Compare Heat Pumps - Broan FT4BI iQ Drive vs.Trane XL20i

[jtrammel]

Those reports look pretty good compared to some I've seen. Duct system seems to be sealed pretty well, could be better but not bad. The house could use some improvement as well but overall not bad compared to lots of homes I have tested. I would definitely look into the iq drive, especially if you can get a discount through your son. It is a really good system. I was skeptical before I installed one. The two customers we have installed them for love them and the savings on utilities but the main thing they love is the comfort they have now throughout their home.

[Florida Joy]

Those reports look pretty good compared to some I've seen. Duct system seems to be sealed pretty well, could be better but not bad. The house could use some improvement as well but overall not bad compared to lots of homes I have tested. I would definitely look into the iq drive, especially if you can get a discount through your son. It is a really good system. I was skeptical before I installed one. The two customers we have installed them for love them and the savings on utilities but the main thing they love is the comfort they have now throughout their home.

Thanks! I really appreciate your input on this. I had no idea Broan was an RE Michel product until this Comfort Institute member dealer (who I found with YOUR help) mentioned it after I told him some of the repairs that my son had done at "cost" in the first two years I owned the house because he was manager at RE Michel. He then brought up the employee discount and that he ALWAYS helps relatives of RE Michel employees get the discount because they are his major supplier. The things we don't know until someone helps us find out!!

Thanks again!

[mark beiser]

Your duct system needs some serious sealing if you are going with a variable capacity system. Additional insulation would be a big benefit too.

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildin...r_heatpump.pdf

I want to see the Phase 2 results. With a less than nearly perfectly sealed attic duct system, I expect their testing will show a shocking loss of efficiency from the variable capacity system.
They really do not do well at all with a leaking, or poorly insulated duct system in an attic.

[Florida Joy]

Your duct system needs some serious sealing if you are going with a variable capacity system. Additional insulation would be a big benefit too.

Are you saying the reports I posted still indicate "serious" leakage? I just paid $xxx.xx to have the leaks sealed that were identified by Florida Power & Light Company's blower door test.

Also had R30 blown into the attic on top of the R8 that was there before. Or are you talking about wrapping the ducts with more insulation? How can you tell that's needed from the reports I posted?

[BaldLoonie]

I did find a rating for the FT4BI-036 removing 51,000 BTU. But that's with sauna conditions inside and 60° outside! But then, a 13 SEER FT4BD-036 will pull out 45K under similar similar very steamy in and cool out.

The tech guide used the AHRI figure of 35,000 BTU as "nominal". But there are some cases where it will do better just like with any unit. Maybe a bit more than a single speed unit.

[jtrammel]

You have about 6% total duct leakage which is not that bad. Most homes I have tested have anywhere from 20-60% leakage. If I remember correctly your furnace sits on a box with the return grill cut into that box on other side of wall. If that's the case it should be really simple to seal that box completely and reduce your return duct leakage to 0 instead of 17

[Florida Joy]

You have about 6% total duct leakage which is not that bad. Most homes I have tested have anywhere from 20-60% leakage.

I thought the 6% duct leakage was pretty damn good, considering I read where Florida building code allows 6% duct leakage for NEW CONSTRUCTION! Code allows 15% for retrofit.

If I remember correctly your furnace sits on a box with the return grill cut into that box on other side of wall. If that's the case it should be really simple to seal that box completely and reduce your return duct leakage to 0 instead of 17.

You are correct! I could tell the guy that sealed the return box did a crappy job... ductboard inside out... but I've been assured that the contractors I'm dealing with will seal the return on a new install anyway. So I'm not worried about the current 17cfm leakage at the return.

Thank you for actually reading my reports! It's kind of annoying when people respond to my questions with comments and suggestions that have no relationship to the data that I posted. Grrrrrr.

[Florida Joy]

I did find a rating for the FT4BI-036 removing 51,000 BTU. But that's with sauna conditions inside and 60° outside! But then, a 13 SEER FT4BD-036 will pull out 45K under similar similar very steamy in and cool out.

The tech guide used the AHRI figure of 35,000 BTU as "nominal". But there are some cases where it will do better just like with any unit. Maybe a bit more than a single speed unit.

http://www.ba-pirc.org/pubs/pdf/Ener...1-HeatPump.pdf

[Florida Joy]

I am so disappointed. Got word from the Broan dealer who did all the testing, measuring, and load calculation at my home on Tuesday. Due to circumstances beyond his control related to prior commitments, he will not be able to commit to doing the work for me at this time. As a result, he has declined to provide a proposal (i.e. estimate $$$).

Boohoo. Now looking for another reputable Broan dealer in Brevard County, FL. Wish me luck!

[jtrammel]

Nordyne sells the iq drive system under broan, maytag and fridgidaire names, but I think re Michael only distributes them under the broan label

[Krzyd]

I am so disappointed. Got word from the Broan dealer who did all the testing, measuring, and load calculation at my home on Tuesday. Due to circumstances beyond his control related to prior commitments, he will not be able to commit to doing the work for me at this time. As a result, he has declined to provide a proposal (i.e. estimate $$$).

Boohoo. Now looking for another reputable Broan dealer in Brevard County, FL. Wish me luck!

How did you upset him?

[Florida Joy]

How did you upset him?

Are you saying I somehow upset him so he doesn't want me as a customer and he's lying about "prior commitments"? Is that how HVAC contractors roll?

I don't know what I could have said to upset him.... maybe I asked too many questions and he could tell I already knew the "right" answers? He actually had all the "right" answers and I thought he could tell I was happy with all he was telling me, so I don't see why my questions would upset him. I thought he could tell I was genuinely interested in getting a Broan and becoming his customer. He took down my son's name and phone number at RE Michel and promised to call him for pricing on the equipment with the employee discount. Before he left, he said he'd email me the quote in a couple of days.

Damn... do all HVAC contractors want customers who just nod a lot and take everything in without saying a word?

[Florida Joy]

Nordyne sells the iq drive system under broan, maytag and fridgidaire names, but I think re Michael only distributes them under the broan label

Yes, this is what the Broan contractor told me, too.