Choosing the right hydronic air handler

[lothar]

I live in the northeast and I’m replacing my oil forced hot air furnace with a boiler and air handler. I’m having difficulty deciding on which brand air handler because each contractor is recommending a different one and claiming it’s the best. Thermo Pride, Comfort Aire, Trane, and Carrier have each been offered. Of the many air handlers available only a few offer hydronic coils standard. If quiet, efficient, and dependable operation is more important than cost, is there a particular model that truly is the best?

[karsthuntr]

The one that is installed properly is the best one. It doesn't matter what brand it is.

I prefer First Co. but I have also made my own unit too.


A blower, relay and hot water coil, that is all there is to a hydronic air handler.

[lothar]

Thanks. Are you suggesting I focus on the contractor’s reputation and price more so than the particular unit they are pushing?

[beenthere]

He's telling you its the contractor that will make it a good system or a bad system.

Don't worry too much about the price.

The chepest isn't always the worse choice, nor the highest the best choice.

You have to feel out your contractor.
Are you comfortable with him.
He's going to be the one giving you the first 12 monthes labor warranty.
Not the brand name.

[johnsp]

I'd find out if anyone is offering you a variable speed AH.

[pecmsg]

Just curious, Why are you replacing the oil fired furnace for a boiler?

[nymurf]

I agree that the contractor has a lot to do with the end result of quality on your replacement. But I strongly think there are units that are better than others as well. Our company switched from 1st company to thermopride about 2yrs ago. At first I didnt notice much of a difference but they have recently made a newer model this year that is light years above the 1st co. Very heavy gauge steel construction, variable speed motor that is so quiet you cant even hear it come on. So long story short, go with the thermopride, thats what I would do as long as the contractor seems reputable.

[lothar]

There are 3 reasons I'm replacing the furnace with a boiler.
1. Putting on an addition that will use radiant heat.
2. The furnace is old, noisy, and inefficient.
3. Want to add central air in the future.

Frankly, I find it hard to believe that all variable speed units will perform the same, provided they are sized and installed properly. The highest quote is over 2 times the lowest. Although I doubt that one unit is twice as good as the other, I also doubt they are roughly equivalent.
I agree that the key selecting a good contractor. All four contractors to date are well established and have a good reputation. Their salesmen all speak very knowledgably and invoke confidence in their ability. However, it is most likely that the salesman won’t do the actual installation. Therefore, I find it harder to select the “best” contactor and I’m left to price and equipment to make the decision. I don’t mind spending more for a good system, but if the units are roughly the same and contractors seem equivalent, then price becomes my only guide.
If I was buying a room air conditioner, I could look in Consumer Reports for guidance. But they offer little help with this decision. That is why I turn to this forum of experts for advice.

[lothar]

Thanks nymurf for your input. 1st Co. now has a variable speed blower that they claim is super quiet. Do you still think Thermopride is worth the difference?