Brands We Recommend

We currently recommend Ruud Heating & Cooling Equipment.

We like their layout, design and they have a good wholesale house in Tempe that is interested in taking care of the contractors. 

Ruud/Rheem produce the only package heat pump we have found that will work on the Park Model mfg'd homes.  (Typically you would use a straight cool unit w/electric strips).

In this business, how the wholesale house performs is as important as the equipment they deal.  If the wholesale house doesn't care and doesn't make an effort to make things happen, then what can we do other than find one that will.

Most units are constructed of the same materials, just in a different footprint or layout.  If they have a problem with a contactor or capacitor, it's not their fault directly.  It's a problem part from the manufacturer of that particular part.

We all try to make the best decisions about the equipment and parts we buy but are at the mercy of what's available and how well they construct the materials.  As most parts are made in china, mexico or indonesia anymore, you're just rolling the dice until they' are out a while and they show their capabilities.

Keep that in mind should you have a warranty issue.  In addition, NO manufacturer covers refrigerant in their warranty policies.  For the first year, WE have to eat the refrigerant should there be a repair that requires it.  Beyond that, the majufacturer only provides the part.  You are responsible for the labor and refrigerant.

After Jan 1, 2006, all equipment produced in the U.S. must be minimum 13 SEER.  After Jan 1, 2010, only equipment using Puron, or R-410a, will be produced.  This is a completely different type of refrigerant.  The price of R22 will begin to rise.  If you have problem equipment, now's the time to get it taken care of. 

Though we install many different brands when they are requested or required, we have chosen Ruud for several reasons. 

Equipment quality, wholesale house relationship, attitude and eagerness to solve problems and do their job, (like keeping parts in stock), are all important to us.  Fortunately, Ruud fills these requirements superior to the rest. 

They offer products that we don't have to 'babysit' as much as some of the others, putting not only the consumer at ease but us as well.

We find that they do their jobs well and keep materials available that they know we are going to need.

Things change though.  Particular brands have fallen out of favor with us before and it may happen again.  We've known the guys that are there for years and they know how to do their jobs so we don't have problems. Thats our job.  To watch what the industry and manufacturers are doing, what new bright ideas they come up with and to see if there's anything to it.  Then if it passes mustard with us, we recommend it to our customers.  Unfortunately, we dislike more than we like.

Taking the simple approach with simple, well made equipment will leave you, and us, happier in the long run. 

We highly recommend Ruud!