Everything else being equal......Carrier or Lennox?

[sstucush]

Could I bother the experts with one more question? I think we have narrowed down HVAC contractors to one we trust. Quotes we are considering are as follows:

Lennox XP19 with CBX32MV-48 air handler
Lennox XP16 with CBX32MV-48 air handler
Carrier 25HNA948A003 with FE4ANFO5000 air handler
Carrier 25HNA648A003 with FE4ANFO6000 air handler

-The dealer strongly recommends Lennox.
-Lennox price is significantly lower when all rebates are factored in.
-We live just south of Tampa.
-We will need two additional returns and rework of boxes and ducts in attic.

I've read a lot of good things about Carrier Infinity on this board but am wondering if it's worth the extra money to us. It'll cost about 25% more than the Lennox.

Thanks.

[RyanHughes]

Sounds like this contractor has good experience with Lennox and is happy with them. If a contractor stands behind a product like that, it seems like that's the way to go if he trusts it and can get parts easily, etc. I do wonder why the FE4ANF006000 air handler wasn't quoted with the 25HNA948A003--it would give you more efficiency. You will find fans of both Lennox and Carrier here. The Carrier Infinity system is hard to toss out, though. Ask the contractor about what controls would come with the Lennox--if you get the Signature control or VisionPRO IAQ, I don't see why that wouldn't do a fine job controlling humidity.

The fact that he pointed out some changes that need to be made is a good thing. How did he arrive at his sizing?

All of those units have scroll compressors except the 25HNA648. What other details are included with the quote? Warranty? Lineset replaced? Air cleaner? Thermostat? etc.

Just my thoughts. I'm sure others will have different thoughts. :)

[tigerdunes]

sstucush

I would go with the Infinity 16 with the FE4ANB006+UI air handler.

And if you want a great sgl stg system, look at the Performance 15 with Infinity controller. It will save you some change. This system has very good performance metrics. SEE below.

1258753 Active OEM PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA548A30 FE4ANB006+UI 48000 13.00 15.50 47000 8.70

IMO

[dash]

Could I bother the experts with one more question? I think we have narrowed down HVAC contractors to one we trust. Quotes we are considering are as follows:

Lennox XP19 with CBX32MV-48 air handler
Lennox XP16 with CBX32MV-48 air handler
Carrier 25HNA948A003 with FE4ANFO5000 air handler
Carrier 25HNA648A003 with FE4ANFO6000 air handler

-The dealer strongly recommends Lennox.
-Lennox price is significantly lower when all rebates are factored in.
-We live just south of Tampa.
-We will need two additional returns and rework of boxes and ducts in attic.

I've read a lot of good things about Carrier Infinity on this board but am wondering if it's worth the extra money to us. It'll cost about 25% more than the Lennox.

Thanks.

Might want to get a price from another contractor on the Infinity,if you are interested in getting that system.I don't see that kind of difference in our area of Florida,between the two.

The 25HNA648 should be less then the other model Infinity,and is the most popular one for us.

[just_opinion]

[QUOTE

I've read a lot of good things about Carrier Infinity on this board but am wondering if it's worth the extra money to us. It'll cost about 25% more than the Lennox.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Lennox is the only manufacturer to receive the Good
Housekeeping seal of approval which means that Good Housekeeping will
stand behind any Lennox installation. This is a big endorsement and
should be used in sales calls when another manufacturer is mentioned
with better warranty, etc. "Does Good Housekeeping stand behind that
product?"

Also, Lennox is the only HVAC manufacturer who has received EPA's Energy Star Partner of the Year in Product Manufacturing and won award
in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007. Won award for "outstanding contribution
to making and promoting energy-efficient products." Reference pages
28, 59,60,61 in attached .pdf from EPA

[barely]

coupled with the new furnaces...it ranks up there with the best systems I have ever seen. Just my opinion.

[bell3156]

I used to work for lennox, as a residential comppany we sold trane and I am paertial to trane But the top of the line lennox unit is a great machine, the queitest unit I have ever heard, great to work on, few problems...just a great unit all around ( I'm currently a trane dealer and would think hard between a trane or a lennox on my own home, I might just choose the lennox).

[bell3156]

Sorry for the spelling errors, I did not learn how to use spell check for xmas.

[t527ed]

XP19 is a great unit, put one in my fathers house with a G61mpv furnace.

[AcDOCnTRAINING]

No doubt in my mind Carrier is the unit of choice, there is nothing remotely close to the Carrier Infinity system. The ideal humidity, which dehumdification capabilities which are next to none, the interface controller with real time system failure alarms & maintance reminders. Its the only controler that allows you to control temperature, humidity, air quality, fan speed and ventilation. It very much worth the extra money, as far as lennox residential I'm not to crazy about them.
If you would not live in florida maybe a Trane system but in florida a infinity will pay for its self

[sstucush]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. We're going to continue thinking about this for a few days. Your comments have been very helpful.

[RyanHughes]

I still wonder why the FE4ANF006000 air handler wasn't quoted with the 25HNA948A003--it would give you more efficiency.

[sstucush]

Ryan-I appreciate your comment and if we decide to go with the Infinity I will definitely discuss the air handler selection with the contractor. Thanks again.