Where have you been Bob? Don't you read any HVAC print, industry magazines or publications? American Standard sold the plumbing divison and automotive parts divisions. They then sold their HVAC holdings to Ingersoll Rand and have changed the parent company name to Trane. Trane Co will continue to focus & market their HVAC products under both the Trane & American Standard labels (residential, light commercial & commercial/industrial). American Standard Companies is renamed to focus on its heating and air conditioning business November 28, 2007 Homeowners can continue to rely on American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning for quality products, systems and service American Standard Companies has changed its name to Trane to reflect the companys focus on its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) business, which includes American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. Changing the name and stock symbol (TT) marks the completion of the companyÂs separation plan that was announced in February 2007. Since then, the company spun off its vehicle control systems business as an independent company called WABCO (NYSE: WBC) on July 31, and sold its bath and kitchen business to funds advised by Bain Capital Partners, LLC, on Oct. 31 Hamilton, Bermuda and Piscataway, New Jersey, December 17, 2007 Â Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (NYSE:IR) announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Trane Inc. (NYSE:TT), formerly American Standard Companies Inc., in a transaction valued at approximately $10.1 billion, including transaction fees and the assumption of approximately $150 million of Trane net debt. Trane is a global leader in indoor climate control systems, services and solutions with expected 2007 revenues of $7.4 billion. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Ingersoll Rand will acquire all outstanding common stock of Trane. Holders of TraneÂs approximately 200 million common shares will receive a combination of $36.50 in cash and 0.23 Ingersoll Rand shares of common stock per each Trane share. The total value for this transaction was $47.81 per Trane share based on the closing price as of December 14, 2007. The transaction which is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2008, is subject to approval by Trane shareholders, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Herbert L. Henkel, Ingersoll Rand chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "The combination of Ingersoll Rand and Trane will create a global, diversified industrial company with projected pro forma 2008 revenues of $17 billion. The new Ingersoll Rand portfolio will include an $11 billion Climate Control business which will offer high value equipment, systems and services necessary for delivering solutions across the temperature spectrum for indoor, stationary, and transport applications worldwide. "As a result of expected revenue and cost synergies, we are confident that this acquisition will improve Ingersoll RandÂs future earnings growth potential. We believe the new Ingersoll Rand will be capable of sustaining annual organic revenue growth averaging 5-7% and EPS growth exceeding 15% per year, both in excess of our former growth guidance. In particular, assuming timely consummation of the proposed acquisition, we anticipate earnings of $4.00 per share in 2008." Fred Poses, Trane chairman and CEO said, "For our shareowners, this offer represents an attractive price for our shares today and the opportunity to participate in a powerful global diversified industrial company in the future. Combining Trane and Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operation creates a very strong business. With the size, strength and operational effectiveness of a $17 billion global industrial company, we believe this combination is best for our customers, employees and shareowners in the long term." Poses will remain in his position until the acquisition is completed. "This acquisition represents a significant next step in Ingersoll RandÂs decade-long transformation to become a leading global diversified industrial company, with strong market positions across the climate control, industrial and security markets," said Henkel. "The acquisition of Trane meets our long-term objectives of significantly increasing consistency of revenue and income streams, adding strong brands and market positions, and further strengthening the organic growth potential of our portfolio. TraneÂs leadership position in the global commercial and residential climate control industry enhances our own highly regarded Hussmann and Thermo King brands. "TraneÂs demonstrated long-term organic growth rate, averaging 7% to 8% per year, compares favorably to the organic growth targets we have established for our business portfolio. TraneÂs talented management team and employees have delivered consistent revenue growth and operating margins throughout all phases of the business cycle. "We believe Trane will deliver strong growth and profitability going forward. Based upon market fundamentals such as rising energy costs and conservation initiatives, we expect solid replacement-demand for energy-efficient products and for retrofit and refurbishment of current systems. TraneÂs large installed base of equipment and systems will provide profitable aftermarket growth potential. Also, Trane has the leading market position in North America, and is growing strongly and increasing penetration in international markets. "On a combined basis, Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operations are projected to have revenues of approximately $11 billion in 2008 and will have a significant presence in all major segments of the associated industries worldwide. It is anticipated this combination will produce annual pre-tax cost and revenue synergies exceeding $300 million by 2010. Anticipated synergies include purchased material savings through supplier rationalization and procurement leverage, improvements in manufacturing costs, and lower general and administrative costs. Longer term, we will benefit from synergies related to cross selling and service revenue expansion." Trane Inc., previously named American Standard Companies Inc., provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of the air in homes and buildings around the world. The company offers customers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; service and parts support; advanced building controls; and financing solutions. The companyÂs systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. TraneÂs 2007 annual revenues are expected to approximate $7.4 billion. Trane has more than 29,000 employees and 29 production facilities worldwide. Ingersoll Rand is a global diversified industrial firm providing products, services and solutions to transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and enhance industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, Ingersoll Rand enables companies and their customers to create progress. Ingersoll RandÂs 2007 annual revenues are projected to be approximately $8.7 billion. The company has 35,000 employees and 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide.

