Lennox G61V vs Carrier Infinity vs Rheem Modulation 90+

[bokenrosie]

Lennox G61V vs Carrier Infinity vs Rheem Modulation 90+

Assuming I go with a highly reputable local installer who is well rated and does a perfect job of installing his brand can anyone offer some advice on the selling points of each of these machines?

I thought the Rheem/Ruud with the variable speed (5% increments on the gas flame) was the best I could get? Then I had the Lennox guy come and tell me that his G61V was the best. It's only a 2 stage, so why/how can it be better?

A whole lot of tradesmen on this board have suggested that we (the HO) do some homework. Well I've done a bunch and my head is about to explode so I'm calling for help here.

I thin the three that I have mentioned above are supposed to be the best of what each manufacturer makes. I even found this quote:
Buying Two, Is money an issue? If it is then go the Rheem, If it really is then go with a Wheather King, but if money is not an issue go with a York, Trane or American Standard. If you have too much money and need to get rid of some, then go with a Lennox, You may pay less up front for it, but once you buy it they gotcha. If you get any rebates better bank them and pray that you don't need a service call, that require parts!!

Any and all advice very much appreciated.

Thanks

[BaldLoonie]

From a heating comfort aspect, the Rheem Mod is tops. The heat output nearly perfectly matches the heat loss of the house. That's what the chart below is showing vs a 2 stage unit.

Lennox & Carrier do have an advantage for summer humidity control if you use their Signature stat or Infinity contols. The Mod will dehumidify on demand but by a separate humidistat not via the thermostat. That would be more of a benefit in a steamy southern climate. If in a heating climate, I still vote for the Mod.

http://www.johnmills.net/ht/modchart.jpg

[bokenrosie]

BaldLoonie, Thanks for the chart. I am in a "sometimes steamy" climate. I live on the Jersey Shore. We typically have at least two to three months of pretty steamy weather ... but nothing like FL or LA.

One of the highest rated contractors in my area seems very hot (sorry for the pun) on the G61V from Lennox. He says it's super quiet, runs all the time, just as efficient as Rheem, better build quality, the owner and most employees have it, etc.

He sure seems sold on it. On the other hand, if he cannot sell Rheem that could be why. Is there any reason you would go Lennox over Rheem if the house were in NJ like me? thanks,

[mayguy]

As you can see on Bald's chart, the Mod will run pretty much start running all time when the temps are in the 30's and colder. Where the 2-stage won't run all the time till it's 0 or colder and cycle on and off in 2nd stage if a two stage t-stat is used.

I have a two stage. I am happy with it. but it cycles on and off untill it's near 0 degrees.

If you want COMFROT go with the Mod. Do a search on MOD and will see how many people like them. But be sure to get a matching Mod t-stat on it.

[bokenrosie]

Guys, Thank you all for your advice. This site is great!

Now I just have to sort through all the disparate quotes that I have received and I can get the work done. It would be great if I knew what the actual equipment costs where so I could understand all the price differences are. Is there a wholesale or retail site online where I can get price quotes on the equipment?

Thanks,

[bokenrosie]

does anyone know of a site that lists retail selling prices of furnaces and accessories. I'm trying to analyze a bunch of quotes and I would like to pull the equipment costs away from labor costs. None of the quotes do this.

[BaldLoonie]

No way to do that. Every dealer pays something different for the product based on volume, how well they pay, etc. Every supplier pays something different to the brand. Rather confusing. Bottom line, pick the dealer and the product you like best. If it costs a bit more, it will likely be worth it.

[bokenrosie]

You wrote:


If it costs a bit more, it will likely be worth it.

That is becoming the root of the problem. I got a quote for my system from two guys for Rheem Classic Mod 90+ RGFD-12ERCMS. The two quotes were within a few hundreds of dollars of eachother.

