Did they check to see if your duct is sized to install one with out restricting air flow too much.
I am going to be getting a new HVAC system. (See below for specs) Should I get the spaceguard or just go with a normal 1" filter? My 2 main concerns are price and airflow. I am already probably spending more than I should, so I don't know if I should spend the extra to get the spaceguard. I have also read that these type filters can significantly reduce the airflow. Is that a legitimate concern?
Should I get it or not? Thanks.
Trane XR13 Heatpump 3 ton 4TWR3036A1
XT-90 furnace 80k btu TUX1B080A9H3
coil 4TXCB036BC3
ARI# 1231123
Did they check to see if your duct is sized to install one with out restricting air flow too much.
I run a small company and generally custom design each system to the needs of the customer. I recommend either an AirBear or an AprilAir (Spacegaurd) when I do an install. Here are some reasons:
1) Cleaner air to breathe. What price would you as the HO that lives in the house, place on breathing cleaner air all the time you are at home? That includes every night when you are sleeping.
2) Less dust to clean up when you do the (hopefully) weekly housecleaning. Many of my customers have said they have less dust.
3) Here is one that many folks have to think about for a while: The equipment will last longer with a better air filter. Simply: less dust gets past it, and there is less back-pressure--resulting in more efficiency.
4) less changes of the filter. If the system is not in an easily accessible place; media or spacegaurd filter systems usually need changing twice a year (or sometimes less, depending on system usage).
I would recommend it! What part of the country do you live in?
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
Thanks for the responses guys.
I live in Winston-Salem NC.
A lot of my duct work work is in the garage portion of the house, so it's in plain view. As far as I know, no test or anything was done to determine if it would restrict the airflow too much. Is that something that can be determined just by looking over the duct work? Or does all the duct work have to be measured for both length and diameter and then calculations done based on that?
Thanks again.
The SpaceGaurd has roughly an operating (air flow) opening of 23x18 (inside of the mounting flanges on each side). It will easily flow 4 tons of cooling, albeit some folks install it on a 5 ton system (I would use 2 spacegaurd units on a 5 ton system). Given your replacement system size of 3 tons, I think the only problem you yet have to solve is if it will physically fit in the space. But that is for the HVAC contractor to do.
Enjoy the clean air when your new system is installed.
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
Your HVAC contractor should be able to tell you about your duct sizing. It is just a matter of a quick calc. I would think they already know but do ask them and voice your concerns.
As far as should you get a "space-guard" or a 1" filter go with the space-guard type style(5" filter). I suggest because you are getting a Trane they offer a filter called "perfect-fit" it fits right on the bottom of your unit perfectly ----hence the name. It is a bit more $$$ than aprilaire,space-guard etc. but, it is a neater look I think.
I have a couple questions --
You are getting a furnace? Why are you also getting a heat pump? The furnace should be enough? The condensing unit should be a 4TTR3036 for a straight cool.
I use propane and the cost is getting outrageous. Our electric rates are very reasonable in NC, so I want to use a heat pump for most of my heating and have the furnace as the backup on the colder days.
There is a chance I may be able to switch to natural gas. The local gas company is currently doing a feasibility study to see if they will run me a line. But either with NG or propane I am still going to use a HP for my main heat source.
What kind of dual fuel controller is the installer using? If you are installing a single system with single T-stat, I would suggest you look at the Honeywell IAQ (9421) T-stat.
It will act as the dual fuel controller, as well as humidity and de-humidify, 3 stages of heat and 2 stages of cool, and ventilation.
Let us know how the system works out after it is installed... and pictures! We like pictures!
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
The spaceguard is worth the money spent on it. Remember, it's a long term investment.
Thanks-
That says a lot. Propane that explains a bunch. If you do go to Natural gas keep in mind that you will need a conversion kit for your furnace before using the Natural gas.
When I purchased my home I installed a space gaurd model 2200 on my unit and I am very pleased with it.
Something I really like about the spacegaurd is that the filters are easy to find and if you take your time easy to install.
I see a lot of dealer only filters out there (bryant,trane,carrier) they all have them and claim to be the biggest and the best but the truth is the aprilaire works just fine and if you ever switch service companies the new company will have the filter in stock.
Good luck
post some before and after pics those are always a treat
I remember my first day,It was fun!
Listed on the quote was the Trane TCONT803 T-stat. Is the Honeywell IAQ a significant upgrade over the TCONT803? Since the system I'm getting is fairly basic (no VS motors), would I still want the IAQ over the 803?
Just wanted to say thanks again to all who have responded. I will more than likely get the spaceguard 2200. But I will bring up the airflow issue to my installer to see what he has to say.
And I will definitely be posting pics of the install for you guys to check out.
love the Honeywell IAQ stat!
I would opt for the VS furnace if it were me. Yeah, it will add $$$ to the ticket; but divide the extra cost by 15-20 years of service and see how much it costs then... and if you divide the yearly into 12 months, it will be less than dinner out... There are lots of benefits to a VS furnace, they are more than worth the $$$.
I am not familiar with the Trane #'s, so I cannot do a comparison on the T-stat.
I see that some of my peers are concerned about ductwork, and that is a valid concern. Ask your contractor if he is using transitions (they look like wide funnels) to fit the spacegaurd.
Also, how about those before pictures. We probably could help a bit if we saw what we are dealing with.
GA-HVAC-Tech
Your comfort, Your way, Everyday!
GA's basic rules of home heating and AC upgrades:
*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
*The duct system keeps the house comfortable; the equipment only heats and cools (and dehumidifies)
*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
Choose your contractor wisely!
Ok, later on today I will post some pics of the current system and the duct work in the garage area.
Thanks.
Bill M.