Lennox G61/XC15 Upgrade

[Oscar135]

I am in the process of upgrading our system and have a couple of questions that I'm getting mixed answers on. We have bids on a G61MPV60C111 and a XC15048230. Our house is a split level with about 2400 sq. feet. The upstairs tends to be hotter than the downstairs which is typical for most split levels. We currently have a 20 year old Lennox system.

My understanding is the G61 will ramp up to 5 tons of air flow at times. One of the companies indicated we needed an additional air box under the furnace to help with the airflow. He indicated Lennox just began recommending this for better airflow. He also indicated this would help reduce future problems with the blower motor. Is this true and will it help?

Another concern is related to the installation of this equipment. I know this is the most important process of the upgrade. Some of the companies want to modify the plenum and return with boots to allow the G61 to be installed. Other companies want to replace the plenum/return and not use the boots. My opinion is anytime you modify something to make it fit, the quality of the final product is not as good. Will the use of the boots and modifying the return lessen the efficiently of these units?

The last concern with this system is one of the companies out indicated it would not qualify for the federal tax credit. I find this strange as the Lennox website indicates these two units would. This may be related to the size of the coil used. Most of the bids included a 5 ton coil to gain the higher seer.

I would very much appreciate any feedback you can provide. I hope to make a decision on Monday. If you need any additional information I would be happy to provide it.

Thanks

[BobbyBJr]

If it were me, I'd probably replace the plenums, but I can't see what modifications might need to be made from here, so I can't say for sure. Many furnaces require using the bottom and one side or both sides for return when needing to move over 3 tons of air. The install manual should cover this. Have the contractor print out and show you the ARI certificate stating the chosen equipment qualifies for the tax credit, then ask them if they are going to measure and verify performance of the equipment after the installation. Might want to also mention a combustion analysis because that furnace might need some tweaking out of the box. If they can't perform these two basic tasks, then I'd move on to another contractor. Good luck with your installation.

[BaldLoonie]

How did they determine size needed? Bigger is not better. Bigger A/Cs tend to mean less even temps do to less run time. Right size means longer run times, more even temps on all levels.

Also, if you get a 4 ton A/C you don't want 5 tons of airflow unless you are in the desert. Excess air lowers humidity removal and most people can't afford that.

Near as I can tell, the XC15-048 does not get the credit at all, regardless of indoor stuff.

[catmanacman]

in most cases the xc 14 gets better seer ratings than the xc 15

[Oscar135]

Thanks for the replies. Only one of the five estimates actually measured. The others based it on the equipment already installed. I agree 5 tons of air is overkill so I will avoid the added blower air box.

I have also been looking at the XC14 which could get a better seer rating. I mainly wanted the XC15 due to the low noise level. This unit sits right next to our deck.

Has anyone had any experience with the Amana AMV90905D and the ASX16048? Amana has had a bad name in the past but have they improved since Goodman bought them? One of the more reputable companies in town suggested I consider this setup. He says Amman now uses quality parts such as igniters, heat exchange, coils and blowers.

Any additional feedback would be greatly appreciated. I hope to make a decision tomorrow.

Thanks

[im4snow2000]

I am in the process of upgrading our system and have a couple of questions that I'm getting mixed answers on. We have bids on a G61MPV60C111 and a XC15048230. Our house is a split level with about 2400 sq. feet. The upstairs tends to be hotter than the downstairs which is typical for most split levels. We currently have a 20 year old Lennox system.

My understanding is the G61 will ramp up to 5 tons of air flow at times. One of the companies indicated we needed an additional air box under the furnace to help with the airflow. He indicated Lennox just began recommending this for better airflow. He also indicated this would help reduce future problems with the blower motor. Is this true and will it help?

Another concern is related to the installation of this equipment. I know this is the most important process of the upgrade. Some of the companies want to modify the plenum and return with boots to allow the G61 to be installed. Other companies want to replace the plenum/return and not use the boots. My opinion is anytime you modify something to make it fit, the quality of the final product is not as good. Will the use of the boots and modifying the return lessen the efficiently of these units?

The last concern with this system is one of the companies out indicated it would not qualify for the federal tax credit. I find this strange as the Lennox website indicates these two units would. This may be related to the size of the coil used. Most of the bids included a 5 ton coil to gain the higher seer.

I would very much appreciate any feedback you can provide. I hope to make a decision on Monday. If you need any additional information I would be happy to provide it.

Thanks

I think that furnace is 95% efficient....and that alone would qualify for the Fed Tax credit. With a less efficient furnace, you'd never get to the tax credit will 4 tons of a/c (in my experience). But you'll want the seller to provide the AHRI cert as part of the agreement.