside our current service area but if you call the office and mention this comment we’d be happy to make time 😁 We’re building in the Phoenix market currently so still very new out there and have met a few customers from the channel, no pressure just let us know!

[@KrunchDAV]

I really enjoyed your post, which got my aging brain working. Very serious question for you. I’m a 77 year old severely disabled Veteran living on a fixed income. My Lennox AC unit is over 35 years old and my Lennox natural gas heater is 28 years old. Obviously both have outlived their prime time and are not very efficient. I’m concerned either or both could fail at anytime. I feel that I should begin the research/planning very soon. If you offer a suggestion, would you replace both units before they (or me!) die. Or should I consider installing a heat pump with a gas pack for cold weather? Thank you for your help. And by the way, Jesus is alive! 🙏

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it! It really depends and the short answer is you want to weigh the cost of repairs vs the cost of replacement. If you’re trying to maximize their life and not worried about them breaking in the middle of winter or middle of summer, then you can technically just wait until they completely go out. This is basically defined as “expensive to repair” to the point you’re replacing a major item like a compressor or a heat exchanger, in which case the money is probably better spent on a new system. If you plan on staying in the home forever then the benefit of a new system would be peace of mind knowing you’ll get a solid 10+ years before a major repair, and higher efficiency / utilities savings, along with potentially increased comfort. If you’re in a climate like Phoenix where it gets extremely hot and you’re concerned with it failing in peak season then I’d replace it on a shoulder season (fall or spring) just to get the best possible deal and replace it when it’s not an emergency. Hope that helps!

[@KrunchDAV]

@@TheHVACDopeShow Thank you very much for your reply. I've b been like a squirrel in the road on this issue. I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina where the winter temps can be in the teens and even single digits at times. Thank you for helping me come to the decision that I will wait until one or the other wears out before I do anything. I bought a home warranty that includes HVAC coverage. This will provide a little cushion WHEN one or the other breaks. Thanks again.

[@renzlaughlin2918]

Do you have any recommendations for who can work on my AC in San Diego(Escondido area)? I just bought a house and apparently the condenser was about 15 yrs old and it just currently stopped working. I'm just trying to make sure I don't have to pay for anything I don't need.

[@Bebo-jt7ug]

Hey bro, I know you're a big fan of Daikin Fit, but I have a quick question: if I have a flat roof, which means no attic, will installing the Daikin Fit HVAC system and placing it inside the house make it louder or produce more noise compared to another brand, based on your experience? What do you think?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

The condenser will always go outside. You mean the ductwork inside the house? That’s not a problem, you’re probably going to put the air handler in a mechanical room / repurpose a closet or something. Depending on design of the system will really affect the “noise” but condenser is outside. The noise inside the house will be airflow related depending on duct design and system sizing. System should be sized for the load, and duct should be sized for the system accordingly.

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Good info thanks! You mentioned the tax credits, what about the "HEEHRA Rebates"? When will they be available?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

I’m not sure on the HEEHRA, this is the larger income based rebate and they haven’t rolled out details yet.

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Thanks!!!

[@alltheboost801]

Had an AC tuneup done yesterday and was told that my furnace heat exchanger has a crack in it. The cost to fix/replace the fins (can’t think of what they are called) but I have 5 of them and it’s like $1400 for each so like $7k. I’m told I can’t run my furnace anymore because of the crack. Seems that I need/should just replace the Entire Furnace and AC system

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Normally it’s maybe 2k or so for the whole heat exchanger that seems high but yes when we see a cracked heat exchanger we recommend replacing the whole system due to the fact this normally happens on old units that are at that age anyways

[@KB-xd5wq]

I've had a Amana system for 20 years now and haven't had any issues besides a small leak in the heat exchanger drain pan last year. I know Daikin bought Amana and they both look very similar. Are there any differences? I'm on the fence if I should replace a system that has been trouble free for 20 years.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

