Got my bids ...

[cigsmh]

Hi All,

House 2400 sq ft
Toronto
Old unit Lenox 90BTU

Contractor 1:
Told me that my current unit has 75BTU
Told me that if I am looking for troubles I can install 90+ systems, but he had recommended me mid efficiency single stage KeepRite system for x$
When I insisted he suggested 2 stages 90+ system from the same company for $ x+50%
Contractor 2:
Told me that my current unit is 90BTU and he will install me also 90BTU of 90+
Goodman. He also gives me a 120$ value thermostat for free. Price x + 60%
Contractor 3:
Somehow calculated that I need 80 BTU and wanted to install 90BTU 2 stages variable speed motor Goodman system 90+ for x+60%
Contractor 4:
Wants to install me Bryant 2 stages 90+ system, 90BTU for x+90%

I believe that I should go with Bryant; any ideas will be appreciated

Thank you,

Bob

[coolwhip]

Did you ask them how they knew that this was the correct amount of BTUs that you needed?

[a/c-harris]

the bryant system is probably the evolution system, which is the same as the carrier infinity unit. its a very good system. are you having an air conditioner put in or just a furnace.

[cigsmh]

Contractor 1 told me that if original unit was 90BTU, so it was aproved then (25 years ago) and this is the only right BTU that can be installed.
Contractor 2 told me about the same
Contractor 3 looked at my duct system and also asked whether I have new windows and also asked whether there are some rooms in the house that are colder than others.
Contractor 4 calculated something for 10 minutes in his head and than came up with the result

[cigsmh]

I am putting just a furnace, the guy told me that my A/C 3 tons is still in good shape, thought it can be replaced with a more energy efficient unit for about x+20%
Originally I planed to replace both of them, but I am afraid that it is a little bit more expensive then I planed.
Will it be a problem to install AC in 1 or 2 years, or may be at least before summer?

[The Penguin]

Contractor three sounds like the right one to go with you said he asked about "cold rooms" in the home and he also looked at your ducting too

ask about the ac and ask if he is going to install a unit with higher air flow capacity eg 1600 cfm instaed of 1200 cfm. you need more air flow for air con than with heating at the installation stage it is not a whole lot more money to do this

[goodtimehvac]

no way to tell if putting in the ac later is a prob but i can tell you it will cost a lot more to do it that way