Goodman or Aspen Coil?

[mark johnson]

I have a Goodman GMV90905DXA furnace, and have received two bids on adding AC to my system. I wanted a high efficiency system, so both contractors specified a 16 SEER condenser (Goodman SSX160601A).

However, they proposed different coils, and I wanted to see if there are any pros/cons or other surprises with either:

One proposed a Goodman CHPF4860D6 with a separate TXV;

The other proposed an Aspen CE60A34-240L with the factory installed TXV.

Oddly, the bids are almost the same price, so that is not an issue. Assuming the contractors are equally competent (they have great references), is one system better than the other? Does the "all-Goodman" system offer some advantages? Does the "factory TXV" of the Aspen make it better? I have no idea what's involved in installing a TXV, but assume it's a no-brainer for the contractor?

Would appreciate any feedback or thoughts.

Thanks,

Mark

[RyanHughes]

With Goodman coil:
ARI Ref. #1047200
11.50 EER
15.50 SEER

With Aspen Coil:
ARI Ref. #1088551
12.50 EER
16.00 SEER

Looks like the Aspen coil provides the better performance numbers. What are the warranties like between the two? It would be nice to have a complete Goodman system, but coil mix-matching to get better performance numbers is not uncommon practice.

[classical]

I am very disapointed in the current generation of Goodman/Amana corporate coil. The Aspen is a much higher quality coil, however performance on the Aspen coil is not tested just determined by paperwork. If I install an Amana/Goodman unit it gets an Aspen coil.

The only drawback is with the Aspen coil you will not get the Lifetime compressor warranty. You can get a 10-year Parts and Labor warranty I use Datacor insted of the Goodcare/Assure warranties.

Aspen is a very high quality coil I have one in my house and have used them for more than 20-years on various products.

[mark johnson]

Thanks for the quick replies! I never heard of Aspen, so was wondering if it's some "off" brand - good to know that's not the case.

What about the built-in TXV of the Aspen - is that a nice bonus, or is it comparable to the field installed TXV with the Goodman?

[beenthere]

If your in a humid area, I'd go with the one thats better for humidity removal.

[classical]

Thanks for the quick replies! I never heard of Aspen, so was wondering if it's some "off" brand - good to know that's not the case.

What about the built-in TXV of the Aspen - is that a nice bonus, or is it comparable to the field installed TXV with the Goodman?

I prefer they Aspen factory installed TXV.

Beenthere the Aspen coil is going to provide excellent humodity control with the GMV furnace and a good thermostat with a humidty feature. I prefer the White Rodgers or RObertshaw stats to the Honeywell.

[CincyHVAC]

Apen coils seem to have a better "fit" into a shorter/smaller plenum as well. With the higher SEER equipment today, some of these coils are HUGE because of the coil surface area to obtain the higher SEER.

[beenthere]

I prefer they Aspen factory installed TXV.

Beenthere the Aspen coil is going to provide excellent humodity control with the GMV furnace and a good thermostat with a humidty feature. I prefer the White Rodgers or RObertshaw stats to the Honeywell.

I'll take your word on the coil.

Can't believe you like WR stats better.

[BaldLoonie]

Only issue I've seen is with some of their metal drain pans, they hold a bunch of water in. We've actually had to prop up the coils in back to make them drain better or in downflow applications, water sprays out. Most pans these days are moulded plastic and hold virtually no water. I think Aspen makes plastic pans but for some reason our local vendors order the metal.

[classical]

Only issue I've seen is with some of their metal drain pans, they hold a bunch of water in. We've actually had to prop up the coils in back to make them drain better or in downflow applications, water sprays out. Most pans these days are moulded plastic and hold virtually no water. I think Aspen makes plastic pans but for some reason our local vendors order the metal.

I am pretty sure they make both plastic and metal pans depends on the code number.

Have you looked at the new WR t'stats, I have just never been much of a Honeywell person.

[mark johnson]

I think Aspen makes plastic pans but for some reason our local vendors order the metal.

I browsed Aspen's website, and it looks like some CE60 models come with metal pans, so hopefully that's what I'll get, but I'll check with the contractor.

Is it right that the SSX160601 condenser has a two stage compressor? Is that the way to go these days, or am I going to have more trouble with it?

Mark

[classical]

I browsed Aspen's website, and it looks like some CE60 models come with metal pans, so hopefully that's what I'll get, but I'll check with the contractor.

Is it right that the SSX160601 condenser has a two stage compressor? Is that the way to go these days, or am I going to have more trouble with it?

Mark

Yes it does have a 2-stage compressor; the smaller units achieve 16 SEER with a single stage. One good aspect of Goodman and Amana is they achieve their stated SEER in all capacities where most other brands do not. For instance Lennox has a 21 SEER line; there are only one or two component combinations that actually make that rating. Goodman/Amana equipment makes its lie rating in all capacities. There is noting wrong with this it is just a bit of marketing deception. It is up to the contractor and homeowner to discern what they will actually receive.

The Copeland 2-stage unloading scroll is an excellent product and with the combination of GNV9 and a good T’stat with humidity control you will be very happy and have an efficient and comfortable home.

[beenthere]

Shouldn't have any moe problem from a 2 stage scroll then a single stage.

[mark johnson]

Thanks guys, this makes me feel much better about the Aspen. That's probably the bid I'll go with, I slightly prefered that installer already.

[gary_g]

I browsed Aspen's website, and it looks like some CE60 models come with metal pans, so hopefully that's what I'll get, but I'll check with the contractor.

Plastic drain pans don't rust out.

[BaldLoonie]

Plastic drain pans don't rust out.

You better tell that to old bat Mrs. W down on 86th Street. We put in a new A/C system for her a while back, she got mad at us and ended up using someone else to put in a new furnace. Well, they also sold her a new cooling system. They told her that the drain pan on the A coil was rusted out. It was a 6 year old ADP coil with a plastic drain pan. The old bat believed them and bought all new!

[RyanHughes]

You better tell that to old bat Mrs. W down on 86th Street. We put in a new A/C system for her a while back, she got mad at us and ended up using someone else to put in a new furnace. Well, they also sold her a new cooling system. They told her that the drain pan on the A coil was rusted out. It was a 6 year old ADP coil with a plastic drain pan. The old bat believed them and bought all new!

Is that the same woman who wanted you to pay for her husband's missed wages while you fixed the coil position and even offered a free year of maintenance?