What brand is Quiet w/ Service access in mind??

[superbike0]

Hi Guys,
Im building a new house in Connecticut (yup, Cold), Im trying to educate myself a little in HVAC.
2800 sq ft, 2x6 walls w R19, Anderson windows, I will have a Load Calc done soon.

Im going with propane, I "think" I will go with a 2 stage system for comfort reasons only, 90+ afue.

My question is like a two sided coin, I would like to hear from you guys, who makes a Quiet, Reliable Furnace that has service access to work on or do maintenance??

Are the 2 stage V.S. units going down alot more offen than the reliable single stage due to more parts to break?

Thanks, any help will be much appreciated!!
Brian

[BaldLoonie]

Check utility rates carefully. Propane, even with 90+ furnace, is often the most expensive possible fuel. Depending upon electric rates, a heat pump instead of A/C might help temper that.

Everyone has their own opinion of who makes the best furnace. And opinions are like...

Look for the best dealer to put it in. Size it right! Too many oversize!

[Christheheatingdude]

Baldloonie answered it pretty much.

But, I have had no reliability issues with a 2 Stage VS, versus a single stage.

Dual fuel (heatpump/furnace combo) could definetly be the way to go. Seeing more and more of it, to help offset the high cost of fuels.

Could also look into Geothermal, heavy upfront cost..but no need for gas, and the payback could be fairly reasonable.

[iago]

I would go with a lennox.

[Midwest]

Well, sorry iago, I wouldn't, but that's just me. My next door neighbor sells them, we don't, and well, it's nothing personal, but... Seriously, it's been repeated over and over again here at hvac-talk- brand, schmand... it's the HANDS that install it not the brands they install that make or break the deal. All manufacaturers make low end lines and they all make top notch equipment models, too. Look for a dealer who goes the distance and does their homework- load calcs, option suggestions, ask for your input on what you want in a comfort system, etc. It does seem though that some manufacturers like to do their R&D in customers' homes instead of the lab with some of the crap that comes onot market. I won't mention any brands because it's as controversial as a favorite sports team- I got mine go get yours!

[smadave]

The sound levels are largely detrmined from the technology used in the furnace rather the brand of furnace. If sound level is important to you than a two stage, variable speed furnace will provide you with the lowest sound levels. I think almost every manufacturer offers a furnace with these features. My personal preference is Carrier and Rheem. Rheem/RUUD is Extremely service friendly and both are very reliable. ECM motors are expensive if you have to replace them...two things sure to kill an ecm motor is moisture and excessive static pressure so try to keep the furnace in a dry location and make sure the ducts are sized properly. If you take these precautions you should have many years of quiet, trouble free service from your furnace.

Dave in NJ

[heatpumpguru]

I worked for Service Experts in Danbury CT, and was shocked how little propane was up there. I agree with DUAL FUEL set up.

[tinknocker service tech]

just about all the 90 plus are quite and are all dependable
with fuel holding guns to our heads with pricing what bald loonie siad would make sense. heat pump with gas backup

[mayguy]

as most guys says, the install is thing to look at.. Right sized equipment, and ductworks.


A sealed two pipe 90% system with variable speed will be good for quietness.


With any system with variable speed, don't be afraid or cheap on the extended warranity.. Will be best money spent.

[RoBoTeq]

Originally posted by iago
I would go with a lennox.

Why?

[MadeinUSA]

Originally posted by RoBoTeq

Originally posted by iago
I would go with a lennox.

Why? If the contractor is good and the HO feels comfortable they will get a professional installation, then, why not?

[RoBoTeq]

Maiden, are you stalking me again? I already told you that I'm not interested.

And why are you answering for other posters?

[MadeinUSA]

I’ll tell you a secret. It is a free country, and you should know this being you are running for the presidency. :D

[docholiday]

Now wait a minute Made. Robo, was merely asking how lennox was the solution to this man's problem, regardless whether its a heap pump, gas or nuclear powered unit. Even you should have jumped all over this type of an answer.

Clearly iago is on to something yet has decided not to tell the rest of us how he came to such a brilliant conclusion.

[selfemployed]

Click on the red tab at the top of the page and do your own loss/gain calc for a few $. Then when someone gives you their calcs for your new home picking a contractor may be easier. Good Luck with your new home.

[t527ed]

Originally posted by RoBoTeq

Originally posted by iago
I would go with a lennox.

Why?


the OP asked for quiet and servicable lennox is at or near the top on both points.

[Midwest]

Doc- how small a nuke does Lennox make? LOL I have an uncle in Arizona who is a retired Nuclear Regulatory Commission engineer, maybe he can help me over the phone hook one up. I guess installed costs will be a little high, but long term savings might make it worthwhile????

[tinknocker service tech]

Originally posted by Midwest
Doc- how small a nuke does Lennox make? LOL I have an uncle in Arizona who is a retired Nuclear Regulatory Commission engineer, maybe he can help me over the phone hook one up. I guess installed costs will be a little high, but long term savings might make it worthwhile????

i have installed a few of them and found replacing the fuel rods once a year and that dam suit to be a pain. also what to do with those silly rods my truck is starting to glow lol

[Steve Wiggins]

I have a few questions for Brian if he is still here but I fear we are just arguing with ourselves.

[pecmsg]

Superbike0

My first choice would be Geo-Thermal but that depends on your area. Propane would be my last choice for heat. Go with oil, preferably Thermo Pride with a 14 + SEER Heat Pump set up as a Duel Fuel.

