Carrier Systems and Humidity Control

[bertrand]

I have just about decided on a Carrier Infinity VS 96 Furnace to replace my old one. Looks very nice.

I am confused on whether to add the infinity Air Conditioner SEER 15 or the Performance Series SEER 13 AC unit.

There is a good-sized cost increase to get to the infinity series AC unit. I don’t see that much energy savings for payback.

However, I am confused about Humidity Control. Both Brochures talk about achieving “ideal humidity” in the home using the VS furnace with either AC unit.

The infinity AC would use the infinity controller and the performance series just Thermidistat?

I know the infinity AC unit uses two-speed compressor.

Advice?

[dan sw fl]

Originally posted by bertrand
I have just about decided on a Carrier Infinity VS 96 Furnace to replace my old one. Looks very nice.

However, I am confused about Humidity Control. Both Brochures talk about achieving “ideal humidity” in the home using the VS furnace with either AC unit.

Advice?

Do you live in TX or Toronto?

[gmahler]

Originally posted by bertrand
I have just about decided on a Carrier Infinity VS 96 Furnace to replace my old one. Looks very nice.

I am confused on whether to add the infinity Air Conditioner SEER 15 or the Performance Series SEER 13 AC unit.

Advice?
There is rebate on the Infinity that (at least for me - I got the heat pump) made the cost difference negligible..

[bertrand]

Folks,

I live 35 miles north of Chicago. I have factored in the rebates.

We are not supposed to post prices - so lets just say the infinity AC SEER 15 unit cost XXX hundreds more than the comfort unit SEER 13. Part of this may be due to the fact that the dealer says that the Infinity AC is not available in 1/2 tons sizes - so I need to go to a 3 ton unit rather than 2.5 ton.

Since they both say the provide the Carrier "Ideal Humidity" control - when partnered with the Infinity Furnance - not sure why I should pay XXX more for the infinity AC unit.

Thanks again.

[BaldLoonie]

Remember that midwest summers are short & electric rates reasonable. With the humidity control that the Infinity system will give you even with a single stage A/C, you'll be in great shape. Personally I'd do the 2 stage A/C only if money is no object and you want the ultimate.

[dash]

I'd say the Infinty control,which can be used with single or two speed/stage compressor,is worth the extra.

Better control logic,easier to use,True sensing dirty filter indicater,available with Zoning,etc..

[bertrand]

Thanks Folks!

I signed a contract today. I am getting the 80,000 BTUH Infinity VS Furnace and Infinity Controller, and a 2.5 ton 13 SEER Performance AC unit. Also will get ductwork replacements/upsizes to improve air flow.

We will be reusing my aprilaire bypass Humidifier and spacegard media filter. He said I did not need to buy a new Carrier Humidifier.

I am exited about this new system and the changes in ductwork. I think I will see much better comfort, humidity control, and significant reductions in my bills each month compared to my 23 year old Bryant system.

By the way - I received several bids for my home. I had done my own preliminary calcs suing HVAC Calc Residential.
I got bids from contractors selling Trane, AS, tempstar, and Carrier.

The authorized Carrier guy I selected was NOT the lowest bid - but he was the guy that spent the most time with me, did his own HVAC calcs, energy and payback calcs, offered several options (equipment and ductwork), told me how they would install things, and hand delivered the bid with color brochures in a nice folder.

[dallasbill]

You won't go wrong with that!

We have 2 66,000 BTU Infinity VS Furnaces and 2 3-ton Performance 13 SEERS and 2 Infinity controls. We have been in our new ICF home for 10 days now and the weather for September has absolutley sucked here -- 98-101 and 70% humidity. Can't hardly hear it running!

I went with this setup and it has performed like a champ, and we have not even finished the final "room/zone" tuning yet! Especially considering the humidity and dust that has to be removed from a new house that has not been conditioned before, these things are great!

[Edited by dallasbill on 09-20-2005 at 11:06 AM]