What is the difference? - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| cabot
 |  "What is the difference?"
, posted Sun 20 Apr 09:45  
Have new system installed with 2 choices, both are Goodman 3 ton units with one being a veriable speed furnace and one being a multi speed furnace, what is the difference? Is it worth the 1200 dollars between the two?
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Replies:
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| Houston204
| "Re(1):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 10:54
A variable speed furnace can increase comfort and efficiency, especially when matched with a 2 speed outdoor unit. Is this 1200 dollar difference only including the furnace?
"Tip of the Day" Remember to remove power first.
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| | yuri
| "Re(2):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 11:34:
A variable speed ECM motor is an excellent choice as it will maintain constant airflow/velocity/static pressure as your air filter plugs up. Consumes considerably less electricity $$ and is much smoother, quieter and provides better comfort than the basic multispeed motor. It increases your SEER rating by up to 1 point. Lexus quality instead of a Malibu. If you keep it for 15 yrs $1200/ 15 = $80/yr. Small price to pay for better comfort etc. I sell lots of Lennox G61MPV units with those motors. Buy the extended warranty on any brand. A 2 stage A/C is a lot better at humidity control and Lennox makes a very good Humiditrol unit if humidity is a big issue for you. Check Lennox.com. The new Goodmans are pretty good from what I hear. I like Lennox better. Check this link for Humiditrol info:
http://www.lennox.com/products/overview.asp?model=HD
Yuri
[this message was edited by yuri on Sun 20 Apr 11:52] |
| | cabot
| "Re(3):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 13:32
I am replacing a RHEEM Silouette (60000 btu's) furnace and a RUUD air conditioner (3 ton). I am being told that to keep my existing ductwork I have two options:
1st A GMV950453BX - 45,000 BTU 95% Efficiency, Two Stage Burner, Variable Speed Blower add 1200 dollars.
2nd A GMH950703BX - 70,000 BTU 95% Efficiency, Two Stage Burner, Multi-Speed Blower, he also keeps telling me the 2 Two Stage Burner is convertible, what does that mean to me?
The outside unit, for either is a GSC140361A - Goodman 3 Ton 14 SEER with a CAPF3636B6 - Goodman 3 Ton Cased Evaporator Coil.
I live in Atlanta, what would be your recommendation? I am only replacing my system because of higher energy costs, my existing 12 year old system is currently working OK now.
Thanx for all your help.
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| | covert aire
| "Re(4):What is the difference?" , posted Tue 22 Apr 11:39
My advice to anyone even remotely thinking of installing a Goddman product is to NOT DO IT. This stuff is and always has been junk. I love 'em (on one hand) cause they brake so often and they rust away. YOu get what you pay for... and with Goodman, you aren't getting much.
Michael E Covert
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| | yuri
| "Re(4):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 15:16
Convertible means that if you don't like 2 stage operation he can alter it to 1 stage. Waste of time and $$. I would check out the higher end Lennox XC16 or higher SEER A/Cs and a G61MPV 45,000 BTU furnace. Has a ECM motor and can handle ductwork challenges better and is extremely quiet, well balanced and highly efficient . If you are upgrading to save $$ then a 16 SEER is the minimum I would recommend. I live in Canada and don't know your climate but if it is really humid then a 2 stage A/C and the humiditrol system will save you lots of $$. It can drop the house humidity to 45% without overcooling the house (meat locker effect). You can then keep your house temp at 74 F or higher and be very comfortable as the humidity is lower. Most A/C's have a hard time doing this as they work off temp alone. The higher end Lennox units have a special Signature thermostat which can work off humidity and or temp. Sounds like you are looking for $$ savings, quality and comfort. You get what you pay for $$ wise. The technology is definitely in those units to accomplish better climate control and save energy but you have to pay for it up front. Amortize it over 20 yrs and it makes more sense. Seems like Lennox and Carrier have spent lots of $$ in developing that technology. Not sure Rheem is there yet.
Yuri
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| | cabot
| "Re(5):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 16:30
I understand about the SEER but I am limited in funds and this is all that the companies are offering (4 different bids) the jump to Trane and/or Carrier and /or Lennox are more than I can afford.
If I go with the V/S with the lower BTUs I am afraid that it will not heat the house properly.
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| | yuri
| "Re(6):What is the difference?" , posted Sun 20 Apr 19:20
Is your current furnace a mid or a high efficiency unit? If it is high efficient (plastic venting pipes) then you need to stay with one that is close to it in BTU's. If it is a mid (metal pipe to chimney) then you could possibly downsize to a 45,000. NO dealer should quote you 2 different sizes for a high. I think this guy is out to lunch. The best way to find the size you need is to have a proper heat load and loss calculation done. Spend a few $$ and try this one:
http://www.hvac.cc/
Yuri
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