VS handler worth the cost?

[confused4now]

I am having to install a new heat pump and air handler. Am looking at the Trane units and am trying to decide if the variable speed unit is worth $xxx. I have a choice between the vs unit for $xxx more or moving from a SEER 13 unit to SEER 14 for $xxx. Which is the best choice, especially knowing I will be in the house for no more than 5 years. Thanks for the input.

[cmajerus]

the vs drive a/h will save YOU more than 1 seer in 5yrs

[DWB]

VS offers other benefits beyond the savings and the tax credit.

[elkhvac]

the vs drive a/h will save YOU more than 1 seer in 5yrs

AND much more comfort.

[heatpumpguru]

Lower fan noise and better temp control

[neophytes serendipity]

Depending on electric rates in your area and how often you leave the fan "on", the added cost of the VS drive can be recouped in as little as two years in the form of utility bill savings.

This is in addition to the added comfort that the VS drive and controls can offer.

Unless you have a calendar with a move-out date in pen, things can change.

And, the "I'm not gonna be here long" attitude is the driving force behind problems in construction today.

[JBM1000]

If you are sweating the cost of variable over fixed then obviously go the cheap and get out from under it in 5 yrs. If the amount of comfort has any thing required then go variable. What to really watch out for is the final tuning in of the system by the final tech. Matching all of the system compared to just flipping some dip switches and packing up to leave means maybe 80% of whether you get what you paid for. I know a guy whom always gripes until a factory rep/tech comes out and fine tunes the system in all needed points only then does it usually work right. *He does this because he sells and moves like clockwork every 2 yrs and always remodels and updates the plumbing and heat and air.

[pstu]

I am a homeowner who chose the VS air handler and is glad he did. Everybody who told you to get it, has been giving good advice unless you just really want to cheap out. There are several really significant advantages with it, including better humidity control. SEER ratings can be a tad misleading because the VS changes it for the better.

I would certainly rather have the X13 type condenser with a VS air handler, than X14 type without. Ask to see the actual ARI SEER ratings with each air handler and you might find that the X14 without VS, is mainly good for impressing the neighbors who don't know better.

Hope this helps -- Pstu

[dash]

Do not go soley by the SEER rating.

For your new system to operate at the maximum effeciency,in the real world,your indoor unit needs to provide the exact air flow.

Though this can be accomplished with a standard fan motor,usually isn't,but is automatic on a VS "setup" properly ,other then with severely undersized ducts.

[Merk]

I have a new house (3 years) with a Rheem 5 ton, SEER 13, system with a single speed air handler. I was never given the option for VS from the builder. (South Texas, lots of AC adn humidity, very little need for heat). This thread made me start thinking - is it possible to switch out the single speed air handler with a VS system or is the entire system designed to work either one way or the other? Any thoughts on whether it's worth the new expense?

[chillbilly]

I am having to install a new heat pump and air handler. Am looking at the Trane units and am trying to decide if the variable speed unit is worth $xxx. I have a choice between the vs unit for $xxx more or moving from a SEER 13 unit to SEER 14 for $xxx. Which is the best choice, especially knowing I will be in the house for no more than 5 years. Thanks for the input.
Absolutely yes, it's worth the extra expense in both comfort options and efficiency.
Options for adjusting airflow to meet comfort and dehumidification demand are much better than a standard PSC blower motor provides.

[Merk]

Super! Thank you. So I assume the answer is also YES. It is possible to have a local AC contractor switch out the single speed air handler with a VS without any major impact on the main inside or outside units?

[chillbilly]

Super! Thank you. So I assume the answer is also YES. It is possible to have a local AC contractor switch out the single speed air handler with a VS without any major impact on the main inside or outside units?
Oh yeah. And then he can trim the blower speed to achieve the needed airflow requirements for cooling, heating, heating with optional second stage heat kit, and also achieve better dehumidification.
They're very quiet and they use less power to operate.

[jrbenny]

They're very quiet and they use less power to operate.
Please be aware that this statement is only true if the duct is sized properly. Undersized duct will cause a noisy and inefficient VS air handler.

[Merk]

Thank you all. This is now worth a call to the Pro.

[ericrocks]

I’m not that familiar with Trane units. If you want to go with a VS air blower, I would definitively make sure I’m getting one with a more efficient ECM motor (versus PSC).
Maybe Trane only uses these for their VS air handlers, just make sure.

You will get increased comfort AND increased blower motor efficiency (= lower electricity bill).

Example of such technology: GE ECM by Regal-Beloit – X-13 or X13 motors

[Mr Bill]

If your plan is to reap some kind of "money savings" in energy costs you would have to live to be
at least 100 to gain back the difference in the VS Air handler and the conventional Air handler, if
your looking at performance and comfort buy the VS. :D

[beenthere]

I’m not that familiar with Trane units. If you want to go with a VS air blower, I would definitively make sure I’m getting one with a more efficient ECM motor (versus PSC).
Maybe Trane only uses these for their VS air handlers, just make sure.

You will get increased comfort AND increased blower motor efficiency (= lower electricity bill).

Example of such technology: GE ECM by Regal-Beloit – X-13 or X13 motors
The X13 is not a variable speed motor. It is more efficient then a PSC motor though.

[dash]

If your plan is to reap some kind of "money savings" in energy costs you would have to live to be
at least 100 to gain back the difference in the VS Air handler and the conventional Air handler, if
your looking at performance and comfort buy the VS. :D

That may be true ,if both PSCand VS are are on a great duct system.

What a VS "can",may not always do for you:

Deliver the correct cfms ,for high efficiency,from startup,thru dirty filters or coils.

Set itself up for the "choosen" cfms,PSC requires some serious time to get even close to the correct cfms.

Save fan operating cost,if the duct system has lower static(resistance to air flow).


Plus with the correct cfms,the refrigerant charge may actually be correct.

[Mr Bill]

That may be true ,if both PSCand VS are are on a great duct system.
What a VS "can",may not always do for you:
Deliver the correct cfms ,for high efficiency,from startup,thru dirty filters or coils.
Set itself up for the "chosen" cfms,PSC requires some serious time to get even close to the correct cfms.
Save fan operating cost,if the duct system has lower static(resistance to air flow).
Plus with the correct cfms,the refrigerant charge may actually be correct.


So since I make heads or tales out of what you just said "still on my first cup of coffee"
are you condoning or condemning my statement? :D

[dash]

Neither one.

Just some things to think about.

With a PSC as the filter,coil and blower get dirty,you lose cfms and sensible capacity,so operating cost increases,VS will compensate.What the energy saving ,hard to tell,but there's some.

At lower statics the Fan watts svings is pretty good.


VS set up correctly will deliver the correct cfms for energy savings,how many PSC motor installs get close to the correct cfms for saving the most dollars.

[beenthere]

I think you'll find the customers that save the most with a VS blower, are the ones that run the fan 24/7. (providing the duct isn't under sized too much)