Advice on 3.5 Ton 15 Rheem Unit

[PVBGIRL]

Hello,

I live in Northeast Florida and I am in the market for a new Air Handler and Compressor. I have been researching Rheem and Carrier 3 Ton Units. I did some cost analysis on both and found that the 15 seer Comfort Series unit was the only cost effective unit. It would only take me 4.7 years to recoup the difference in cost between the 15 seer unit and the 13 seer unit. I used a calc I found on line at XYZ.com to determine how long it would take me to recoup my initial cost of the units compared to the minimum 13 seer Unit. I could not justify spending $$k vs. $k for the less expensive units. With the 16 seer it would take me 30 years to recoup my initial outlay. With the 19 seer a little over 19 years and the 20 seer 20 years. The units just do not last that long this close to the beach to justify spending that much money for a unit that probably at best will last me 10-13 yrs. Any thoughts on this? My calc is as follows:

-36,000 BTU divided by Seer Number= Watts
-Watts divided by 1000 = x thousand watt units which is the number of kwh your air conditioner consumes each hour
-Then Determine the number of hours annually that your unit will be operational based on your geographic location. In Florida it is about 2500 hours annually.
-Multiply the number of kwh your air conditioner consumes from step 2 above x the number hours annually your unit is operational = KWH annual consumption
- Now you convert this figure to annual cost. You take the KWH annual consumption and multiply it by cost of each KWH which can be found on your electric bill. In my area of Northeast FL the cost is .12041 per kwh

[BaldLoonie]

If initial cost is an issue, Rheem's 14AJM value line gets 15-16 SEER with high efficiency air handlers. Yes, above 15 SEER getting into 2 stage units, the price gets steep and the payback isn't there. The 3 ton with RHKL-HM3821 you get 16 SEER rather affordably and a nice 13 EER. I think that gets you some tax credit and check for utility rebates.

[dan sw fl]

TRANE XL15i if you are within 2 miles of the beach. Durability (Life ) is Much better.

[PVBGIRL]

If initial cost is an issue, Rheem's 14AJM value line gets 15-16 SEER with high efficiency air handlers. Yes, above 15 SEER getting into 2 stage units, the price gets steep and the payback isn't there. The 3 ton with RHKL-HM3821 you get 16 SEER rather affordably and a nice 13 EER. I think that gets you some tax credit and check for utility rebates.

Thanks BaldLoonie for the information. Cost should always be an issue with everyone. If it is not you probably will end up paying too much for something. I like to purchase things that bring me value. There is just no value in those higher end Infinity units to me. I will take a look at the Rheem product you suggested and run a cost analysis on it.

I do have another question for you if you do not mind? Is there any credentials that a good HVAC installer should have. I have been reading that most of the lower end units components are very similar and what really matters is the installation and warranty. I am just wondering how I know when I choose a AC contractor that his install people are going to know what they are doing. Is there any license or certificate they should have? Thanks for your help. Also do you recommend purchasing an extended warranty on a new AC unit?

[jtrammel]

NATE certified technicians, BPI certification, and of course there's the BBB and Angie's List. Also read the salesman during the quote, you can usually tell if someone is sincere or just out to make a quick buck.

[dan sw fl]

http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...r-conditioners

Climatuff® compressor
Spine Fin™ outdoor coil
Comfort-R™ Mode approved for better humidity control
Full-side louvered panels protect your investment
WeatherGuard II™ top shields unit from debris and damage

Baked-on powder paint resists rust
Unique DuraTuff™ non-corrosive basepan
Advanced fan system

The XL15i is built with an Electronic Demand Defrost in case of extremely cold weather.

[dan sw fl]

http://www.carrier.co.th/knowledge/d...on_Guide_3.pdf

Page 6 Coastal/ Marine

[PVBGIRL]

http://www.carrier.co.th/knowledge/d...on_Guide_3.pdf

Page 6 Coastal/ Marine

Thanks Dan.I will have to get some prices on this unit. It looks like it would be very durable to the weather here. I do live within 2 miles to the beach. I currently have a 10 seer 3 Ton Carrier outdoor compressor that is really rusty. I replaced the motor in it about three years ago. My HVAC repair guy told me not to replace it until I have to. My plumber built me a T-bar on the indoor handler so I can put bleach in it every six months. Since I have done that, I have had no service calls on the unit. Once it needed more freon. Do you know what the cost should be arond on this Trane Unit? Also I have had a load calc done and it came out that I needed a 3.67 Ton Unit. Does that mean I need to move up to a 3.5 ton or a 4 ton unit? Right now my outside compressor is a 3 ton and my indoor handler is a 3.5 ton. Do they have to match? I have had no problems with this configuration. Thanks again.

[PVBGIRL]

Thanks jtrammel. I will make sure I ask the installers if they are NATE certified with BPI certificaton. I have already checked BBB and Angies list. All the salesman so far want to sell me a 16 seer unit. Which I found to be the least cost effective unit out there for Carrier anyways.

[PVBGIRL]

Make-up Requirements? My make-up requirements are pretty specific so that will be easy. Moisturizer, Concealer, Powder, Blush, and Mascara. LOL. Thanks for your help Designer Dan. I only had one salesman actually measure all my windows and do a count on them. He has yet to provide me with a load calc though. Two salesman told me it is a requirement to have a return in every bedroom now and advised I would have to add these on with the new equipment for an additional $1200.00. One saleman told me that is not true and is only for new construction. Do you know anything about this in Florida? Thanks again.

