PDA

View Full Version : Confused, A/C changes half way through job.



flaes
07-19-2009, 11:30 AM
I am building a 1000 sq ft addition in central FL. The AC guy I went with seemed competitive with other quotes and was referred by a trusted friend. As far as equipment comparisons, there are so many and so many opinions. The AC contractor bid a Bryant Legacy system. Quoted a 2.5 Ton (per calcs) and is supposed to be 14 SEER. He quoted

223ANA030
FV4BNF003

I did not do much research up front and trusted.

After doing the duct and line set ( and getting 40%) he stated 'oh by the way, you are getting a FV4BNF002, not a FV4BNF003'. So I looked up the specs, it appears the 002 is a 2 ton system and the 003 is a 3 ton system. It also appeared that the 223A is a 13 SEER. I called Bryant and they told me I would not get 14 SEER from a 223A and should be a 225A and that I would not get 2.5 ton out of a 002.

I spoke with the contractor and he stated the 002 would provide 2.5 ton and that the variable speed motor in the FV4B would make it 14 SEER. He is citing AHRI Specs.

I got a couple of quotes to finish the job from 2 others. One with Goodman one with Rudd. I was also told by one that variable speed does not change the SEER it improves the EER. Both said he should have put in a 7/8 line set not the 3/4 installed. It is about 30ft end to end. If it is too small, what is the impact to me?

So I am confused. First how much does he save swapping the 002 instead of the 003 and what is the impact to me as the home owner. He told me the cost to go 14 SEER was 5 times higher than what it appears he pays and then is trying to fudge 14 SEER out of a 13 SEER system. What the heck is going on here?

What should I do? The trust factor is gone at this point.

mark beiser
07-19-2009, 12:01 PM
The only people who have given you the correct info about any of it are the ones you contracted with, and have done, the work so far.

The system with the 223ANA030 heat pump and FV4BNF002 air handler is 14 SEER and 2.5 ton capacity.
That outdoor unit and the FV4BNF003 are not listed in the ARI directory as a match, so your contractor is doing the right thing putting in the FV4BNF002 air handler.
The 3/4" suction line is correct, probably could have even used a 5/8" suction line.

dash
07-19-2009, 12:59 PM
Ditto!


There are some great and not so Carrier dealers in your area,sounds like you got the right one!

hivacer
07-19-2009, 04:41 PM
Ditto again, sounds like the contractor shouldnt have even mentioned the change, or did not do a good job of explaining because at some point he lost your trust even though he was doing the right thing.

flaes
07-19-2009, 06:59 PM
Appreciate the feedback. HVAC is confusing for a consumer. I don't understand why the tech support at Bryant said it was not right. Although he did not strike me as experienced. I get varying stories on variable speed and SEER. Are different systems different in this respect?