Flash forward to last week when the guy was here winterizing my boat and we end up talking about HVAC. I told him I was about to replace my 1985 system and he says I should call the guy he recently used because his prices were great and the work showed no comprimise.

So I call the guy and I get a quote that is 4K less than the other two guys for the same system.

So here I am trying to figure out why he is so cheap. His work at my buddies house seems good. I've seen pictures and the homeowner and his wife are more than happy.

So common sense tells me to stay away from the guy that is cheap but you cannot argue with the recomendation from friend. I feel as if access to what they pay for the equipment would help me figure out where the difference is. If this guy works by himself he would save money. Maybe his margins are lower? I just don't know.

[desto1]

my vote is for the lennox,dont like carrier,their quality is not what it used to be. i would buy rheem before any carrier/bryant/icp or what ever else they happen to put a name on.rheem in my opinion is just a little better than goodman.there are a lot of rheem fans on this forum so i am sure ill get it, but from what i see and service i like what lennox and trane has to offer,either residential or commercial equipment. a lot of folks rave about the mod furnace,but only time will tell,i cant wait to see how many mods or g61 are still going in 20 years.my bet would be on the g61 mpv;)

[bokenrosie]

I really want to hear why you like Lennox. One of our salesman seemed to feel the same way but did not have a good reason to choose the 2 stage lennox over the 13 stage rheem. I'd like this to be the system I use for the next 20 years so any advice you could give would be helpfull.

[jesterboom]

Rosie,

Im just starting the same problem as you!
I just recently moved into a house in Lincroft and I need to replace a heater from the 50's

Any help you can give me with contractors in our area would be awesome!

[heatingairman]

my vote is for the lennox,dont like carrier,their quality is not what it used to be. i would buy rheem before any carrier/bryant/icp or what ever else they happen to put a name on.rheem in my opinion is just a little better than goodman.there are a lot of rheem fans on this forum so i am sure ill get it, but from what i see and service i like what lennox and trane has to offer,either residential or commercial equipment. a lot of folks rave about the mod furnace,but only time will tell,i cant wait to see how many mods or g61 are still going in 20 years.my bet would be on the g61 mpv;)

I agree 100%. There are A LOT of dealers in my area that a switching brands because of Carriers' problems. Carriers' Infinity Control is the only thing that is any good anymore, besides that ... their equipment is made "cheaply", (I toured the factory and seen their quality control, not to mention worked on a ton of MVP and MVB units) The G61MPV is a solid furnace with a Stainless Steel Secondary Heat Exchanger. I don't know much about the Rheem/Ruud furnaces, but from what I've seen they're pretty nice!

[bokenrosie]

Jesterboom, I've had about 6 guys to the house. I think I have it down to one or two. If you want to email me it is hvac as the username and the domain is theroses with a period and org (cryptic to keep away the spammers).

Unless I hear some amazing anecdotal stories about how bad the rheem/rudd systems are I am going with the Mod 90+ furnace, the contour comfort stat and a skuttle humidifier.

Cheers,

[aircooled53]

I would suggest that you choose a good contractor, and equipment would be a Rheem :) or Carrier:D , I would not recommend Lennox as my first choice.

Lennox has a parts issue , if your system has small problem, here is how it works, call 1-800-453-6669 give them your dealer # then model number , serial number and they will tell you if it will be 7-14 days before your part is available.:eek: Well, maybe your systems works great for years and you don't need any parts.Warranty ,service and installation is what you should consider then...

[HeatKing]

Rheem, by far

[SoCal Residence]

Jesterboom, I've had about 6 guys to the house. I think I have it down to one or two. If you want to email me it is hvac as the username and the domain is theroses with a period and org (cryptic to keep away the spammers).

Unless I hear some amazing anecdotal stories about how bad the rheem/rudd systems are I am going with the Mod 90+ furnace, the contour comfort stat and a skuttle humidifier.