[PVBGIRL]

Cool Dan - This link is great. So I need to make sure that I have E coated Aluminum Fins right? You are grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!!!!

[jtrammel]

If you are on the coast get a trane, this is the ONLY time I reccomend trane equipment but it does stand the test of time in coastal regions, also American standard is the same as trane just a little cheaper price point for the exact same equipment usually. It's best to have a return in every room but I don't beleive its code for existing structures, I could be wrong though I'm not located in Fl and do not know they're codes. 2 stage and inverter equipment is for comfort (dehumidification and long run times) not savings. Carrier greenspeed is some cool technology if you're interested in going high end. Check out the posts started by FloridaJoy a few months back, just put in FloridaJoy in the search engine on this page.

[PVBGIRL]

Thanks jtrammel. I put FloridaJoy into the search and all I got was my post here because you wrote FloridaJoy in it. Any other suggestions? I am not interested in going high end because it is not worth it. I will never get my return on investment during the life of the unit with the high end products. If I get a unit that has E-Coated Aluminum Fin with a Copper Tube why do I still need a Trane? Does Trane have E-Coated Aluminum Fin and Copper Coil? I know their exterior covering of the outside unit is plastic which ofc will not rust. Thanks Again.

[PVBGIRL]

I am not really concerned about the outside covering of the unit rusting as much as the interior coils rusting. Carrier makes a coastal 16 seer unit but it is not worth the initial cost of the unit either. 30 years to recoup the cost is well just a stupid investment.

[dan sw fl]

http://highperformancehvac.com/trane...-conditioners/

You seem to recognize value.
Coated coils is an option no matter which brand is selected.
However, TRANE has the reputation of more effectively addressing condenser life in adverse conditions over a long period.

Post # 8 ... I would not increase the unit size if the current 3.5 ton system can provide 75'F on a 94'F day.
................. I can not provide specific specific selection without "seeing" your house or recognizing all appropriate factors are addressed in a reasonable manner.

I am not sure if Returns in all bedrooms is requirement for existing houses.
I need to read the specific section of the FL Building Code and energy efficiency requirements myself.
This requirement has been in effect for NEW Construction for about 8 years.

[jtrammel]

http://highperformancehvac.com/trane...-conditioners/

You seem to recognize value.
Coated coils is an option no matter which brand is selected.
However, TRANE has the reputation of more effectively addressing condenser life in adverse conditions over a long period.

Post # 8 ... I would not increase the unit size if the current 3.5 ton system can provide 75'F on a 94'F day.
................. I can not provide specific specific selection without "seeing" your house or recognizing all appropriate factors are addressed in a reasonable manner.

I am not sure if Returns in all bedrooms is requirement for existing houses.
I need to read the specific section of the FL Building Code and energy efficiency requirements myself.
This requirement has been in effect for NEW Construction for about 8 years.

^^^ what he said X2

[PVBGIRL]

Just wondering if any of you would recommend the York up to 18 seer 4 ton Unit below?
Model No: YZH048 for the Heat Pump Condensor
Model No: AVG48 for the Variable Speed Air Handler

This unit has what they call a "dog house" to protect the compressor unit. It looks like a plastic trash can around the parts of the compressor unit.
I think it is a two speed compressor but I am not sure. It seems reasonable priced at $$$$ is what I was quoted. I did my cost analysis on it and it would take me 9 years to recoup the cost of this unit vs the 13 seer brand.

[beshvac]

Been following this thread and it is my belief you are missing the big picture of hvac replacement. Not being critical...because this is a common misconception when Homeowners today pick a new system like they are buying a car.

1. You are focusing on brand and quite possibly will focus on the brand and find the cheapest hack to put it in for you. And then wonder why it doesnt perform.
2. This is about the last trade left in america, and the TRUE VALUE is in the knowledge of the contractor custom installing this equipment into your unique house.
3. The "BOX SELLERS" just sell you the equipment and slap in whatever you want. The TRADESMEN sell you the box INTEGRATED with your home to provide long life and comfort.

[jtrammel]

Been following this thread and it is my belief you are missing the big picture of hvac replacement. Not being critical...because this is a common misconception when Homeowners today pick a new system like they are buying a car.

1. You are focusing on brand and quite possibly will focus on the brand and find the cheapest hack to put it in for you. And then wonder why it doesnt perform.
2. This is about the last trade left in america, and the TRUE VALUE is in the knowledge of the contractor custom installing this equipment into your unique house.
3. The "BOX SELLERS" just sell you the equipment and slap in whatever you want. The TRADESMEN sell you the box INTEGRATED with your home to provide long life and comfort.

x2, Im primarily a York dealer and if I had a house on the coast i would install trane due to their proven track record of their all aluminum condenser design in coastal regions as well as all over the country. In my area I would install York but in your area I would be a Trane dealer due to the product fending off salt water corrosion so well over the years while other brands with copper/aluminum coils only last 5-10 years or less.

[tedkidd]

Florida Joy. User search. Lots of threads. Results thread.

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread....er-Study/page3