TempStar?

[rgar2019]

I think I finally found a contractor I'm going to use. I just have a question to the experts. My home was built in 1998 and is 1820 sq.ft. under air I currently have a 3.5 ton system installed that is approx. 11 years old. From what the contractors are telling me, it was a 10 seer when it was new and is the proper size for this home.
The latest contractor proposed installing a Tempstar SmartComfort TX 5400series 4-ton, R-410-A, 16 seer using the following:
condenser# T4A449GKD
Coil# ED4X6oJ
Furnace# 8MPV100
I believe he said the condenser had a 2-spd fan and the furnace had a variable spd. fan
Question? Being I currently have a 3.5 ton system and according to the other contractors is the correct size, then would the proposed 4-ton system not work efficiently? Is it overkill and would it cycle on-off continuously? Or is this acceptable, going a 1/2 ton higher to achieve the 16 seer? I'm soooo confused. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[BaldLoonie]

You could cycle more than necessary which increases the humidity a bit. If you don't have the duct size for 4 ton, could be noisy. That's a single stage unit, should be available in 3.5 ton if that's what you need.

[beenthere]

Your duct system will probably not allow you to get any advantage from that unit.

If you got the 2 stage unit, yes.

[rgar2019]

Your duct system will probably not allow you to get any advantage from that unit.

If you got the 2 stage unit, yes.

I also forgot to mention, he also gave me a quote on a TempStar Performance Series 3.5 ton 14 Seer. The AHRI# he gave me was 1331188, I found the condenser #N4A442A(G)KB
coil#ED*4X48J**+TDI, however, I could not locate a furnace model#. Do they not have one for this combination, or am I just overlooking it.
Also can you advise on these two systems as far as brand, reliability, ease to get parts and so on?

[beenthere]

Its a good brand. Its an ICP, which is owned by Carrier.

Parts. That is an area dependant thing. But chances are, no problem.

[Juleous]

Why do you need to change it out? Are you just trying to save energy? If so your better off staying put for now until you have problems with it. If it ain't broke don't fix it as they say.

[andserco]

I install the same equipment under a different trade name...If the contractor bid the performance model on a 3.5 ton, ask him to bid the premium line in a 3.5 also and ask he about a t-stat with dehumidifcation (ie. Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ with a outdoor sensor)......IMO stay with premium line, the warranties are worth it over the performance line.. Wheres your location and is the install in the attic, closet or basement..

[rgar2019]

Its a good brand. Its an ICP, which is owned by Carrier.

Parts. That is an area dependant thing. But chances are, no problem.

I was able to get the model# for the furnace, it's N8MPN100F14B. Is this a TempStar product? Also, what are your thoughts on this system? Oh, before I forget, when I asked the contractor on using a 4 ton when I have a 3-ton, his response was, "going an additional 1/2 ton higher will not make a difference as far as operational concerns." He also mentioned the unit's variable speed fan, which would work with the 4-ton system. Also, he mentioned the fact that we reside in central FL. something to do with longer ac runtimes compared to the northern part of the country. Does this make sense? Should I just go for the TempStar Performance Series 3.5 ton 14 seer. Granted I would be losing 2-seer, however, it would be a 3.5 ton system, which is what I currently have. Please help!

[rgar2019]

I install the same equipment under a different trade name...If the contractor bid the performance model on a 3.5 ton, ask him to bid the premium line in a 3.5 also and ask he about a t-stat with dehumidifcation (ie. Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ with a outdoor sensor)......IMO stay with premium line, the warranties are worth it over the performance line.. Wheres your location and is the install in the attic, closet or basement..

I'm located in central FL. The unit is in the garage. For what ever reason, he said he couldn't get the SmartComfort in a 3.5 ton. Is it possible they don't come in 1/2 sizes?

[beenthere]

T4A442GKD would be the 3.5 ton.

Its a shame that so many contractors try to use the VS as a cure all for not knowing how to size or determine duct capacity properly.

Look for another contractor.

VS blowers use more electric when they have to work harder to move air.