two furnaces or one furnace with zoning?

[ENGRGRAD]

Hello experts,

I am currently getting estimates from builders to build my house. The plans are complete. The house is a two-story (with walk out basement) covering a plan area of about 80x40. House is in mid-Michigan (Brighton) and there will be little to no shade trees around the house. Front of house faces south.

Some of my questions to the experts are:


if this is was your house, would you install a single furnace with zoning capabilities or two furnaces?

Also, if the overwhelming recommendation is to go with two systems, then I am assuming that two A/C units are recommended as well? Also, do both units get placed in the same end or at opposite ends of the house?

Just trying to get an idea of options that are out there. I want to do things right the first time.

Suggestions/recommendations are welcome. Also, if additional information is needed please ask.

Thanks

[catmanacman]

for 2 story houses I'm A fan of 2 systems

[SkyHeating]

Maybe I am the only one but... Two systems means twice as much maintenance filter changes repair boils and much more. I would prefer one unit with zoning but put in two stage heat pump and two stage or modulating furnace in my house. It is hard to say without seeing the floor plans and knowing your area. I just like the KISS keep it simple stupid philosophy.

[NCHeat]

I am a fan of 2 smaller systems rather than 1 large. 1 system in the basement to heat and cool first floor and basement and the 2nd in a mechanical closet on the second floor with insulated ductwork in the attic. I would keep the furnace in the living space for ease of servicing and it allows you to have a high efficiency unit without the fear of frozen condensate lines. Good luck

[Andy1984]

80x40, that's quite a big house. depending what the heat load calculation came to. you might want to consider two systems. I like zone better because of efficiency and less maintanance.

[BaldLoonie]

My cousin is building a new home in suburban Detroit. Gonna have 4 zones. Main part of the 1st floor, the 2nd floor is an office & guest bedroom, master suite and basement. 2 stage furnace with single stage A/C. Contractor chosen for his abilities not lowest price which is usually the way a new construction contractor is picked. I think it will be great when done.

If it were 2 full stories zoned up/down, I'd might say zone with equipment.

But if DONE RIGHT, which is rare, either way is great. We have customers with zoning and 2 story and they can't cool the upstairs due to insufficient ductwork to upstairs. Zoning has to be done by someone who knows what they are doing.

[54regcab]

My vote is for 2 systems. One system + zoning controls will need just as much maintenance as 2 separate systems. Finding a qualified contractor to work on each "simple" systems will be easier than finding one to handle the zoning correctly. With 2 systems if one fails you can live in the other part of the house until you get it fixed.