Help with New System Selection - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| lauraw
 |  "Help with New System Selection"
, posted Wed 10 Sep 23:05  
I have two 16 year old systems in a 3400 sf house. My drip pan in my attic unit has rusted out resulting in the need for a new outside AC unit and matching coil inside. I've gotten 3 bids - all of which seem very different to me and I'm looking for some guidance.
- My service company has quoted me to replace the outside AC unit and matching coil - they quoted a Lennox system 13 SEER for $5301. I've asked them about replacing the furnace and they stated it was working fine (even though it's 16 years old) and they didn't see a reason to condemn it. I asked about a higher SEER unit and was told they couldn't do a higher SEER without replacing the furnace with a variable speed one. They declined to quote me on the furnace or the upgraded SEER unit. This company seems like they are only interested in repairing the units and I've pretty much written them off.
- A second company, highly rated by Angieslist, recommends only the replacement of the attic unit at this time. They said I should wait until I have to replace the lower level system or when I build out my basement. For the upstairs unit, they quoted a Carrier 58STA070-1-16 70,000 BTU Gas Furnace with a 15 SEER air conditioner 24APA030A. This is not a variable speed furnace which I thought was required for higher SEER. The sales guy stated that given my vents are in the ceiling, I would be better off with a continuous system vs. variable speed. This company will do a manual J loan calculation after I sign a contract.
- A third company, also highly rated by Angieslist, recommends replacement of both systems given the age of the systems, the cost savings to replace at once and additional efficiencies. They recommend a Rheem system
Upstairs
- 2 stage variable speed 75,0000 BTU furnace RGPR07EBRKR with 13 SEER 2.5 ton AC RANLO030JAZ
Basement
- 2 stage variable speed 100,000 BTU input furnace RGPR10EBRMR with 16 SEER AC RARL036 JEZ
- Honeywell F200 Media filter
I've asked about a higher SEER in the upstairs unit but was told with the variable speed furnace, it would be almost a 14 SEER and I did not need more in the upstairs.
This company does not think a manual J load calculation is required - they think my systems are correctly sized due to square footage.
Since everyone is telling me something different, I'm at a loss for what I really need as well as what additional questions to ask. I had my home insulated a year ago so I would like to get as efficient a system as I can.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Laura in NoVA
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Replies:
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| Jojo98
| "Re(1):Help with New System Selection" , posted Thu 11 Sep 23:50
Mismatching SEER ratings will reduce the Btu rating, don't do it. Secondly, Purchasing the highest SEER rated equipment will probably have to be replaced before you recoup you the savings from the investment. Lots of costomers are going overboard with SEER ratings. 13 to 16 SEER is pleanty high enough. Insulate the windows, crawlspace, and purchase a programable t-stat. I keep mine at 76deg in cooling and 69deg in heat, and don't have outrageous power bills.
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| aircooled
| "Re(1):Help with New System Selection" , posted Thu 11 Sep 13:50:
Carrier would be my first choice but, I'm a little bias as I work for a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer.
Rheem is also a good unit , what you have to do is ask yourself which company did the most detailed inspection and went over what your options where. That's the one you should choose.
"People will forget what you said people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel."
[this message was edited by aircooled on Thu 11 Sep 13:51] |
| | lauraw
| "Re(2):Help with New System Selection" , posted Mon 15 Sep 22:16:
quote:
Carrier would be my first choice but, I'm a little bias as I work for a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer.Rheem is also a good unit , what you have to do is ask yourself which company did the most
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I've gotten another bid for a variable speed furnace from a Carrier rep. Is this a good system and is the equipment a good match - I think the furnace is an Infinity furnace with a performance a/c and controller. Should I ask for an Infinity a/c and controller?
Below are the model numbers quoted:
58CVA070 -1-12 Variable Speed Furnace
CNPV3017ATA 2.5 ton Puron Coil
24APA530A003 15 SEER A/C unit 2.5 ton
TP-PAC Performance Digital Prog Stat
Any help is appreciated
Laura in NoVA
[this message was edited by lauraw on Mon 15 Sep 22:20] |
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