Need help on which system to buy

[agaliana]

I have to replace my 5 ton Trane system, that is a two zone damper system. I have not been happy with the damper system and have found out that it was installed incorrectly way back in 98. My question is should I be looking at putting in a 4 ton and a 1 1/2 ton system to cover my two zones, or should I replace my 5 ton and get the damper system fixed? The cost is about the same.

[dandyme]

well since you say the $$$$ is about the same, does that imply you have at

least spoken to a contractor????????????


the smaller system will have to have new duct work

the larger may have to have duct modifications done


is this up and down?.............one end or the other?????...split foyer???

how is this split going to happen?


if you weren't happy with the zone system.......did you ever have it looked at?

[agaliana]

Yes I have spoken to 3 contractors, two are of the camp to go with the two system approach and one, who seemed to be the most knowledgeable suggested the one unit damper system.
The house is a courtyard home, with the main house being 2300sf and a separate guest quarters being 400 sf.
Yes there will need to be duct work done in both cases, as this was at least one of the reason why the damper system did not work the way it should.
The guys wanting to sell me the dual systems , say the damper system is more prone to things going wrong, vs the two unit system being a "simpler" system.

[BaldLoonie]

Looking at single stage equipment, the problem with zoning such a lopsided space is trying to stuff 5 tons of air (2000 CFM) into the 400 sq ft zone. You have to have a huge duct running to that area or you'll have issues. You can have a bypass damper to shove the excess air back into the return but that leads to short cycling on limit or freezestat. Using a 2 stage A/C or heat pump with a big difference between high & low (in other words, a Trane XL20i) is a good idea.

Bryant Evolution & Carrier Infinity zoning is the best in the residential market but even they have trouble with a big outdoor unit and a small zone. Unless you get an older model with the Bristol compressor, their 2 stage units are 75% on low and that's still a lot of air for a small space.

2 systems might be worth investigating in this particular application. 400 CFM probably could be cooled with a 1 ton but nobody makes any in a ducted system anymore.

[jovusun]

No one can tell you who makes the "BEST" system, there is no such thing. Different systems have their ups and downs, otherwise it's just a bunch of marketing hype. It's going to depend on what the requirements are. I would agree with going with 2 systems, because unless you want to get really fancy and expensive a typical 2 zone system isnt going to work as it should in theory. I'd forget the "BRAND" aspect, and see who can offer you a louvered unit (protects the coil from kids,lawn people, hail etc.) with a good warranty, preferably factory parts and labor, with a Copeland Compliant Scroll compressor. Trane, Rheem, Ruud, Goodman,Amana and others use them. Many contractors try to scare people into a certian brand because thats what they sell. It's a bunch of hogwash. If they were all as bad as company XYZ says they are then obviously they'd all be out of business....
Look areound, get you a good contractor that doesen't cut corners...price isn't everything, neither is brand....the main thing is someone that knows what they are doing and willing to do good work...ask around to friends and neighbors....after all brands of A/C and heating generally aren't what's talked about with friends at the PTA meeting...

[agaliana]

OK, Seems as going with two systems is the way to go.
Can anyone tell me if they have heard anything negative about "nutone" systems?

[jovusun]

Nutone is just another variation of Nordyne. They used to make Miller and Intertherm. In recent years they have pulled up old reliable brand names from the grave...Philco, Westinghouse, Gibson....etc....They work, they cool, they have pretty good warranties....but from a contractors point of view still a piece of junk....why else would they pull old reliable brand names out of the grave...unless they couldn't hold their own merit???

[jovusun]

Additionally...just in case the name sounds vaguely familiar....it's probably the same name on the potty fan in your bathroom ceiling....
Back in the day it used to be called name dropping....

[Stamas]

No one can tell you who makes the "BEST" system, there is no such thing. Different systems have their ups and downs, otherwise it's just a bunch of marketing hype. It's going to depend on what the requirements are. I would agree with going with 2 systems, because unless you want to get really fancy and expensive a typical 2 zone system isnt going to work as it should in theory. I'd forget the "BRAND" aspect, and see who can offer you a louvered unit (protects the coil from kids,lawn people, hail etc.) with a good warranty, preferably factory parts and labor, with a Copeland Compliant Scroll compressor. Trane, Rheem, Ruud, Goodman,Amana and others use them. Many contractors try to scare people into a certian brand because thats what they sell. It's a bunch of hogwash. If they were all as bad as company XYZ says they are then obviously they'd all be out of business....
Look areound, get you a good contractor that doesen't cut corners...price isn't everything, neither is brand....the main thing is someone that knows what they are doing and willing to do good work...ask around to friends and neighbors....after all brands of A/C and heating generally aren't what's talked about with friends at the PTA meeting...

"They work, they cool, they have pretty good warranties....but from a contractors point of view still a piece of junk..."


Do you read what you post?
Step away from these type of comments (last two posts) that have no basis.