No difference in ratings that I can see looking in the AHRI database. All 13 EER/15 SEER/9 HSPF (qualifying for tax credit). Shouldn't be a significant price; if it is, perhaps he has the 3036 air handler already.
My new HP will be installed this weekend by a reputable company. Based on info given here by BT and others, I have decided on a 14 SEER HP, with a new lineset.
The condensing unit is a Goodman model SSZ140361 3 ton unit.
The options the salesman gave me are:
Goodman AEPF303616 3ton VS AH, or a Goodman AEPF426016 3.5 -5 ton VS AH.
I didnt ask the salesman the question about the difference in Air handler's yet, I wanted an oppinion from here first so I might ask him smarter questions.
To me, it seems the 303616 is a match, what is the advantage of the 426016? The 426016 adds quite a bit to the price. Is it worth it?
I live in Virginia Beach, VA if that helps.
No difference in ratings that I can see looking in the AHRI database. All 13 EER/15 SEER/9 HSPF (qualifying for tax credit). Shouldn't be a significant price; if it is, perhaps he has the 3036 air handler already.
Ryan, I should have left "add's quite a bit of to the price"" out of my question. It wasnt that much $$ more considering the whole deal. Even though they are both AHRI matched, what does the larger AH size do for me? OR how is the larger AH a detriment?
I need to know before Friday.
Thanks for any info.
Riderman, I looked through Goodman's published specs and couldn't find anything differentiating the two units except electrical (to be expected)--almost makes them look identical. I'm not sure on the coil size; I assume it's different between the two since 3.5-5 ton units are only rated with the "larger" air handler. Could it be just a numbers thing? Possibly. Hopefully someone else more familiar with the specifics can give more info. http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Portals/0/pdf/SS-GAEPF.pdf
Stay with the 3036 air handler.
The larger one doesn't slow the blower down as much, so humidity control would not be as good.
The 426016 is as you know bigger then the 303616. So you may also have to think that the 3.5-5 ton could be too big for your current duct work since it will have a bigger blower then the 3 ton. You may want to ask the company installing it if they can do a CFM calculation to see if that A/H will work with your current duct.
ps.. we are practically neighbors! i live in chesapeake.
So does Goodman handle dehumidification differently than other brands? With another brand's air handler, for example, it will take the set speed setting and slow the blower down to 80% of that setting for a dehumidification call. What's preventing the AEPF4260 from slowing down for dehumidification as much as the 3036 is my question. Is it just a matter of different fan speed selections for the 4260?
Its not the blower that has a problem.
More the large coil.
We had about 6".
Those large coils are ok if you have restrictive duct.
But, if you duct is sized ok, then the larger coil just makes it harder to keep the RH down on milder temp days.
Makes you lower the stat set temp, defeating the purpose of getting a higher SEER unit.
Go with the 4260 3.5-5. ton air handler.. the smaller unit will be maxed out at a/c speed. The 4260 apppears to have a 3/4 hp motor versus 1/3hp in the 3 ton AH. You can match the airflow to any duct system with the dip switches, down to 1050CFM. Get the thermostatic expansion valve kit for the heat pump as a add on..Dont use a orfice to feed that oversized coil. Make sure the AH coil has factory nitrogen charge when it arives at job site, keeps you from getting a leaker. Good Luck...
Crap......do I go with BT, a man that has "been there" forever, and advice that I truely belive in, or superheaterman, who has advice that is beyond reproach.....Yea, I'm sucking up here..
A TXV valve will be installed, at an additional price of course....
I'm going for the highest quality that a poor man can aford. My 401 lost 50% this last year. Yea, I'm a cheap bastard at this time.........LOL
LOL...
You can take eithers advise.
Here's something for you to think about.
The 3036 and the 4260 use the same size blower wheel, 10 5/8 X 10 5/8, and the same 3/4 HP blower motor.
They both slow the blower to 85% on a dehumidify call.
One has a smaller coil.
OHHHHH, you just suck..... (read a BIG SMILE on my face). I aint even gonna try to figure the coil differences now. I'm going with the 3 ton AH.
Last question, what is a decent thermostat that allows control of humidity as well as temp? Or should I ask, a thermostat that has a seperate function/control of humidity?
Honeywell IAQ.
It will also so the blower on calls to dehumidify.
Last question, what is a decent thermostat that allows control of humidity as well as temp? Or should I ask, a thermostat that has a seperate function/control of humidity?
The Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ t-stat does, but i personally like Honeywell t-stats. That might get a little pricey though. White-Rogers also makes some that control humidity that are probably cheaper.
The outdoor unit that gives you the efficiency that you desire.
IAQ YTH9421.
BT and Scooter, The only reason I asked for a model number was the contractor only offered a Honeywell TS that would call the house phone number, and my cell phone if the temperature went above or below a certain setpoint. This, price and features, was a little over the top for me. I'll ask them if they can offer another model#.
I was hoping to to get an Idea of a counter offer of a different model that fit my needs and budget. I dont mean to knickle and dime, but that Tstat price was close to half my house payment.
One will be selected before this weekend reguardless, I just didnt want to hate myself for a bad decision.
I know, go with the contractor's recommendation. But I have learned here, if nothing else, Trust, but Verify..