Cheers,
Hi bokenrosie,
I'm considering the Rheem 90 Modulating as well (RGJD). Have you had yours installed? If so, are you happy with it?
Regards, SCR

[jthom]

Aircooled is correct about the parts issue with Lennox.

[toyo066]

Unless I hear some amazing anecdotal stories about how bad the rheem/rudd systems are I am going with the Mod 90+ furnace, the contour comfort stat and a skuttle humidifier.

Can't Go Wrong!!!!!

[rlj1117]

parts for lennox not an issue unless you are not a lennox dealer,they dont let just anyone back up to loading dock and purchase their equipment. i listened to all comments, my dist for rheem here dont usually have some parts , guess what even if they are under warranty and they dont have it then you have to pay shipping, good luck

[Bsmith816]

i would definitely go with lennox.they stand behind their product 100%. you know what they say. you rudely got rheemed

[mayguy]

i would definitely go with lennox.they stand behind their product 100%. you know what they say. you rudely got rheemed

Talking about waking up the dead. This post is almost 3 years old!

[stvc]

I was thinking the same thing, what I can't figure out is what for?

[CynicX]

I would suggest that you choose a good contractor, and equipment would be a Rheem :) or Carrier:D , I would not recommend Lennox as my first choice.

Lennox has a parts issue , if your system has small problem, here is how it works, call 1-800-453-6669 give them your dealer # then model number , serial number and they will tell you if it will be 7-14 days before your part is available.:eek: Well, maybe your systems works great for years and you don't need any parts.Warranty ,service and installation is what you should consider then...

This is BS. There isnt a part that Lennox still manufactures that I cant have tomorrow before Lunch time if I order it before 4pm today. WITH THE WEATHER we've seen out west just recently its put a one day delay on my next day orders from Lennox in Des Moines....

I'll clue you in on my secret. "Hello Lennox/Carrier/Rhemm/ETC, This is XXX from XXXX I need XXX part.", they say "ok", I say "Where is the part located?", They say "XXXX", I say "Ok, next day air that too me", they say "ok"..If you tell anyone my secret I will kill you! But seriously I think homeowners can get parts from Lennox faster then you can, have them order the parts...haha

[CynicX]

Talking about waking up the dead. This post is almost 3 years old!

Holy crap...I just noticed...I thought it was kind of weird the Lennox guy was pushing the G61 so badly versus the mod...Oh well hahah...Wonder what the OP bought....

[docholiday]

Bald,

Since when did you forget you can control humidity with a mod thermostat?

[mayguy]

Bald,

Since when did you forget you can control humidity with a mod thermostat?

Maybe 3 years ago? This post been woken up from the dead.. Almost 3 years old! lol

[bokenrosie]

:couch:
I cannot speak to the Lennox parts issue but as the homeowner that specified Rheem Modulating system 3 years ago I can say I'm STILL in love with the decision. In my house you hardly ever know the heat is on. It is so quiet you have to walk up to a register to see if air is moving. In my parents, in-laws, and most other houses you hear the system cycle with loud noise when it comes on. I hear that noise in the summer for AC because the fans run at full speed. If they come up with modulating AC down the road I would love that. Hopefully that and Geothermal become options by the time I need a new system.

[CynicX]

:couch:
I cannot speak to the Lennox parts issue but as the homeowner that specified Rheem Modulating system 3 years ago I can say I'm STILL in love with the decision. In my house you hardly ever know the heat is on. It is so quiet you have to walk up to a register to see if air is moving. In my parents, in-laws, and most other houses you hear the system cycle with loud noise when it comes on. I hear that noise in the summer for AC because the fans run at full speed. If they come up with modulating AC down the road I would love that. Hopefully that and Geothermal become options by the time I need a new system.

At the time I would have chose the Rheem too. But now all manufactures have their modulating options (or close enough). Personally I would choose (and did) a Lennox G71 over the G61 and even the mod.

The G61 is now our "run of the mill" furnace as it has a good price and qualifies for tax rebates.

