HVAC needs changed - is Luxaire really "IT"?

[masmommy]

We are not in dire need of a new HVAC system. We currently have a Bryant gas furnace 95%eff and rusting inside from a small water leak. Suggested it get changed out. The Lennox AC outside portion is making a loud clank when starting up so HVAC person suggested both at once. He is a Luxaire dealer and seems very honest and has never tried to sell us or push. He recommends the Luxair 95 modulating furnace and 13 seer AC. It all looks good on paper, but we lived through the "fantastic" heat pumps installed in Northern Virginia and suffered in the cold. So I am worried, is this brand and furnace really the next best thing to white bread or is it that all brands Lennox, Rheem, etc have a modulating furnace and he just likes Luxaire. I want to be warm in the winter (we set it at 67 degrees) and cool in the summer (set at 72 degrees). Some postings say Luxaire/York is not so good and Rheem is it. Supposedly this was tested for 5 years in Canada through their harsh winters. Is this true? I have been searching for reviews of systems on internet and there is nothing. Please help :confused:

Also, I asked for a heat loss assessment and he said that he has been doing these so long, he can just look at the house and tell. Guys/Gals, is this possible to just be able to tell proper size by typical construction in area and years of work?

[21degrees]

Also, I asked for a heat loss assessment and he said that he has been doing these so long, he can just look at the house and tell. Guys/Gals, is this possible to just be able to tell proper size by typical construction in area and years of work?[/QUOTE]


I don't know much about lux air, but find out how long model been in production. All equipment have bugs in them and need to be worked out. I myself would stick to name brand products who have proven them selfs over the years. As far as heat loss goes, he will be guessing if he does not do heat load calculation. Oversizing costs you money and undersizing costs you comfort. Do it right the first time.:)

[beenthere]

So 21, your saying you would recomend against the Carrier 3 stage because its not proven.


Luxaire and York are the same. Yorks been around along time.
The York/Luxaire mod is a nice furnace, and will provide you with nice long rum times, so you feel warmer because heat is coming out of the registers for longer periods of times. Minimizes that cold feeling that you can get sometimes when the blower shuts off after a heat call.

I don't know about the 5 year test in Canada. But the York/Luxaire mod has been out for 2 years. Haven't had trouble with the York mods.

Can someone make a reasonable guess at what size you need from experience, yes.
Should a load calc be done to make sure, Yes.
Just tell him, no load calc, no sell.

[masmommy]

I definitely want this done right. I do have another company that sells Rheem and Lennox coming over for a bid and will ask them for the heat loss/heat gain study as well. I am even willing to have a separate company such as an engineer come in and do it because I know I will save in the long run if it is right. I just didn't know if he was telling the truth about doing it so long that he can just "tell" the proper size. That is of course the one issue:rolleyes:

The other issue is the Luxaire. It is hard to believe that they (York/Luxaire) have been testing them in Canada for 5 years and I can't find anything about it on the internet. I am sure he (the contractor) believes in his product and it is the most expensive type, based on our choices, but he is the one that has to deal with an unhappy customer if he is wrong.

I appreciate your pushing for the study and comments on the system. Anyone else's ideas are appreciated as well. It is the professionals that see these day in and day out that can get through the slick brochures to the nuts and bolts of whether the systems are good or bad. :o

[Freezeking2000]

You will love the Luxaire Modulating Furnace. I have not heard of any problems and the ones I have installed have had no issues. In the northeast we have only had them for a year. In the west and under the York line they have been around for a few years and they would not be selling an inferior product. Get the variable speed blower option would be my choice. Also a 2 stage with variable speed blower is a great furnace.

Here is the link.

http://www.luxaire.com/homeowners/common/product.asp?prodLine=14&fldProdID=21

[21degrees]

[QUOTE=beenthere;1867264]So 21, your saying you would recomend against the Carrier 3 stage because its not proven.


It makes alot more sense than modulation. I honestly would not put one in my out house. My customers are already complimenting Carriers 3 stage furnace as far as comfort they can notice. As far as proven products it come from the Infinity line with 2 small improvements. Wonder what price of modulation valve is compared to Carriers 3 stage valve. I will bet you a bit.

[beenthere]

Its not a high priced valve like you would think.

If those customers that you installed the 3 stage in, had a mod, they would be complimenting you more yet. :)