1.5 T 14 SEER or 2 T 16 SEER?

[nagaseth]

Replacing an old 1.5T HVAC unit upstairs that has 3/8”and 5/16” Line set.

Option 1

Replace with a new 1.5-ton, 14, SEER, Lennox unit (Freon 22) and a 80% Variable speed gas system, with out changing the line set. (Cheaper by 2500$) (1100 Sq. Foot upper floor)

Option 2

Replace with a New 2 ton 16 SEER Lennox/Trane unit (410a) that requires addition of new line set, couple of additional supply vents, and one return vent. Expensive by 2500$

Contractor 1 recommends option 1, but willing to do option 2
Contractor 2 recommends option 2

What are your thoughts

Thanks

[amd]

If your current 1.5 ton unit cools properly, don't upsize. Oversized systems consume more energy and don't remove enough humidity.

[nagaseth]

Even a .5 Ton increase can affect humidity and energy ?

[dan sw fl]

Originally posted by nagaseth
Replacing an old 1.5T HVAC unit upstairs that has 3/8”and 5/16” Line set.

Option 1

Replace with a new 1.5-ton, 14, SEER, Lennox unit (Freon 22) and a 80% Variable speed gas system, with out changing the line set. (Cheaper by 2500$) (1100 Sq. Foot upper floor)

What are your thoughts?

Location?

[mjk_na]

My take, option 1 if you have had satisfactory cooling with 1.5 ton before.

[Freezeking2000]

Originally posted by nagaseth
Even a .5 Ton increase can affect humidity and energy ?

YES!

[beenthere]

Originally posted by nagaseth
Even a .5 Ton increase can affect humidity and energy ?

Its possible.

.5 ton is 33% increase on a 1.5 ton.

If the 2 ton unit is 2 stage, then you should have no trouble.

[nagaseth]

My Location : North Metro Atlanta

I was thinking that 2T with 16 SEER is a better choice because 1) Energy saving 2) Better cooling 3) Latest Technology

I now realize that 1.5T is the ideal unit after reading all your opinions. Why dont manufacturers make 1.5T with 16 SEER rating ?

[nagaseth]

Sorry, I for got to add. 2T is two stage (Trane XL16i)

[Freezeking2000]

2 Ton 2 stage is the better choice so you get the high seer.

[beenthere]

2 ton 2 stage is better then 1.5 ton single stage.

[Gunnery Sergeant Hartman]

I finished my 950 square foot bonus room on the 2nd floor of my house and installed a heat pump myself.
The load came to just under 1.5 tons so I installed a Trane XL14i 1 1/2 ton w/ a variable speed ahu.
I really wish I would've used the XL16i 2 ton 2 stage because when I have company over or when its 95+ degrees it does have a little trouble keeping up with the demand.

[nagaseth]

Thanks

Why cant contractors quote separately for the unit and separately for Installation. This way I know how much a XL16I costs and how much they bill for installation

Is it customary in HVAC field that prices are kept confidential? So that customer cannot compare the cost effectiveness of contractors

[beenthere]

Because xxxx dollars for labor, is not for the time, its for the quality.

Most home owners just see the dollar amount, and don't think about the quality they're getting, so they would go with the cheaper labor, and then come here and ask why their system doesn't work right, or why the cheaper contractor didn't do it the right way.

[nagaseth]

There are many trades where the labor is XXXX. They don't hide to tell what their cost is. Why is HVAC an exception?

Thanks

[beenthere]

Theres also alot of other trades that don't break out their labor.

We know what are labor cost, we just don't break it out and haggle about acouple bucks more then the next contractor.

[esigler]

I would go with 2 ton Xl16I by Trane or American Standard they will remove more humidity with the 2 stage and comfort.

[cloned]

<<1.5-ton, 14, SEER, ...(vs.)... 2 ton 16 SEER>>

Consider - Depending on the evaporator coil you use with each unit may have a big impact on SEER. Rheem has a good chart showing you can get 16 SEER out of a 14 SEER outdoor unit with the best match evaporator coil. You can also degrade a 16 SEER unit down to 14 SEER by using a bad match.