Decent Matched System?

[gulfstream]

I'm having a contractor install a new system to replace a 18 year old one that's on it's last leg. Location is Savannah, Georgia, 2000SF home. The contractor did a load calculation and came up with a 4T requirement to replace the 3.5T existing unit. Here's what I just bought according to the invoice:

Goodman 4T, 13 SEER Heat Pump, CPLT48-1B
Goodman Air Handler- AEPT060-00C-1A
Goodman Heat Strips HKR-10A
Robertshaw Programmable Thermostat 8625

First of all I see that many people here don't care for the Goodman brand, now I'm getting nervous. The contractor sold me on them by his past experience with this company. He says it will have a 10 year parts, lifetime compressor warranty. Actually, my old unit is a Janitrol (which he says is made by Goodman?) and has done well for the last 18 years and the enviroment here is brutal on systems. So my questions are, is this a good matchup model wise? He also tells me that the air handler is a variable speed and will raise the SEER rating to 13.5 to 14, does this sound correct? Is this a decent system? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

[dash]

If you have lived thru a hot summer with a 3.5 ton,I wouldn't trust his calculation,and I'd insist on another 3.5 ton.It's unusual that a undersized system would be put up with for 18 years.

I'd choose another brand ,but that's just an opinion,not here to knock his choice.It often best to go with "your" contractors brand.


In a humid climate Variable speed can lower the humidity in cooling ,for real comfort,but it takes a good control system,Carrier Infinity is the best,but only works with Carrier system.

Ask about a dehumidistat type control to get the maximum benefit out of your VS fan,and enjoy the comfort.


If you truly need four tons,the duct system needs to be sized for the extra air flow,to avoid problems.Most duct systems are undersized to start with ,not oversized.

[gulfstream]

In retrospect I think the 3.5T may have been somewhat undersized as it ran just about constantly during the hotter parts of summer and the colder parts of winter, would this be a symptom? You don't like Goodman either, why...are they "that" bad?

[beenthere]

Not my first choice of units.

Its an ok brand, and if your contractor is having no trouble with them, go for it.

Remmember, you'll be using him for your annual service, and the warranty, so if he's comfortable with goodman, then there is no reason choose another brand.

He did a load calc, thats saying alot for him already.

[dash]

Originally posted by gulfstream
In retrospect I think the 3.5T may have been somewhat undersized as it ran just about constantly during the hotter parts of summer and the colder parts of winter, would this be a symptom? You don't like Goodman either, why...are they "that" bad?

Properly sized should run constantly at the "design" outdoor temperature,ie could be 95°F in your area.
Did it keep the home cool enough,ie <78°F??If so I'd stay with the 3.5 ton,unless you wanted a two speed compressor,that isn't made in half ton sizes.

[gulfstream]

No, sometimes it would get above 80F, does this unit that I bought have the 2 speed compressor you mention? How does that work? On another subject how did you type the little degree symbol in your post, my keyboard doesn't seem to have it?

[dash]

80°F would indicate it's undersized,but could be the result of low capacity,due to numerous things or duct leakage.

One thing to do is ,check your attic insulation.In Florida,if you had R11 in the attic and went to R30 on a 1800 sq. ft. home it would reduce the size needed by 1/2 ton.Your contractor should be able to recalculate ,with R30 ,unless that's what you already have.Extra insulation ,costs less than getting a larger system and the cost to run that larger system.


I don't know the Goodman numbers ,but would doubt it's a two speed compressor( he would have mentioned it).Two speed runs on high only when needed ,running on low 70 to 80% of the time,giving you longer run cycles ,at less cost,better dehumidification and more even temperatures thoughout your home.


° is created by holding the "alt" key down and typing 0176,there's lots of others ,but that the only one I know.

[gulfstream]

Thanks for the info...I looked on the web and don't think the unit has a 2 speed compressor. Attic insulation is R19 and I can't get that darn degree symbol to work!

[centralflinstaller]

at this time goodman doesn't offer a 2 speed condeser. they do have a variable speed a/h wich is worth the cost. i personally think goodman is a quality unit and compared to the cost of a carrier,trane or lennox i'm sure you'll agree.

i install carrier like everything about them except that the condensor starts to rust within the first two years after install not sure why it's the only company that i've seen have that problem

[gulfstream]

Wow, you didn't bash Goodman? Does the system listed in the first post look well matched in your opinion? Thanks!

[duzer]

to gulfstream
i will tell you the truth most equipment have the same parts
emerson or GE motors, honeywell controls and copeland comp
and i wouldnt go with a heat pump unless you have fairly cold winters in georgia

[RoBoTeq]

The equipment you have posted is a very good match ARI rated at 13.5 SEER. The indoor coil is TXV metered and the variable speed blower can be set to 4 ton standard or to a decreased speed for better latent heat removal. A simple humidistat connected to that variable speed blower board will give you great dehumidification.

I agree a load calc should be done but the fact is that you do not want to be increasing the capacity too much without altering the ducting system to match.

That heat pump has a Copeland scroll compressor with an 840 rpm fan motor keeping it at 72 decibels which is not hateful.

[madhouse]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RoBoTeq
[B]The equipment you have posted is a very good match ARI rated at 13.5 SEER. The indoor coil is TXV metered and the variable speed blower can be set to 4 ton standard or to a decreased speed for better latent heat removal. A simple humidistat connected to that variable speed blower board will give you great dehumidification.

Robo, could you elaborate on the humidistat. I have a one year old Goodman v.s. furnace/ac. It has a connection on the board labled humidistat. How does this work? Thanks.