You can wait til it breaks but they normally break in the middle of peak season when you need it and when contractors or busy. If you can replace it on a shoulder season that’s normally the best and most proactive approach

[@NickShoust]

I counted the days last summer. It was 12 days where i was uncomfortable either because of the heat or too high of humidity. Sounds like single stage is right for me would you agree?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Do you not have AC at all currently? If so then that’s probably right just a basic system would probably work for your needs

[@mariagomes9882]

Is the MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC A/C and HEAT combo a silent unit? Do you recommend it? Ty

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

The intelliheat? If that’s what your referencing yes it’s very quiet, it’s an inverter and delivers top notch performance I think you’d be very pleased.

[@AZCONA]

Questions i have a hvac heat system with ducts. What better way to install a 4-way mini split or central air? Also, do i need new ducts? i put central air

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Central air, but you could do “both” with a slim duct unit that integrates with a multiport ductless condenser. So if you still need 1 ductless head unit in a place that’s difficult to run ductwork too, you can do that, and then have a ducted system with a slim duct unit for the parts of the home you can serve with ductwork.

[@AZCONA]

@TheHVACDopeShow i just checked. i have a carrier furnace

[@SK-mz4cq]

Any information on Weathermaker (generic Carrier) AC units?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Not really just a generic unit, if you’re looking for a basic system it’s probably fine. Oftentimes the difference between base models between two lines of the same manufacturer (carrier and Payne for example) are very minimal

[@ihatemilk09]

I am in the Glendale/Peoria area in Arizona. Looking at google maps it doesn't appear that you service this area. Knowing that google maps is not always up to date, does your team service the West valley in Phoenix?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Short answer is yes we service that area! We’re eventually serving the whole Phoenix Metro, if you mention the KZbin channel we’ll always try to make exceptions to service area and will drive a little farther for KZbin fans or referrals 😁 but currently targeting east areas but only because our office is in Tempe so we’re serving Phoenix east of 51, up to north Scottsdale and east/south to chandler/mesa/gilbert, and we’re still building up staff at the moment out there.

[@NickShoust]

Does the evap coil just sit above the furnace? It can get hot when the furnace is on in the winter?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Correct that’s normal

[@NickShoust]

@@TheHVACDopeShow that's wild to me. A system that gets so cold in the summer can also sustain the hot furnace temps in the winter. I guess that's what they are built for!

[@roadrunner3563]

Age should never be a deciding factor. Condition and ability to get replacement parts, efficiency (a 7 SEER prolly needs to be replaced), and suitability (is it actually sized right for the space).

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Age if it’s broken… I wouldn’t recommend replacing a compressor on a 20 year old R22 system?

[@roadrunner3563]

In that case I might agree, but it isn't due to age, it's due to government mandated shortage and exorbitant price of R22.

[@mitrahoversten9513]

What air conditioner unit would you recommend for a condo in Minnesota? Brand and unit.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

For Condos IMO it depends on where the condenser is… if it’s on the roof or out of sight and not something you’re going to hear regularly when you’re running the AC then IMO you wouldn’t really see a big benefit from a high efficiency because condos notoriously have much lower bills because 1. Lots of shared walls / insulated from other units 2. Not a huge load / demand. But if the condenser is on your patio and you have to look at it / hear it when you’re out there then a Daikin fit or similar side discharge option is ideal because it’s space saving and super quiet (if that’s important to you and you spend a lot of time outside on your patio/deck in the summer for example). Hope that helps!

[@mikel2890]

Just came across your channel and wanted your opinion. I live in a 50 year old 1900 sq ft 2 story house and I live in Missouri which gets pretty hot and humid at times in the summer. The second story is always hot during the summer as I think most 2 story houses are. Currently the hvac system (single stage) that is about 28 years old and is going to be replaced soon because the a/c needs to be recharged every few years from a leak and just age. So since it's a 2 story house would a two stage or even a variable stage hvac system be better?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Inverter for sure I wouldn’t bother with two stage. Daikin fit enhanced with backup furnace would be a good system for heating and cooling in your climate and for that specific scenario. In the hotter summer months I would leave the fan in “circulate” mode even on low, and that, plus the continuous airflow characteristics of the Daikin Fit, will make the house much more comfortable upstairs. The other option is a supplementary system for the upstairs

[@mikel2890]

@@TheHVACDopeShow Thanks for the reply!