I have owned this Maytag 23 SEER IQ Drive equipment from Nordyne (both a 3 ton & a 2 ton unit)since April 2009. I replaced two old, inefficient systems in their entirety. I paid top dollar for this high efficiency equipment and boy was I taken! Lots of service calls (more in 1 year than in the 11 years I owned the older units); high humidity inside the house (a new problem that started with the install of this equipment); noisy fans that wake me up when the units shut down at night; no improvement in energy efficiency at all (I have to keep the house 4 degrees cooler than with the old equipment to keep from sweating, due to the high humidity); equipment is sensitive to power fluctuations (computer brain flips out every time there is a switching transient from the power company and must be reset); and the list just goes on and on. I would NOT recommend purchasing this product. A Trane 2 Stage system would likely be a much better investment (note: I have never owned Trane equipment and I don't know anyone who works for Trane - it just happens to be the alternative I investigated before deciding to buy the IQ Drive.)

Ryan and Mike--Thanks so much for your responses! To answer your quesitons: RYAN--first quote came with written estimate in hand. He has serviced my furnace since I moved here in 2000 but did not do any special calculations. He seemed to say, it's a Georgian and he knows what they should take.... Filter--I should have added that I also have a solar thermal system, provides hot water and hot air assist in the winter. Thus, he is also planning to move the filter and coil from the solar system further back along the duct work coming into the furnace. Since it would be on a downward slope coming into the furnace, he said this would move the air more efficiently through the filter and coil. (I hope this makes sense)...anyway, I think this part of the reason for the higher cost. I really don't know what 2-stage or 3-stage means, but the brochures list the infinity 17 and 21 with a "two-stage compressor". (Do you know if this makes a difference?) For the infinity control, I just want something that will work most efficiently and with the least amount of problems. If the Infinity control has more problems b/c of it's complexity, then I'd choose simpler. My wife, simplicity before most anything (lol!) One other thing second quoter mentioned today (when I went to see his filter) that the infinity control may not work as well with the solar system, which has it's own thermostat I set two degrees above the regular thermostat. He said that the infinity fan run all the time. Thus may not even need the second thermostat and that it would not turn on fan itself due to the infinity control and the way it is set up. (Does this make sense? fan running continuously?) MIKE-- Currently I have a 21/2 ton system and seems to be okay, but maybe too hor or too cold at times in here. Don't know anything about rebates (except for the one mentioned on the infinity control, but guy was not sure if this is still there or not). I could not find anything on the website but maybe need to look further? I will definitely ask about a two ton unit. Is there a 2 ton infinity? Would definitely love to save some money on the price. the mvc does not come with a filter but can be gotten for an added cost. All 3 contractors have seemed to say that it is not worth the expense you pay for it. warranty...I know it comes with ten year parts if you register within 90 days, so do I have to buy that from Carrier to get the labor also? Humidifier...that is a definite yes. Without it, cracked skin and bloody noses are very common here in the winter. Get's really dry here in the chicago winters. Thanks again, guys, for your responses. Will check back if any other questions come up!

@Tiger snide comments? Or informational? Certainly telling someone they are ignorant of facts isn't going to win any social awards on a board that would rather gang up on the pro that works, repairs, installs every single brand out there. Yeah because I am upsetting the apple cart for those who just yack to be yacking for what reason you do this to promote one over another? It's no secret that Trane is highly advertised. I'm well aware I am viewed as the enemy here for more or less telling it like it is... but here's the rub: People come here looking for answers and to make better more informed decisions. I view you as one of the leaders on this board. I don't know your relationship to Trane whether it is paid or not. I know you also have mentioned Carrier / Bryant products as well but typically only after repeated call outs by me that there are better options than Trane out there. So I will give you a few facts about several major leading brands. These links are unaffiliated with me, many of which are long drawn out explanations of trouble people have had with various brands. These examples only prove a couple of things. 1. Installation is most important. 2. Brand name means very little. (They all break) Trane Complaints (for those who don't know American Standard is more or less the same thing as Trane... two peas of the same pod.) Carrier Complaints (For those who don't know, Bryant is more or less the same thing as Carrier.) Goodman Complaints (Daikin, Amana are more or less the same thing as Goodman.) Lennox Complaints (Aire Flo, Armstrong are some other less popular brands Lennox makes.) Ruud Complaints (Rheem is more or less same thing.) You know what all of these have in common? Every single one of them have a 1 star rating. Now please tell me again how much brand name matters?