Trane 16 SEER 5 Ton Performance

[Pamela Hu]

My home needs a new AC system. We have one unit to provide a 2 story house. We are checking around and got 2 different answers for the question.
Co. A told us using Trane 14Seer instead of 16Seer, saying it is more complicate and the performance from 16Seer is only 15+, it is not really worthy. It costs xxxx
Co. B told us to choose Carrier 16Seer and also replace furnace at same time even we have no problem with the heater. cost will be xxxx
Any advice? Thanks in advance! BTW, we live in Houston, Tx.

[Twilly]

Twilly says call mr bill or classical.

[beenthere]

They probably want to install a furnace with a VS blower to get better air flow.

[Pamela Hu]

To All,
Thank you!

[udarrell]

My home needs a new AC system. We have one unit to provide a 2 story house. We are checking around and got 2 different answers for the question.
Co. A told us using Trane 14Seer instead of 16Seer, saying it is more complicate and the performance from 16Seer is only 15+, it is not really worthy. It costs xxxx
Co. B told us to choose Carrier 16Seer and also replace furnace at same time even we have no problem with the heater. cost will be xxxx
Any advice? Thanks in advance! BTW, we live in Houston, Tx.

You're talking about a big investment, that calls for taking your time to perhaps have a Home Energy Efficiency Audit performed & after the efficiency retrofit work, have an heat-gain calculation performed; & do not oversize the equipment.

The air handler should be tested to find out what cooling tonnage of air flow it is delivering; could be only 3.5-Ton of airflow...

Is the duct system well sealed, is there enough filter area for a 4 or 5-Ton system?

If you don't get the answers to most of those questions you're apt to pay for a level of cooling, that tonnage rating will never come anywhere near delivering!

[duckman06]

They probably want to install a furnace with a VS blower to get better air flow.

I agree with Beenthere! In order to get 16 seer out of a system a new furnace would need to installed. The best I have ever seen with existing furnace left and a new coil and condenser installed is 14 seer.

[udarrell]

My home needs a new AC system. We have one unit to provide a 2 story house. We are checking around and got 2 different answers for the question.
Co. A told us using Trane 14Seer instead of 16Seer, saying it is more complicate and the performance from 16Seer is only 15+, it is not really worthy. It costs xxxx
Co. B told us to choose Carrier 16Seer and also replace furnace at same time even we have no problem with the heater. cost will be xxxx
Any advice? Thanks in advance! BTW, we live in Houston, Tx.

The difference between a 14-SEER & a 16-SEER is negligible.

The real savings resides in making the home, the duct system & airflow more efficient.

Many A/C brands deliver different Btuh at a listed tonnage, therefore you can shop for the Btuh you need according to the load calc.

Let's say the load calc said 50,000-Btuh; Goodman DSX160601A* has a listed 5-Ton 16-SEER 'running on high stage'; @95-F outdoors ACCA (TVA) conditions, @75-F, 63-F wet bulb indoors or 52% relative humidity; @1800-CFM with a perfect installation, it's rated to deliver 52,800-Btuh.

It lists the high blower speed at 2025-CFM; the low speed @ 1575-CFM; therefore if the duct system won't handle 1800-CFM you can go considerably lower.

Very few residential duct systems & filter areas will adapt to handling more than 1800-CFM; many will only handle 1600-CFM, so this unit is adaptable to those limiting circumstances.

I am willing to bet that an accurate load calc will be within 50,000-Btuh...at least retrofit-work could get it there or below that number...

[Pamela Hu]

Mr. Udarrell,

Thank you for your help. Got lots home work to do on our side now.
Wish you were not retire and living in Houston now.

Pamela

[dan sw fl]

Investigate 15 SEER / ~9.4 HSPF Heat Pump ...
Compare Houston area utility rates.
Electric is only 0.09 / kW