Seer Confusion

[RAINMAN7]

I have a question. I was given a estimate for a Rheem Classic 3 ton 14 seer split ac system. I went with the estimate and saw that the condenser is a 13 seer. I called the contractor and told him that he did not give me what he estimated... he replied " I installed a 14 seer variable speed air handler and 13 seer condenser which is a 14 seer system". Is this correct? After looking on Rheem's web site I did not see 13 seer units. I thought 14 seer was the standard now? The contractor did not complete the installation yet, he still has to charge the system and tie in the duct work.

I looked into the serial #'s on the estimate which are

condenser-RANL-03JAZ
air handler-RNSLHM3617

I then realized that the condenser # is a 13 seer that he had on the estimate but at the top in the job description it says 14 seer split A/C system.

What should I do?

[RyanHughes]

Just to add:

That's not a v/s air handler (has a PSC motor). Correct model numbers are RANL-036JAZ and RHSL-HM3617, too.

This system is rated at 13 SEER. ARI reference number: 683301. I'd speak with the installer about this if he told you the system was rated at 14 SEER. Ask him for proof (ARI certificate). Rheem rates this setup at 14 SEER, but I'd tend to trust ARI, which rates the systems.

[beenthere]

Use the ref number Ryan posted. Go to the ARI website. Enter that ref number, then double click on the rating, it will bring up a printable cert, show it to your contractor and then ask him.

[Mr Bill]

14 seer you will need:

RAPL-036JAZ
RHSL-HM3617JA

[RyanHughes]

Use the ref number Ryan posted. Go to the ARI website. Enter that ref number, then double click on the rating, it will bring up a printable cert, show it to your contractor and then ask him.

I updated my original post. Rheem rates this setup at 14 SEER for some reason. I'd still trust the ARI certificate, and I'd show it to the contractor as beenthere said. The OP says he was told that this was a v/s setup, when really the air handler has a PSC motor.

Rainman, I attached the ARI certificate for you. I just hope the dealer doesn't pull out Rheem's specs and show you that it's a 14 SEER system.

[Mr Bill]

I am a RUUD dealer have been for over 15 years and I know of any 13 seer condenser that will get you to 14 seer, I don't care what furnace or air handler you use unless he knows something I don't.

The match he is selling you is a 13 seer or 11.30 eer. and you can take that to the bank.

[RAINMAN7]

Thanks all for the responses and the certificate. That is a little strange Rheem would rate it 14 seer.

Thanks again.

[RyanHughes]

Middle of page 8 here: http://216.122.22.11/FetchDocument.a...e-cbb143ddb961

You'll see that Rheem rated the setup at 12.15 EER and 14.00 SEER--quite different from the American Refrigeration Institute (trusted for equipment ratings)'s rating. I just don't see how the 13.00 SEER unit going to 14.00 SEER without a premium (X13 or v/s) indoor unit, but who knows... The issue about him telling you that's a v/s blower is a whole other issue... Can you confirm the model number on the indoor unit?

[RAINMAN7]

Is this something I should be putting up a fight about with the contractor. Or is what he is giving me "close enough"?

[Mr Bill]

Is this something I should be putting up a fight about with the contractor. Or is what he is giving me "close enough"?

Well if you getting a 13 seer and paying for a 14 seer I personally would have a problem with that.

[RyanHughes]

Was variable speed noted on the estimate? Nevertheless, if you thought you were getting 14 SEER and ended up getting 13 SEER, I too would have a problem with that. Maybe he is confused about the air handler? Is RHSL-HM3617 the air handler that you have?

[Mr Bill]

he replied " I installed a 14 seer variable speed air handler

RUUD/Rheem does not make a true VS Air handler that I personally know of, they do make a AH with the X13 motor that has a board in the AH with dip switches were the tech can field set the speed for the application, but it's still a fixed speed just more speeds available to set to marry it to your existing duct system.

[RyanHughes]

Mr. Bill,

I believe the Rheem RHKA/L series or Ruud UHKA/L series blowers use the ECM variable-speed motor. Someone can confirm...

http://216.122.22.11/FetchDocument.a...4-a842005a9145

Just FYI...