[@nq2847]

Help: I’m usually flexible with temperature swings, usually 75F in summer and 66 in the winter, I was quoted 10K for a Daikin DX4SE and matching 80 AFUE gas furnace plus a new 50g AO smith included in that price. He said it was a single stage… since I have a wide temperature comfort range, you think I should accept the quote for a single stage? Hope it’s a good price, first time homeowner with AC replacement, old unit is 30 years old. Thanks!

[@nq2847]

He also said the two stage is 3-5k more expensive. **

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

It wouldn’t hurt to get another bid and depends on the market but at a glance that’s an excellent deal. Your biggest drivers of price are going to be local cost of living standards as that directly correlates to overhead in a given region… I’ve heard systems like that quoted anywhere from what you’re quoted on the lower end up to as high as 20-30k but it’s really more of a reflection of a Given businesses operating expenditures. If you trust that contractor (they came referred or decent reviews) then you’re probably in good hands. Whenever I have family from out of town asking for a referral I go through the local parts houses and they will normally refer you to a good shop (one that doesn’t take shortcuts / has a good reputation amongst contractors). Congrats on being a first time homeowner! Also depends on the size of the home and your utilities. Homes under 1500 square feet in moderate climates can go with lower efficiency. Higher efficiency AC or heating is a no brainer in hotter and colder climates but again depends on your local utility rates too.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

And multi stage is more about comfort than efficiency on a furnace although it does help a little. Two stage acs are more efficient for sure but again if your bills aren’t very high might not be worth it. One piece of advice is be wary of the “cheapest” bid you get if it’s way less than the others (for example if you got 3 bids for 10-12k and one came in at 5k I would be worried about the quality on the cheapest bid although sometimes this is just because one man operations don’t know how to price themselves)

[@DavidDominguez-xf6mp]

Do service Ftworth Tx

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

We will be shortly, hoping for q4 of this year. A lot of moving pieces to make that happen

[@thomascook5368]

I recently replaced an A/C unit with a Daikin DX9VCA3610AA. Is this also a heat pump? Is it a good unit? It cost as much as a car so I hope I didn't get swindled. It supposedly has 85 stages. Does this mean its an inverter if true?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

DX9 is a top of the line inverter AC, not a heat pump but very efficient and quiet. Great system!

[@thomascook5368]

@@TheHVACDopeShow Thanks! You put my mind at ease, sir

[@9to5techs]

Can you make more videos.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

I’ll make as many as possible! lol working on it 😁

[@level70420]

How are Daikin furnaces? Reliable?

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Yes, if you want reliable for a furnace go with an 80% efficient system. That’s why recommend a lot of dual fuel systems (heat pump with 80% furnace backup) because high efficiency condensing furnaces are more prone to issues if not regularly maintained, especially at high altitudes. Just my experience they’re much more finicky

[@level70420]

@@TheHVACDopeShow Unfortunately 80% systems are no longer available in Canada due to the government regulations. They have single stage 90% + systems but I’m not sure if they have 2 heat exchangers or one. Another point of failure..

[@wesleypipelayer7627]

brand does matter to some degree. I've had three friends and neighbors who all bought goodman. All three have been replaced in less than 5 years. Granted, this is Las Vegas, but to add insult to injury, my next door neighbor is now on his 3rd Goodman in under 7 years, and is already having problems with this "new" third one, just installed in the fall of 2023. and their warranty didn't even cover the last one, because it had already been replaced on warranty.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Yikes that’s terrible, were these diy installs? I can’t say I have seen that happen even in vegas where it’s hot unless there was something missed in the install or it was oversized for the ductwork which tends to burn systems out. Big thing is lineset flush or replacement, nitrogen brazing, and a solid vacuum @ 500 microns to remove moisture, and proper sizing, if those are done I don’t find issues with them that often.

