Ducane 14 seer or carrier Performance Series

[bestbuy]

hi I just joint this forum...my house is installing a central air system now, the original ideal is to install Ducane 14 seer AC but the sound rating is 80 DBA so we decided to switch to Carrier Performance Series but the contractor was asked for more $$$$ for the parts .. is it reasonable???? can anyone give me some ideal because the contractor will me here the coming Tuesday to finish the job.... thanks in advance

[beenthere]

Sorry, pricing is against forum rules. Please edit it out.

With that said. Carrier is a much higher priced line.

[RyanHughes]

You're comparing two different products. The Carrier is a higher-grade unit. We can't discuss pricing here, but do expect a price difference for a premium product. What are the model numbers? I would go with the Carrier FV4B Performance variable-speed air handler.

[bestbuy]

thanks for the reply .. I'm in Los angeles equipments we decided to instal are York 90% gas furnace, coil and Ducane 14 seer 5T out door unit...is this a good mix???

[RyanHughes]

Why not a York air conditioner and coil? Just wondering. If sized and installed properly, the Ducane should cool fine, but of course it's a lower-grade product (louder, cheaper, etc...).

[beenthere]

If your using the York coil, no.

Don't mix match ID coil and OD unit.

Why not a York A/C.

[bestbuy]

actually I haven't get coil's brand name yet but I think it should matched with out door ac unit ....... this is what I heard Ducane is better than York compare to the reliability??? is it true ??? one more thing is my contractor only install AC used R-22.. he told me that R22 is more reliable..?

[beenthere]

Ducane is not more reliable then York.

R22 systems are not better or more reliable the R410A systems.
Ask him what he's going to do when they don't make R22 systems anymore.

Your contractor may not know how to work on R410A systems, or want to worko n them. So I wouldn't try to force them to put one in.

[dj3901783]

GO with YORK... my friend and I installed 28 ducane units and had at least one problem, not installation related with 22 of the units. Most of these were package units. We no longer carry Ducane as an inexpensive alternative. Also units with R-22 are X dollars cheaper than units that come with 410a. I prefer the York or Carrier over the Ducane

[bestbuy]

it seems most ppl. choice York over Ducane ... I will ask contractor to quote York LX serious .. BTW is the Yrok LX 14.5 seer cost alot more than Ducane 14 seer??

[beenthere]

That will depend on your definition of a lot.

No pricing questions allowed on this forum.

[dac122]

actually I haven't get coil's brand name yet but I think it should matched with out door ac unit ....... this is what I heard Ducane is better than York compare to the reliability??? is it true ??? one more thing is my contractor only install AC used R-22.. he told me that R22 is more reliable..?

I used to work for Carrier writing software testing HVAC equipment, and the ID and OD coils are designed to match. That's the only way the manufacturers come up with SEER/HSPF rating. It might be possible to mix and match but you'd need to contact the manufacturer for that, but you can be sure they'll only recommend one of their own ID coils.

I don't think anyone can give you a warm and fuzzy about specific reliability numbers. At Carrier we used to run our units for 1000 hours of operation to get reliability numbers, but I bet you'll neither get that type of insider information from all the manufacturers, nor will you trust it.

BTW, I have an 18 year old 12 SEER/8 HSPF York HP that is still working. The tech from a local HVAC company I prefer has worked on gobs of them and he says they *made* a very good HP. I don't know about now.

Regardless of the reliability, R-22 is being phased out by law starting Jan 1 2010 (http://epa.gov/ozone/title6/downloads/EPA.homeowners.9-06-06.pdf), just like the early 90s for cars. That means it will gradually get more and more expensive to service your unit. Because of that fact alone I wouldn't even think of going with R-22.

I think its time for you to get some more quotes. Tell them you want to consider Puron or R-410A systems. The only caveat I will offer is if you plan to replace the system or sell the house soon maybe a newer system is just throwing away money.

[bestbuy]

I wish I can get more quotes... the contractor already installed all vents scheduled installing furance by tomorrow... he keeps telling me that Ducane 13 seer is very reliable ......hope that is true!!

[gary_g]

I wish I can get more quotes... the contractor already installed all vents scheduled installing furance by tomorrow... he keeps telling me that Ducane 13 seer is very reliable ......hope that is true!!

www.DucaneHVAC.com

5 year parts warranty.

I would get the optional TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) for best cooling efficiency.

I would get the model number of the matching indoor coil that the contractor is providing. The model number of the matched coil is in the spec sheet for the 14 SEER, 5-ton condenser, in the link to Ducane's website.

Good luck.

[bestbuy]

the contract we sighed there is no model # ..the only thing we know is Ducane 5t that all :confused:

[gary_g]

the contract we sighed there is no model # ..the only thing we know is Ducane 5t that all :confused:

Rule #1: Never sign a contract that doesn't list model numbers, parts and labor warranties, or scope of work to be performed.

Good luck.

[beenthere]

Ducane is an ok builder/entry level unit.

[dac122]

Since it may be impractical at this stage to stop the work, your best bet is to keep an eye on them to be sure they do a quality job, let them complete the work, and then check over everything with a fine tooth comb. Make sure they supply you with all make, part/model numbers. Tell them you want all the installation guides, manuals, warranty info, certificates, etcs.

You can then contact Ducane to see if the coil installed is a recommended coil. Who knows but maybe Ducane doesn't wants to see their equipment mated to the wrong stuff either because it reflects badly on their product. If you have a mismatch, you may have a leg to stand on with the contractor in getting it corrected.

[castillo7411]

Seems to me like the contractor is going to put in what ever he wants without the homeowners input, I think that the homeowner should be demanding in that event that he get some kind of extended LABOR coverage that way he is protected for the full 5 years!!!

[beenthere]

Seems to me like the contractor is going to put in what ever he wants without the homeowners input, I think that the homeowner should be demanding in that event that he get some kind of extended LABOR coverage that way he is protected for the full 5 years!!!
If he pays for it.