The Armstrong SCU10 is a discontinued 10 SEER air conditioner. Documents on the unit date back to at least 1997. It is considered an entry level, split system unit. Its compressor has few moving parts and the cabinet has a powder painted finish. The SCU10 line uses a variety of Copeland, Tecumseh and Bristol compressors on different models. Each unit used R-22 refrigerant.
The manufacturer advises against installing the unit near bedrooms, due to noise produced during operation.
The manufacturer recommended that homeowner maintenance include:
Removing leaves and other obstructions from the surfaces of the outdoor coils
Routinely changing the air filter on the air handler or furnace used to distribute air inside the home
I am a retired HVAC tech/installer and have install 100s of Armstrong units. I installed my system over 20 years ago and had only one issue with a pc board. If your system fails over and over again its not the system, its the installer.
Steve Ryan
"Not happy!"
2.0 rating
Somewhat Unsatisfied
The unit is 2 months over the 10-year warranty and the compressor is shot! I had it regularly serviced but still had 5 repairs in that time. The unit would not run for various reasons. Think I bought a lemon or this brand is not good. The service person said it should have lasted 20 years. This company no longer uses Armstrong so would not stand by it even though it was so close to the warranty expiration. I will definitely complain to Armstrong about this.
Janet Stollmaier
Cincinnati, OH
"Great Unit!"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
Put in a 2.5 ton in my new home in 1999. Not one issue ever! Great unit and would recommend to anyone.
D. G
Louisville, KY
"Quality Air Conditioner"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I owned this Armstrong condenser unit since 2004 when I bought the house it's installed at. The unit itself has worked well since I've had it, and is currently performing this summer. It provides quick cooling if I need to bring the temp down. Being a larger unit than I previously had, the electricity bills can get high if it's hot and humid for prolonged periods in the summer. I have never had to repair or replace any parts, nor have I performed any maintenance to this point. The condenser coils are still clean and don't appear to need cleaning. The unit is fairly quiet when running, but not noticeable from indoors with the windows closed. This unit was manufactured in 2002, so I plan to have it for at least another 5 years. Since I've had no trouble with this unit, I would definitely recommend it to a friend or family member, and will probably replace it with another Armstrong when the time comes. Overall, a quality product with no downside so far.
Joliet, IL
Other SCU10 Reviews
Internet HVAC forums contain threads in which HVAC professionals discuss a myriad of problems with Armstrong SCU10 air conditioners. For example, a contractor on hvac-talk.com complained that he had installed a brand new unit for a customer, only to find out the air conditioner had never been charged with refrigerant at the factory and had already developed a leak. Overall, these units are regarded as poor products and technicians have stopped both purchasing and installing them due to the high number of issues and difficulty with warranty coverage.
In 1997, Armstrong issued a document entitled “Technical Tips File N.T97-8” that includes the company’s responses to the many complaints received from 1995 through 1997. The document acknowledges problems with the SCU10’s components and manufacturing and attempts to provide possible solutions though discussion boards continue to discuss problems into at least 2003. Among the problems addressed were improperly placed pistons, leaking service valves, faulty discharge tubes and confusion over how to install the filter-drier.
Armstrong Air SCU10 Model Numbers
The SCU10 is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.
Model Number
SEER
BTUs per Hour
SCU10B12A
10
12,900
SCU10B24A
10
22,600
SCU10B30A
10
29,000
SCU10B36A
10.1
36,000
SCU10B42A
10.2
40,500
SCU10B48A
10
47,500
SCU10E18A
10.1
18,000
SCU10E24A
10.2
24,400
SCU10E30A
10.1
29,000
SCU10E36A
10.2
35,000
SCU10E42A
10.2
42,000
SCU10E48A
10.3
46,500
SCU10E60A
10.1
57,000
SCU10 Warranty
The SCU10 air conditioner comes with a 5-year limited warranty on the compressor and all other parts are covered for 5 years. Warranty coverage begins upon completion of installation. The date of installation must be verified by the customer. Otherwise, coverage starts six months from the product’s shipment date from the factory.
Best Heating & Cooling Products
See ratings and reviews for the best in furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and more.