[@wesleypipelayer7627]

@@TheHVACDopeShow…. All 3 were pro installs with different companies, in different parts of the city. My neighbor being one of them.

[@MelvinSpleevil]

Can your team help and/or advise on the process to submit for the rebates for both federal and with SRP in Phoenix? I've looked into the forms and process and it's a bit overwhelming due to all the lingo, etc. Also, does your team help with or offer financing? I'm very interested in replacing my whole system as it's 26 years old!

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Federal is taxes done by your CPA, the SRP rebate is not too difficult and yes we handle the rebate paperwork on systems we install in Phoenix.

[@MelvinSpleevil]

@@TheHVACDopeShow Thank you for responding! I appreciate the assistance.

[@davidtheguitarman]

I don't use AC, i think it's useless. I have to consume 800 watts for half an hour to take 84 to 82 °F? With all the noise it makes? And when you switch it off, temperature goes back to 84 °F in five minutes. No thanks. And it's bad for the environment. I personally use the technique of leaving the windows open all night to store the freshest air, and during the day I keep the shutters half closed so the sun doesn't get in. It works form me, and I keep a fresh house (77 °F) in the hot summer days.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

You must not live in Phoenix

[@Arob1999]

There are way better options than using 800w. If your concerned about the power and it being bad for the environment, build and A/C yourself and show us. Because keeping your windows down is seriously not going to do much at all. Even in the winter 77 feels way too hot inside. A/C was designed so that we don’t have to unnecessarily loose water while doing light work. It can bring temperature down from 85 to 75 pretty quickly. And will last a while depending on design of house.

[@bishoplin9201]

How about LG compressors? They're making bigger waves in North America

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

They’re great products from what I’ve heard I’m not as familiar with them. I know I’ll be interested if their R290 monobloc systems come here because we can use them to replace boilers for homes with hydronics applications but they’re a good product for sure

[@bishoplin9201]

Thanks for the reply! Hope you keep making more videos@@TheHVACDopeShow

[@Dirk-gg1nv]

Good luck getting parts for those Korean made shit

[@designarge]

I recently researched your KZbin channel and I found your KZbin thumbnails to be good but they are not attractive enough to get people to click on your videos. As a graphic designer, I can make your thumbnail more attractive and clickable. So, can I redesign the thumbnail for you? If you don't mind. Let me know. thank you

[@jeanmarcforcier383]

Sorry, natural is way better then any other system unless off grid.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

I would say it depends on the context and price of natural gas, but either way thanks for the comment!

[@JoshDisney]

Don't be a dick to renters my man come on now

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Lol screenshotted a comment from a renter literally validating my point… saying “I use the restrictive carbon filters because I’m a renter there’s no reason not to”. I don’t understand why I get so much hate for stating the obvious - tenants are in the home for a year or two and then move, so they don’t care if they close all the vents etc.

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Tell renters not to be a dick to their hvac 😂 but seriously

[@artics1031]

Do NOT buy Daikin, they dont have good customer support, i have stopped using them, plus we started to have sooo many issues lately.

[@badtoro]

Brand doesnt matter. Bro you just lost me. It's not just parts, it support, and etc...

[@TheHVACDopeShow]

Agree… that’s why I said a major name brand that supports the product etc, must not have watched the whole video? (or other videos where I talk about brand). But if someone is getting hung up on Trane vs. Daikin, IMO the big thing is having a brand name that will support you and honor their warranty when you need it. In my experience it’s really hard to say whether one or the other is “better”… all the big names have had recalls, lawsuits, and the occasional lemon, but the good companies back up their product with a solid warranty and support (ie why we sell Daikin)