single stage vs. two stage and mid vs. high

[sooboy]

Need some help figuring some stuff out and this looks like the place to get it.

I live in Barrie ON Canada (about an hour North of Toronto). We are getting ready to replace the furnace in our house. The furnace is about 20 years old and was original to the house (1200 sq foot bungalow). Current furnace is 65,00 in 49,000 out and is a york.

I am receving some advice that suggests a good dual mid (Trane xv80 or Carrier 58CVA) Would be better then a high efficency single stage (trane xr90 or Carrier MCB) and end up providing similar $$ in heating bills.

Any thoughts and help would be appreciated and if you think Trane or Carrier should be avoided let me know that too.

Thanks!

[hp_dude32]

I'd suggest you get a -lot- of quotes on variable-speed 2-stage furnaces, and you might be surprised!

We just got a Carrier Infinity 96, and it's very quiet in the low stage, but if you need heat -now-, it really howls!

Keep in mind the cost saving in electricity with the DC variable-speed motor as well...


Also, given the importance of heating in central Ontario, and the overall cost of the unit as a percentage of the value of your home, don't get caught up in trivial price differences.

High-end equipment will sell itself if you are planning to move in the not too-distant future. (this is contrary to the knee-jerk reaction to cheap-out if you're moving in a few years)

Adding a trivial few grand onto the listing price of your house, and saying "top of the line, name brand HVAC" is an easy sell.

It's sad, but from a future marketing perspective, you're better off with an easily recognizable name like Trane or Carrier. Amana makes microwave ovens, right? ;)


Simple marketing 101.

[Edited by hp_dude32 on 10-24-2006 at 01:59 PM]

[chucko615]

I wouldn't even think about an 80% efficient furnace in your climate, look at 90% furnaces single or 2 stage