Carrier Infinity – Which system?

[CSCM]

I would like your opinion; I am replacing a 30 year old York system (3.5 ton/90k BTU). I am located in Central/North NJ; the house is 2100 sq ft two story with a cathedral ceiling plus a 800 sq ft finished basement. I looked at numerous manufactures and have decided to get a Carrier Infinity System because of the Infinity 3 stage furnace.

Option 1 ($ net of all rebates, incentives, tax credit)
Furnace: 58MVC080-120 (80k BTU, 95%, 3 stage)
AC: 24APA748 (3.5/4.0 Ton, 16 seer, 2 stage)
Coil: CNPVP4821
New copper lines
Humidifier: HUMLBP2417
Infinity T-stat: SYVTXCC
Labor Warranty: 5 years

Option 2 ($ net of all rebates, incentives, tax credit)
Furnace: 58MVC080-120 (80k BTU, 95%, 3 stage)
AC: 24APA542 (3.5 Ton, 14.7 seer, 1 stage)
Coil: CNPVP4221
New copper lines
Humidifier: HUMLBP2417
Infinity T-stat: SYVTXCC
Labor Warranty: 5 years

Which is the better configuration? Why?
My contractor favors Option 1 due to the 2 stage AC. I am concerned the increase in size (.5 ton) could cause downstream issues. What do you think?

I look forward to your feedback.

[chuckcrj]

Not allowed to post prices.

I would definately go with the 2 stage, however that house shouldnt need a 3.5 ton unless poorly insulated in which case you would be better off to weatherize and get the heat/cool load down so you can install smaller equipment.

[mwjhvac]

Option 1, Due to a nicer compressor. That unit does not come in half sizes. The infinity will size it to the airflow needed. Just make sure you have Manual J (load calc). I don't know your conditions but sounds a little big.

[KaseSchool]

When given the option between a Hundai or a Rolls, and money is not the option .......

Option 1 is definitely better.

[tigerdunes]

CSCM

I would want to see the load calculation on both heating and cooling. you might be surprised at the results.

IMO

[CSCM]

Thank you for the inputs and I would welcome more of your in sights on the subject.

Not one of the HVAC contractors that gave me an estimate did a load calculation, they simply look at was there, measured a few ducts and asked some questions. Since my current 30 year old system was very old expensive to run, I also had a 12k BTU window unit upstairs to eliminate the heat difference upstairs and save some dollars. I also added R30 to the attic this past fall, this winter was much better.

The difference between the two options is <$800.

Could moving to the 24APA748 (3.5/4.0 Ton, 16 seer, 2 stage) cause any downstream issues (icing, humidity, etc)?

Wouldn’t a two stage 3 ton unit be undersized?

[tigerdunes]

Wouldn’t a two stage 3 ton unit be undersized?

CSCM

only a correctly performed load calc will tell you. insist on it.

and if you want to, look at the load calc on the header on the frt page. I believe the cost is only $49.

IMO