Check with your local utility for there rebate programs.

Good luck with your search.

[cascader]

No,no..,the new zirconium/indium rods are reversable and discharge the extra neutrons thru the exhaust stack.

[iago]

i have had nothing but customer sastifaction with lennox system. But there is a lot of quiet service freindly systems you could go with.

[superbike0]

Are the variable speed motors quieter because they are run on DC ??

[docholiday]

Partially but most noise complaints arent from the motor itself, its from the high static or the motor's close proximity to the return grille. In fact, if the ductwork is bad, the ECM may actually make more noise because it will move the air versus a PSC which drops airflow as static increases. The ECM, however can be reduced for the fan only mode durning system off cycles.

[superbike0]

Docholiday, your killing me! Only kidding, Im just brand new to all the lingo, what is the PSC, Pressure Sensor Control??? (just a guess)
Thanks

[Pschneid]

Don't buy A Tappan or any of the "Nordyne" manufactured products if you want the ultimate in "Quiet" operation. I had a 94+ 2 stage Tappan installed in my newest home and it makes noticebly more noise moving air through it than the units from Carrier/Bryant or Lennox. Also the "Inducer motor makes noticeably more noise in the Tappan, that looks like it has to do with how the inducer motor is mounted to the interior cabinet's metal parts. It is not as well isolated from the cabinet as in other manufactured units.
I find nothing wrong with LP, it'll always be cheaper than electric and will be competitive with natural gas and or oil depending on where you're located. You can buy LP for the storage tank any time during the year when the cost of LP is lowest. You don't have that option with natural gas or electric.
A well designed duct system can help greatly in reducing the noise of the entire system. I'm seeing a lot of "horrible" distribution systems installed most are undersized with VERY inadequate returns.
If you consider installing a "Heat Pump" system with a LP for backup, THAT will be the point where additional equipment and technical installs and setup become an issue of repairs. Read more posts from here RE: heat pumps and malfunctions.
Phil

[RoBoTeq]

Originally posted by t527ed

Originally posted by RoBoTeq

Originally posted by iago
I would go with a lennox.

Why?


the OP asked for quiet and servicable lennox is at or near the top on both points.

Thanks. I am not aware of this. Last I heard on this forum, Rheem/Ruud is claiming to have the quietest gas furnaces and I don't think there is any outside unit easier to access then a Rheem/Ruud rectangular unit.

[RoBoTeq]

Originally posted by iago
i have had nothing but customer sastifaction with lennox system. But there is a lot of quiet service freindly systems you could go with.

Thanks for the clarification and welcome aboard. I already like your style but some of the brand whore extremists are going to be nasty to you so put on some armour and continue posting :S

[t527ed]

Originally posted by RoBoTeq

Originally posted by t527ed

Originally posted by RoBoTeq

Originally posted by iago
I would go with a lennox.

Why?


the OP asked for quiet and servicable lennox is at or near the top on both points.

Thanks. I am not aware of this. Last I heard on this forum, Rheem/Ruud is claiming to have the quietest gas furnaces and I don't think there is any outside unit easier to access then a Rheem/Ruud rectangular unit.

any lennox HS series is much easier to service than the rectangle units. lennox 10acc and 13 acc are a pain but we never sell bottom line units anyway


as far as furnaces go i don't see much differnce in noise with the sealed combustion and v drive blowers. all are very quiet







[Edited by t527ed on 10-24-2005 at 07:37 PM]

[superbike0]

What are your thought's on a Oil fired system with direct venting, I was unaware (Dumb) that Oil gave more energy pound for pound than L.P.

[t527ed]

oil stinks, not sure if direct vent is even made. sure would not want one

[Christheheatingdude]

There is a direct vent oil furnace. However have you seen the prices of oil lately?

[superbike0]

All Fuel prices are through the roof, thats why Im feeling out all my options and listening to everyone who post's.

Some of you have great idea's, some are just out of my budget.

A Hydro air system sounds good, get rid of that dry air, definately not going with a heat pump, not in Northern Connecticut. Now to figure out L.P. or oil.

My last house was N/G , never had a problem, system ran clean, not having a tank in my basement was a plus also.

[tinknocker service tech]

one thing you can be sure of. if NG is going up so is oil
in turn so will electic. the plus side is as high efiecieny as possible. heat pumps can give i believe 250percent or higher rateing. with 90plus backup you will be as far ahead as posible. as far as the savings and pay back goes depends on what the utility price level out at. to even think of useing last years costs for a comparisome would be futile.

[dec]

I would be going duel fuel but I have always thought that If it were me I would look into adding strip heat besides the gas or propane with a heat pump. The way every fuel is going up , why not have the option of electric backup too. I dont know about ground source being what little I did with it when it first came out, it was real expensive and I dont think they were as good as they are now. Now those new Heat pumps for cold temperature look interesting but for the price the warranty on the compressors are only 5 years...for that price they should be at least 10, but its a heat pump running year round. Oil aaaahh I dont think so.

[iago]

the only thing i dont like about lennox are them damb pure air cleaners. They make one size, and its quite large.And one more thing the mighty 21 seer. I will be on L&I soon if you customers keep buying them.

[Edited by iago on 10-25-2005 at 08:36 PM]

[mister freeze]

http://www.americanstandardair.com/VideoRequest.asp

Go to this website and get the video. This will answer all of your questions.