IQ Drives?

[x_filed]

These a/c and heat pumps have been around in the US for a few years and overseas alot longer. Are they worth looking into? Are they really quiet and efficient? Are they really as bad as the competition says they are?

[mchild]

These a/c and heat pumps have been around in the US for a few years and overseas alot longer. Are they worth looking into? Are they really quiet and efficient? Are they really as bad as the competition says they are?

The reason they have been overseas for a long time (for about 15-18 years) is because the cost of energy is much higher around the rest of the world and in many places there are strict sound level limitations. We will eventually catch up to the of the world.

The inverter technology used to operate the compressor is well proven and Nordyne, through its IQ Drive system (it uses a Panasonic compressor), is just the first US manufacturer to start down this path. It probably won't take long for several of the others to follow. With the compressor having a wide range of output, it can almost constantly be heating or cooling the structure at the same rate it is gaining or losing heat. This allows for a very comfortable indoor environment. And the inverter systems operate more efficiently.

The only thing the IQ system does not have is the ability to connect multiple indoor air handlers to one outdoor unit making zoning really simple. All the Asian manufacturers of these types of systems have that benefit. The capacity of the outdoor unit actually increases when the number of indoor units increases.

These systems are more technologically more advance. There will always be some who are afraid of advancement and will talk it down.

[mark beiser]

Are they really as bad as the competition says they are?

Well, if you consider it bad that it is the most efficient air to air system available, is among the quietest systems available, has unrivaled humidity control, is able to adjust its capacity to meet changing loads, and has a warranty that is among the best in the industry, then yeah, IQ drive systems are pretty horrible. ;)

[jpb2]

Maytag nuff said

[Silver06]

The poor ol' XV1500, never is remembered.

[BaldLoonie]

Didn't Carrier have a VS compressor too?

[Some Dude]

I dont think carrier has one, so far american standard and maytag/westinghouse for resi. Unless someone wants a mini split yuck.

[BaldLoonie]

American Standard never had one, just the Trane XV1500.

Actually Carrier did. Found info on the 38YV that said it had an ECM compressor motor. They also had the HydroTech 2000, with VS compressor and built in desuperheater. One of the 3 piece designs from the 90s. They said it had impressive ratings. 13.85 & 14.05 SEER!

[Some Dude]

American Standard never had one, just the Trane XV1500.

Actually Carrier did. Found info on the 38YV that said it had an ECM compressor motor. They also had the HydroTech 2000, with VS compressor and built in desuperheater. One of the 3 piece designs from the 90s. They said it had impressive ratings. 13.85 & 14.05 SEER!

American standard doesn't have on? I thought i just saw one ion their showroom, and i just signed as a dealer. I will check and let you know, it may be a 2 stage etc.

[Some Dude]

Yep you are correct Lonnie, its a 2 stage 20 seer, i just glanced at it and with the mass of wires and boards and the 20 seer rating thought it was, thanks.

[Silver06]

American Standard never had one, just the Trane XV1500.

Actually Carrier did. Found info on the 38YV that said it had an ECM compressor motor. They also had the HydroTech 2000, with VS compressor and built in desuperheater. One of the 3 piece designs from the 90s. They said it had impressive ratings. 13.85 & 14.05 SEER!

Thanks for sharing this information Baldloonie!

Any quizzes this year? :D

[x_filed]

About how much should a 4 ton heat pump and air handler installation cost?

[beenthere]

We don't discuss prices here, Please read site rules, Thank you.

[Vector]

About how much should a 4 ton heat pump and air handler installation cost?

As the mod said they do not want a discussion of prices. So I will try to convey my limited experience without discussing specific prices. I have found in my 1 week of research and price comparisons that prices vary by a huge amount. While different brands will have different prices regardless of the specs (Acura vs. Honda), some contractors either get better pricing from the manufacture, or pass more of those savings on to you to generate more business. Another words some are much hungrier than others, and will come in with lower prices to get the business. I have noticed a variation of close to $. Keep in mind that I am talking apples to apples, so make sure the guy is licensed and insured because if you go with your lawn guy to install the system, they have much lower costs because they are not true professionals, and lack all the expenses real contractors have.

My suggestion is for you to settle on a brand/system first, then price compare. When you are given the total price, speak up and ask them to break down what they are charging for the equipment vs their labor to install it. This will give you a better idea of what you are paying for.

Lastly, if you are looking at the Nutone/Nordyne system that this thread is discussing(IQ drive) there is a rebate plan from the manufacturer starting 9/01/09 that you can qualify for. I do not know all the details but will be starting a thread to ask details in a couple of minutes, so feel free to inquire there as I will post a related link to the rebates.
I hope I did not violate any rule, as that was not my intent.

[x_filed]

Thanks vector and beenthere. I'm sorry I hadn't read the guidelines. I just keep getting the runaround from contractors who seem like they want an arm and a leg to install one and still are hard to get callbacks from and sound reluctant to install one.

[ibis1]

If you live in South Florida (FPL power) and buy an IQ drive, you should be able to cut the total cost in half with the FPL rebate, manufacturers rebate and the federal tax credit. This will vary with the contractor, but should come in very close to 50% on a straight change out, without any extras. ibisCU23