Model confusion

[broncos]

Help! We are replacing our AC unit and Gas furnace in our house. They are both over 25 Years old and the AC unit recently failed. I was unavailable when we had a few contractors come in and I am confused in trying to compare their quotes from the material they left with my wife.

For the AC unit, we are looking at a 5 ton unit with at least a 13 SEER rating.
- I have been given 2 model numbers for the Bryant 13 SEER unit: 123RNA060 and 123ANA060. What is the difference and is one better than the other? (Based on price I would assume so)
- Would I be better off going with the preferred series from Bryant versus the Legacy series for the 2 models listed above? I was provided a quote for the 13 SEER 163ANA060 and the 15 SEER 165ANA060 model.
- What are folks opinions of this manufacturer and the models listed above?

For the Furnace, I am trying to compare the following models:
- Bryant 355MAV060120 and 352MAV060120 and 315AAV060120.
- The latter of these models is variable speed, while the first two are 2 speed. What is the difference and does it typically justify the cost difference to get variable speed?
- One contractor was trying to sell us a Bryant High Efficient Air Cleaner. In addition, he mentions a new bottom return air box for the 5 ton unit, whereas no other contractor makes mention of either of these pieces of equipment. If he just trying to sell me product or is this equipment that is typically needed/beneficial.

Lastly, one of the contractors was quoting prices on Goodman. I have never heard of Goodman and was told by a neighbor that this was low end equipment. Is this true?

Any input I receive is appreciated.

[plain spoken]

I would suggest calling the contractor back and asking him these questions and get his input on what and why each should be used for your particular installation.

The 123R uses R-22 (the one that is being phased out) and the 123A uses Puron (R410A the new refrigerant)

355MAV is a 90% effcient, 2 stage burner with variable speed blower.
352MAV is a 90% effcient, 2 stage burner with multi speed PSC motor
315AAV is an 80% effcient, 2 stage burner with variable speed blower.

[broncos]

What is the difference between the variable speed blower and the multi speed PSC motor for the furnace?

[thomefan2579]

yes goodman is the very bottom line they are like kias great warrantys but always in need of work and kinda loud

[pgrasso]

broncos,

plainspoken is right; you should call the contractor back and ask them these questions. The contractor should be able to tell you why they have recommended these particular models, and why they're the best fit for your specific needs.

As far as the air cleaner is concerned, I don't believe the contractor is "just trying to sell you something," rather, they're just letting you know what kind of options you have. If indoor air quality is a concern of yours, then getting an air cleaner included in this system would probably be a good choice. The indoor air quality products that an HVAC contractor can provide you are far better than anything you can pick up at a retail store.

Again, I'd call back the contractor and ask if they can go over the equipment with you again. Getting a whole new system like this is a big purchase, and you want to be sure you are getting the right system for your needs.

-Pete

[BaldLoonie]

That oughta get Robo's attention :D

[jas_stang]

as far as the furnaces go, the 355 is a variable speed that is ideal for larger applications and especially for doing zoning. the 352 is a 2 stage heat (hi/low fire burner) furnace witha a multispeed blower. I had the 355 in my last house and I saw a big improvement in energy savings, yet I believe I would have seen the same savings in the 352 due to how small the house was. One nice thing about the 355 is the option for an "evolution" thermostat that has the ability to monitor airflow cfm, static pressure, talk to an optional ac condensor that is two speed 17 seer and displays, stores and can notify contractor of errors in the system. I would recommend going with the r410a condensor as they are the replacements for the 22. either way, i like bryant systems, I used to work for an authorized dealer. also, the bottom return is required for this size of ac, the side return would not give enough airflow on its own, most of the ones i installed that were side return, i would build a small platform to set the furnace on and would use the 20" filter box on the side

[plain spoken]

Originally posted by jas_stang
as far as the furnaces go, the 355 is a variable speed that is ideal for larger applications and especially for doing zoning. the 352 is a 2 stage heat (hi/low fire burner) furnace witha a multispeed blower.

The size of the application has nothing to do with which unit to use. The furnaces are available in many different sizes, a correct one for each need.

[broncos]

Originally posted by jas_stang
as far as the furnaces go, the 355 is a variable speed that is ideal for larger applications and especially for doing zoning.

Not sure what is meant by large applications here. Our house is a 2 story house with a full length finished basement. Total SF including basement of ~5k. We live in the Chicago area.

The concept of zoning is not one that was discussed in any detail with the contractors. With the size of the house, we do notice a 'sometimes' significant difference between the different levels in the house. (The basement can get pretty cold in the winter) Does zoning generally require significant expense to accomplish. Also, generally speaking, outside of comfort, do you see enegy savings related to this justifying the additional expense incurred. (Cost vs. Benefits)

Based on past experiences, what issues do people have with zoning that they may not otherwise experience. Are their additional requirements/equipment needed for zoning purposes.

I will talk further to the contractor, but it is always good to get multiple perspectives. In addition, forums like this help the uninformed to better understand what to ask. Once again, your insights are appreciated.

[beenthere]

Originally posted by BaldLoonie
That oughta get Robo's attention :D


I just want to see Robo's reply :)