HVAC Advice needed

[dgribble]

Hello,

I've been reading these forums for quite some time and have found it to be very informative.

My wife and I recently bought a REO house, 2,780 sq ft, built in 1989 that has two recalled Premier furnaces (3 & 5 ton) which we're looking to replace. My wife and I have decided to replace the furnace, coils and condesors with 80% AFUE furnaces with matched 13-SEER coils and condesors.

After obtaining 4 bids, we've narrowed it down to the following two contractors that are within our budget.

Contractor A has quoted me for the following Trane equipment

5-ton Trane TUD1C100A960 80% furnace, 5-ton horizontal coil w/TXV and XB13 condenser.

5-ton Trane TUD1B060A936 80% furnace, 3-ton horizontal coil w/TXV and XB13 condenser.

Honeywell Pro Thermostats

20 year warranty on heat exchanger
5 year on all Trane functional parts
1 year labor

Contractor B has quoted me for the following "standard" Carrier equipment

5-ton furnace 58STX110-1-22
5-ton Coil CNPHP6024ACA
5-ton Condenser 24ABB360A003

3-ton Furnace 58STX070-1-12
3-ton Coil CNPHP3617ACA
3-ton Condenser 24ABB336A003

Honeywell Prestige Thermostats

5 year parts warranty
5 year labor warranty

I feel confident that either contractor would do a great install, however, I'm somewhat torn on which to choose. Both contractors are BBB accredited, no complaints etc...I've also heard good things about the Trane dealer from a co-worker and a friend. The Carrier dealer is a bigger company and been in business for about 30 years, Trane dealer around 18.

The contractor offering the Trane equipment is priced about 8% higher, however, it seems like the Trane equipment is the better bet in terms of quality and value.

Could some of the HVAC experts here tell me which they might choose and perhaps why?

Thanks,

Joe

[GetYourShineBox]

why have you decided to go with 80% efficiency instead of 90%? how cold are your winters?

[andserco]

Look at it this way, if both companies were bidding the same equipment at the same price. Which one would you choose??

Just make sure that the scope of the work is the same, if not ask questions..Its your money and comfort..

[Kevin O'Neill]

Why are you getting bids only on base model equipment? Where are you located? What are your utility rates?

With utility rates expected to go up substantially in the next few years, unless you are in a year round mild climate with cheap utilities, you should consider something more efficient.

[dgribble]

We're located in Southern California and the winters here are pretty mild, however, the summers are generally hot. I'm looking at this equipment in particular because being new home owners; it fits our budget.

We're looking at 80% AFUE primarily because the winters are mild and we generally don't run the heater that much at all.

I've received estimates on some higher end equipment, but, the cost is staggering.

I've thought about replacing the furnaces and coils with higher-end equipment, then doing the condensers in the spring, but, we'd rather avoid that.

[jerryd_2008]

I am a HO, not in Southern CA, not a pro, don't know what an REO house is, but 8 tons in a 2800 sqft house!!!! I saw a new energy efficient house that size here with maybe half that capacity with $40-50/month energy costs. IMO I would look at some energy saving items like energy audit, Manual J, insulation, caulking, door leaks, even better windows for a much cheaper solution before going with several medium to large systems.

[Kevin O'Neill]

Federal $1500.00 Tax Credit for qualifying high efficiency equipment may make it more affordable.

[Juleous]

Never buy a Trane.

[dgribble]

Thank you for everyones input. We've decided to go with the Carrier equipment, they're going to install on Friday.

REO = bank owned home.

I've looked at the more efficitient AC equipment, but, a couple other things need to be done and I want to stay within our budget without going into debt.

I agree that 8 tons is alot of heating and cooling for that house, but, I can totally appreciate it when it hits 110 degrees and humid outside and I'm nice and frosty inside. :)

The electricity rates are out of hand. We're with Edison and at their highest price tier since we have 2 ac's and a large pool. I replaced the pool pump with a variable speed model and that's helped a bit; also got a rebate from Edison.

The last house we lived in was 1200 sq ft, no pool, smaller ac (but ran 24 hours a day in the summer) and used more electricity than we do now and the bill was about 1/3 of our highest; I miss our city owned and operated utility provider.

I have been going around sealing things as I come across them. This house does stay pretty cool even in blazing heat as it has dual pane windows, well insulated attic and exterior walls; the doors are also sealed very well.