In need of opinions

[southGAguy]

Hello everyone,

I am in need of opinions on the following setups. I mostly want to find out if they are good systems. All three quotes are from a different installer, which two come recommended while the other is a family friend(I understand the philosophy of finding the best installer).

The systems are all 2.5 tons, each will have new drain pan and over flow switch, each get respective thermidistats and will use 410 puron:

Carrier
25HPA530A30
FV4BNF002

Bryant
265ANA030-B
FX4CNF030

American Standard(installed the original unit in the house 15 years ago)
4A6H5030A1
4TEE3F37B1
**not eligible for tax credit
Would the 4TEE3F39A1 or 4TEE3F40B1 be a good match instead since it would be eligible for the tax credit? I plan to ask the installer to change the air handler, but just wondering before I ask.

I know everyone will have a different views/opinions on the brands, but I am open to all suggestions, just looking for reassurance that any one of them will be a good setup. Also, the units are listed from most to least expensive(no prices, I know).

Thanks

[southGAguy]

Surely someone can offer some kind of insight...

How about some info on the American Standard setup?

Does anyone see a problem with matching the 4A6H5030A1 heat pump to either the 4TEE3F39A1 or 4TEE3F40B1 for a 1330 sq ft house?

Thanks

[BaldLoonie]

The key is proper sizing & installation. All of those units would be nice if they are. The Bryant system FX4 air handler is not a variable speed blower so it isn't quite in the league with the Carrier & Trane bid.

On the Trane, no reason you can't use a 39 or 40 air handler. A GOOD dealer will set the blower speeds appropriately for the 2.5 ton unit. I'd sure want to have the tax credit.

Trane will be doing what Carrier did and taking the capacity (like 37, 39, 40) out of their indoor model numbers so people don't worry about it.

[tigerdunes]

GaGuy

all three are similar systems.

The Bryant and Carrier condensers are basically the same- Carrier's Performance 15 "A" mdl and Bryant's Preferred 15 "A" mdl. As Baldloonie stated, the Carrier quote has the VS air handler while the Bryant is conventional blower air handler.

My choice would be the AS with the 39A1 air handler which qualifies for the tax credit.

see below AHRI HP Directory numbers.

1382161 Active Systems HERITAGE 15 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H5030A1 4TEE3F39A1 30000 13.00 15.75 30000 9.00 18000

with the AS system, I would strongly recommend the HW VisionPro Iaq stat for best dehumidification.

IMO
Good Luck!

[southGAguy]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses.

[RyanHughes]

As said, the 39 and 40 air handlers would qualify and work but they are larger in size. That may be the reason they weren't quoted.

The Bryant doesn't compare unless it has the FV4B variable speed air handler. For either the Bryant or Carrier, ask about the FV4BNF003T00 or FV4BNF00T00 air handlers. It will get you a little better efficiency (same deal as with the AmStd). The T00 is the tin-plated coil (10-year warranty, holds up better over time).

With those changes, any would be a good setup if installed properly. The Bryant and Carrier are basically the same unit. The Trane has a bit of an edge in my opinion with the aluminum outdoor coil. What were the warranties provided for all units? The AmStd should be 10 years on all parts when registered within 60 days of installation. I believe it's the same deal with Carrier/Bryant if it's an authorized dealer, but not 100% on that.