Amana AMV9090 vs Carrier 58MVC100

[jimro56]

I live in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee, and am looking to replace my furnace while the rebates are going on. My house and furnace are 20 years old and looking to repace with either the Amana AMV9090 or the Carrier 58MVC100. Both compaines that have quoted are reputable but my question is which unit would be the better choice. Price wise they are very comparable but one company has thrown in an extra filter and a Carrier ifiniti thermostat that looks better then the Aprilaire 8466. The other question I have is the size of the furnace. My original furnace is 125,000 btu and each company asked me the size of my house and one asked for gas bills during last winter but that is it. In discussion threads I see the use of load calculations and manual j calculation, is this what the two contractors did when they punched a few numbers into their calculator? What other questions should I ask? Thank you.

[Joe Harper]

In discussion threads I see the use of load calculations and manual j calculation, is this what the two contractors did when they punched a few numbers into their calculator? What other questions should I ask? Thank you.


The formula in question was: boat payment + mortgage / car insurance x beer money= unit price:LOL:

In all seriousness. Ask them if they ran a Manual J load calc. If they did not have a tape measure and were not surveying the homes insulation, windows, ductwork, etc, then probably not. If they did not do this and can not or will not provide the calcs then move on to another contractor.

[mwjhvac]

Do a search here on both equipment, should be all the info you need to make a decision


Aint nothin sweeter than a brand new heater.

[mike_home]

My original furnace is 125,000 btu and each company asked me the size of my house and one asked for gas bills during last winter but that is it. In discussion threads I see the use of load calculations and manual j calculation, is this what the two contractors did when they punched a few numbers into their calculator? What other questions should I ask? Thank you.

Jim,

I had the Carrier 58MVC furnace installed in April. So far it is a great furnace. You will not be dissappointed.

Punching a few numbers into a calculator is not a Manual J load calculation. They are using the rule of thumb method based on the area of the house.

Here are some questions to ask:

1. How did you calculate the size of the furnace?
2. Are the ducts adequately sized to handle this furnance?
3. How will the condensate be drained from the furnance?
4. Where will the PVC intake and exhaust be placed?
5. Which thermostat will be installed?
6. What is the warranty period for parts and labor?
7. Is the labor warranty covered by the manufacturer?
8. What type of filter will be installed?
9. Who will do the installation?
10. What is the warranty for installation?
11. Will the quote have model numbers for each installed item?
12. Will you provide an AHRI certificate for the federal tax credit?
13. What is the response time if there is a service call?

The answers to these question should give you a good feeling whether you want go with one of these contractors or not. If they don't have crisp answers to these questions, then interview more contractors.