Which makes more sense?

[frijoli]

Unless you have a lot of A/C hours per season, it will make little difference in cooling costs.

I personally like the Goodman 14-SEER with a scroll compressor & a TXV metering device. If Installed properly with plenty of airflow at proper static pressures & an attainable 450-cfm/ton of cooling, it should do the job with good payback.

Optimal Airflow is extremely important toward optimal Btu/hr performance! - udarrell

I saw a number of 1402 hours cooling for my area. Is that a lot?

I have to buy a new unit anyway, what would the payback difference be between the Goodman 14SEER and the Amana 18SEER? That's really the question at this point.

Clay

[gary_g]

I personally like the Goodman 14-SEER with a scroll compressor & a TXV metering device. If Installed properly with plenty of airflow at proper static pressures & an attainable 450-cfm/ton of cooling, it should do the job with good payback.

This is my system

[gary_g]

I have to buy a new unit anyway, what would the payback difference be between the Goodman 14SEER and the Amana 18SEER? That's really the question at this point.

Clay

Going with the 18 SEER, 2 stage, would solve your 2.5 ton/3 ton dilemma.

These 2 stage systems are more for comfort than cost savings.

Good luck.

[beenthere]

Hold up a minute.

To the OP, is your current A/C a 2 ton unit.

[frijoli]

Hold up a minute.

To the OP, is your current A/C a 2 ton unit.

My Current broken unit is 2.0ton, which according to the load calc was .5 tons small.

Clay

[beenthere]

Then you don't have ductwork big enough for 3 tons.

Have you, or has your contractor brought up anything about needing to remediate your ductwork and the number, or size of your supplies and returns to use a 3 ton.
Basically, your 2 ton was suppose to be moving 800 CFM, with a 3 ton, supposedly you will need to move 1200 CFM. Big difference.

[frijoli]

Then you don't have ductwork big enough for 3 tons.

Have you, or has your contractor brought up anything about needing to remediate your ductwork and the number, or size of your supplies and returns to use a 3 ton.
Basically, your 2 ton was suppose to be moving 800 CFM, with a 3 ton, supposedly you will need to move 1200 CFM. Big difference.

you suck! jk

I thought I was done with this. How do I know if it's too small a duct system?

Clay

[beenthere]

Have your contractor do a static pressure test.
If your system is currently moving 800 CFM at .6" static, then at 1200 CFM your static will increase to 1.35". Which is outside the ability of a residential blower.
Your TESP would need to be under .4" to install a 3 ton.
He can also measure it, and determine if it will handle it. BNut an actual pressure test is more accurate.

[frijoli]

Spoke to my installer again. He says they measured the length and diameters of the ducts, and he didn't recommend going the 3 ton route. He said I was pushing the envelope a little too much. He said there would be too much back pressure, and would not de humidify as well. Go figure.

You guys have been a great help, and wealth of information! Thanks for keeping me in line and not allowing me to waste my cash!

I think I finally found a good company to work with, and some good people here as well.

I'm going with his first recomendation, with the VS air handler upgrade.

How do you guys feel about Electrostatic filters?(ducks and covers)

[beenthere]

How do you feel about having to pay to replace an expensive VS motor because you used a restrictive electrostatic filter?

A 4" media filter will work as well, and not kill the VS motor.

[frijoli]

How do you feel about having to pay to replace an expensive VS motor because you used a restrictive electrostatic filter?

A 4" media filter will work as well, and not kill the VS motor.

Yeah that last one was a little dig. I have a 4" in my current unit!

Clay