[docholiday]

Maybe 3 years ago? This post been woken up from the dead.. Almost 3 years old! lol

Crap, I didn't see that... funny. I need to pay better attention. Although how pleasing is it to hear from a member three years later to hear she is thrilled with her decision after consulting HVAC-Talk?

I'm sure Rheem would love to hear your story.

[CamarosRus]

Renton, WA (Seattle) Home Owner shopping for contractor and new Gas Furnace. Rheem Dealer left me bids for RGRM-06 95% 2 Stage gas/ 2 stage fan. Also gave me bid for RGRM-06.

I was reminded that when and if modualating fan motor goes out, there cost at HADCO was $.

FYI, My split entry (front door entry and then up to 1200 sq ft or down to 600) house has 1800 sq ft and 10 heating registers

Also had several Lennox Dealers bid on G61MP, G61V and even the G71

Very difficult decision for uneducated, inept, HO to make ?????

Thanks, Chuck

[ampulman]

Over 3 years ago (in this thread), the bald one stated:

"From a heating comfort aspect, the Rheem Mod is tops. The heat output nearly perfectly matches the heat loss of the house....."

So why does my Mod shut off? Let me elaborate.

I have an RGFD 090 which was sized based on my cooling needs (heating: 60,000 based on HVAC-Calc).

According to my calculations, at 40% input, the output is about 33,800 BTU, which should match heat loss at an ODT of 36 degrees. I would expect (and desire) that the unit would run continuously at and below that OD temperature.

During the recent cold spells, temps have reached the mid-teens and I have noticed off-periods.

Why would this be happening? I can't imagine that my home is (much) more energy efficient than I calculated, as I'm still plugging leaks. Also, I don't believe that the unit is shutting off on high heat, as I have to crane my ears to hear if it's running (after recovery).

The ID temp is always right on.

Any thoughts?

Amp

[BaldLoonie]

Pretty rare that a furnace is sized right to the exact BTU. Our supplier at the time made a graph at how the furnace could follow the heat loss. And the thermostats aren't perfect either. But a mod with thermostatic control should still hold the temp about as close to perfect as a furnace can.

As for motors, almost all of the variable speed furnaces on the market use the same manufacturer, Genteq, aka Regal-Beloit, formerly GE. So high cost of replacement appliles to them all. Fortunately they are rather reliable.

[CamarosRus]

Would not a better comparison be between the Lennox G61V and the Rheem RGRM....

Both two stage gas, both variable/modulating fan speeds........

[mdelliott]

Lennox G61V vs Carrier Infinity vs Rheem Modulation 90+

Assuming I go with a highly reputable local installer who is well rated and does a perfect job of installing his brand can anyone offer some advice on the selling points of each of these machines?

I thought the Rheem/Ruud with the variable speed (5% increments on the gas flame) was the best I could get? Then I had the Lennox guy come and tell me that his G61V was the best. It's only a 2 stage, so why/how can it be better?

A whole lot of tradesmen on this board have suggested that we (the HO) do some homework. Well I've done a bunch and my head is about to explode so I'm calling for help here.

I thin the three that I have mentioned above are supposed to be the best of what each manufacturer makes. I even found this quote:
Buying Two, Is money an issue? If it is then go the Rheem, If it really is then go with a Wheather King, but if money is not an issue go with a York, Trane or American Standard. If you have too much money and need to get rid of some, then go with a Lennox, You may pay less up front for it, but once you buy it they gotcha. If you get any rebates better bank them and pray that you don't need a service call, that require parts!!

Any and all advice very much appreciated.

Thanks
g71mp is the lennox furnace that is comparable. It has a modulating gas valve & ECM motor. the g61v is 2 stage w/ ECM motor, still a great furnace but not their "BEST".

[mdelliott]

hahaha... just noticed how old this thread is. well, at the time yes the g61v was the best lennox had. n/m.