Welp, it looks like my 9yr / 3 ton Carrier unit is officially done I am in Corpus Christi, and currently getting quotes from different HVAC companies. All are in agreement that I need a new unit, but some say I need to go with a single stage system, and others say variable stage is where it's at. I did just install a whole home dehumidifier 3 months ago, so one guy says with a dehumidifier I don't need a variable stage
System. Others say variable stage will help bring my electricity cost down I just don't know what to do or believe anymore ? Also, have any of you guys heard of a brand name Armstrong Air?

Is there any Ag's out there that can help a fellow Ag? I do plan to Purchase a new one. At this point, making sure I choose the right company is where my mind is at. I must say I am leaning towards a 17seer Armstrong Air Single Stage System, but I am open to any suggestions. I don't plan to leave my current home any time soon. Thanks and I will hang up and listen.

Yes. There is a trusted HVAC Ag here but not sure he does corpus. I've never heard of Armstrong Air but as my name implies, HVAC is out of my wheelhouse. A cursory search shows they are owner by Lennox but not a Lennox. They don't seem to raise any flags but again, not my wheelhouse.

I have had all manner of AC systems though, and I can tell you that there isn't a situation on the planet in which I would not own a multistage system with a VS air handler if I'm living in the house.. Just do it. The comfort level is hands down better.

As I've said in the past, the install is more important than the brand but that does have its limitations. as long as it has a registered warranty for parts and labor that is at least 10 years, and the distributor and parts are local and easy to get, I'd not be overly worried.

I'll let someone else chime in about the brand. Maybe Jim will be along shortly. I still encourage multistage and vs systems.

We had variable in our old house, moved last week and new house has single stage. I already miss the variable speed.

No experience with a dehumidifier with either. But it just running at a very low speed all night maintaining a constant temp was significantly more comfortable then a standard single stage unit turning on, shutting off, and the couple degree temp swings.

My vote: Variable, no matter what ....

Armstrong is a sister of the Lennox brand. Very high on Consumer Reports if you trust those. If you already have a dehumidifier, I would go in the middle with two stage. Single stage sucks.

What's holding me back from the variable system is the whole home dehumidifier. Idk if a variable system is necessarily needed since I have a dehumidifier installed 3 months ago. Looking back I should have never installed that and just done a variable system then.

PrinceofRA said:

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What's holding me back from the variable system is the whole home dehumidifier. Idk if a variable system is necessarily needed since I have a dehumidifier installed 3 months ago. Looking back I should have never installed that and just done a variable system then.

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Depending on how your system is sized, you still will be able to use the Dehumdifier. It wll should tie in together. The nicer HVAC control boards have DEHUM pinouts and you can tie your system directly into it if you want to continue to use it. There will be times during the year if you are near the coast that your multistage system still won't get all of the humidity out because it does it by overcooling. So, it will ramp down, and if your set point is 75, it will slowly chug along until the humidity is removed to it's set point, or the temp gets to 72. At that point, it will stop.

This is where the dehumidifier can come in handy.

I don't care if you have a dehumidifier. You have a complete setup in my opinion with both.

I can't wrap my head around why a legitimate company in Corpus would suggest otherwise except for the fact that single stage are easy to install and set up. The others require a skilled technician...again...shouldn't be tough to find.

I'm just being nosey but does your current system not have a warranty?

It does not have warranty. The warranty is 5 yrs but when it's registered you get 10yrs and builder or myself did not register. My house was a new build, and I was told when contractors build your house they stage the HVAC so it makes it difficult to complete the warranty. They have like 60 days or so. Point is I don't have a warranty

PrinceofRA said:

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It does not have warranty. The warranty is 5 yrs but when it's registered you get 10yrs and builder or myself did not register. My house was a new build, and I was told when contractors build your house they stage the HVAC so it makes it difficult to complete the warranty. They have like 60 days or so. Point is I don't have a warranty

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That's bull. Most manufacturers will let installers register at time of startup. Or the homeowner can send in utility bill for when services were connected.

The guy saying the variable speed isn't necessary due to the dehumidifer is not wrong. I do not like Armstrong as it is a rebranded Lennox made in the same factory with the same parts. Yes, they are number one on consumer reports if you believe that garbage.
I'd lean toward a multistage system in addition to the dehumidifer so long as your duct work is properly sized. Improper ductwork on a multistage is going to give you lots of headaches. Air takes the path of least resistance and when in low stage it is possibly that the rooms farthest from the unit will not get sufficient air. Variable speed has its place but remember this is a system, not a box that makes cold air. Find the guy you trust and go with them. But I'd buy another Carrier before I bought a Lennox or Trane product.