What a great read! Thanks so much for sharing. I have a friend who lives in a small town north of here. He doesn't follow Chris' strict protocol, but he does occasionally help himself to plants from abandoned property. I'm off to read the blog and do some shopping. ;)

Who made all the repairs you listed? The installing dealer? And if the installing dealer, are they an authorized York dealer? And if an authorized dealer, what is their response to your specific complaints? What documentation do you have on your problems? Be specific please.. You have a nice anecdotal story but do you have backup to support? In a situation like yours, I would put my complaint in writing to York by certified letter with copy to dealer. If no response, perhaps a lawyer with consumer protection experience is indicated. Sorry for your trouble. IMO

Just a note of clarification... The UPG outdoor products (York, Luxaire, and Coleman) that you have been discussing, specifically the THGD products are Heat Pump products. These units contain Copper tube/Aluminum fin outdoor coils. The cooling only units (TCGD) contain the Microchannel outdoor coils. One other thing, the biggest difference between the 15 SEER affinity outdoor product and the 18 SEER Affinity products is the Outdoor Fan Motor. on the 15 it is a PSC motor, and on the 18 it is an ECM motor. One thing to note.. they are exactally the same appearance and size, however the 18 SEER units do seem to be a touch quieter, which is a pretty good thing since the 15 SEER Affinity products are already some of the quietest.. if not THE quietest units out there. Lastly, about the indoor products (furnaces). I would highly recommend the modulating furnace. they are quite effecient, and since most of the time your furnace is NOT constantly running as your home would only require a small amount of heat to bring it to confortable... you would certainly save gas and be able to maintain a more constant comfort level with a modulating furnace (however, I would save the money and go with a single stage if you are going to do a H/P as well). As for the cost difference between the PSC motored unit and the ECM unit.. ECM is just another slightly better way to improve airflow through your house improving comfort. as they will run slightly more than the PSC.. but at a lower varied speed keeping the heated air moving through the house helping to minimize or eliminate "cold spots", also helping keep the thermostat from calling for heat as often. Also the ECM motor is a fraction more energy effecient. Final thoughts on the new York/Coleman furnaces, they ARE quiet. I know for a fact, they are quieter than the competition. HANDS DOWN. Personally I have a TG9S (single stage) furnace. I really like it.. is quite a bit cheaper than the modulating.. and a whole lot less complexity built into it, and don't forget.. it IS 95.5% AFUE. sorry about being so long winded here.

Well now we know what brand of iron you WONT be purchasing to replace the Rowenta. And companies wonder why they fail? Your dollar is your power...use it wisely.