Need help and suggestions with Central Air Intall

[intercept789]

Hi all. Just discovered this forum, and had an amazingly good time reading the posts (including the one with pictures of bad installs).

So, to make sure my new house doesn't end up in that section, I am in the process of getting bids on getting new heating and cooling on the house my wife and I just bought.

It is a 1893 home (about 2600 square feet) with the original boiler and no central. Because of this topic I will stick to the AC here.

We had two come in so far, and they were similar in what they wanted to install and cost, except for the fact the the first one had a stupid duct work plan so ruling him out already.

I was pretty comfortable with the second one, explained things pretty well, and seemed knowledgeable. But that's coming from someone that has lived in a condo and doesn't know squat about central air.

We gave us two bids for Unico and regular two unit zoned. We are leaning towards the two units zoned, because it seems like it would be nice to be able to control the two floors separately depending on where we are spending most of our time during the day.

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The is the two unit bid:

To install one new complete 3 Ton Conventional AC system for 2nd floor with Rheem or Weatherking Air Handler in attic. Unit in attic to be horizontal sitting in a safety drain pan with kill switch. All sheet metal ducts to be externally insulated. To have an adequate amount of ceiling registers throughout 2nd floor with one large cold air return grill and duct in hallway on 2nd floor. To connect one 3 Ton Trane AC system model 2TTR1036 on side of home or in yard. Unit to be on a pad with seperate breaker and thermostat. To install one Rheem or Weatherking Air Handler in basement near boiler with ducts exposed on basement ceiling as discussed. To insall 6" round supply branches inside joist spaces to 4" x 10" floor grills throughout to have an adequate amount on the 1st floor with one 8" x 30" reutrn grill in small hallway on 1st floor. To have one Trane 3 Ton coil with a 2 1/2 to 3 Ton condensor Model 2TTR1030 or 2 TTR1036 on side or in year yard yard, side by side with 2nd floor unit. All miscellaneous included. One year warranty on labor. Five year warranty on Trane parts. Ten year warranty on compressor.

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OK, here are my questions. I've heard of Rheem, but what is Weatherking? Should I request on or the other instead of leaving it vague?

What is the efficiency of this setup?

Is this compressor reciprocating or scroll type (was just at consumer reports learning things)? How loud are these compressors? They will probably need to be put in our back yard (not side yard), and that is right by our patio.

Is Trane a good brand (I have heard of them). What is the diff between the 2TTR1030 and the 2TTR1036? Should I request one or the other instead of having it be vague?

The Unico system is a Trane2TTR1048 (4 ton) with a coil being the Unico Air Handler (4 ton). Upgrade to 5 ton system is an option with more $.

I like the idea of the two systems because for instance during the work week, we would hardly spend any time on the 1st floor. And we could just mostly cool the 2nd. Does that make sense?

Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions!

Oh, and we are in Chicago if that helps with any of your input

[Edited by intercept789 on 10-05-2005 at 03:25 PM]

[thunderglass]

A homeowner here but I can tell you that if the model number ends in 12, it's a 1 ton. 24 = 2 ton, 30 = 2 1/2 ton, 36 = 3 ton and 48 = 4 ton.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Hi, it appears you are doing your homework well!

First off, Weatherking is the builder grade equipment from Rheem/Ruud (Rheem/Ruud are the same, just different name plates--you will find a bunch of that as you do your research).

Yes, Trane is a brand. Some would think it is the best, but most folks swear by their brand...

The model numbers you mentioned for Trane end with a number divisable by 6. Figure 12 for each ton of A/C: 24= 2 ton, 30=2.5 ton, etc.

Concerning efficiency: if it is not noted, it is probably basic (meaning 10 SEER A/C and 80% AFUE heat).

I would request specific model numbers and efficiency ratings in the contract.

I am sure you have read this already: The installation is as important as the brand--in that it is done correctly. Choose your contractor carefully!!!

Also, and I am sure you are aware of this: Did the contractor(s) do a load calc on your house? If not, I would thank them and go elsewhere. VERY important.

Note that I deal Trane and RUUD, and yes, I am a little biased also...

Somewhere there is a multiple page thread about high efficiency equipment. Lots of stuff covered there, worth reading.

Good luck, be sure to do your research.

[dash]

Going from a 4 to a 5 ton shouldn't be considered an "upgrade",the correct size should be installed.

If it was a two speed/stage compressor,then you cold go up to 5 tons,to handle "parties",without having the negatives of oversizing.

[BaldLoonie]

One thing to remember on efficiency, with high velocity air handler it drops about 2 points. So these dealers quoting a 10 SEER outdoor unit are giving you an effective 8 SEER. In our area, that's no big deal. In areas with high juice rates, that hurts. Going to a 12 SEER outdoor unit will get 10 SEER system total which drops operating costs 25%.

We've never installed a new high velocity system, always been able to cool both floors from above. Since cool air falls from the 2nd floor and heat coming in the first floor rises, it doesn't take near as many vents to the first floor to cool it.