Heat Pump Recommendation

[jw1957]

I am currently stationed in Iraq, and got an e-mail from my wife that our heat pump went out.

She got several referrals and all referred same company. Here's my problem:

He recommended a Janitrol system - 3 1/2 Ton, 13 SEER (we have 1 story 2900 sq. foot house) to replace the current split system.

When I research Heat Pumps, Goodman/Janitrol is not a highly recommended system - one quote "They're junk why do you think they're so cheap!" I do not see much good said about them.

Additionally, on the ACEEE Most efficient Appliance List, they are middle of the list for 3 1/2 ton heat pumps. American Standard and Trane seem to be the most efficient.

Lastly, the new standards for 2006 are in effect and 13 SEER is the minimum standard. I see to get a $300 tax credit you need a minimum 15 SEER system. On the ACEEE list, it lists min - max range. Which qualifies for the tax credit?

Please recommend a manufacturer/system and whether it's worth it to get a 15 SEER system for the tax credit.

Thanks, JW in Iraq.

[dave82323]

what part of the country is your home in ? If in Az let me know and I will take a look and help if possible.. proud to help a soldier.......

[jw1957]

Dave; Thanks for your quick reply, and offer. Unfortunately, we live in Norfolk, VA, so it would be a long drive for you.

[dan sw fl]

Originally posted by jw1957
live in Norfolk, VA

You likely need at least a 4-ton unit for Norfolk VA
if the 2,900 S.F. is the A/C area and
the total glass area is > 380 Sq Feet.

Current sytstem is __-ton?

Do you have house plans for 2,900 S.F. 1-story?
Area (757)

S M I Mechanical 588-6300 1060 W 35th St Norfolk 23508

Johns Brothers 852-3300 1384 Ingleside Rd Norfolk 23502

Parker Services Inc 397-4952 1906 Frederick Blvd Portsmouth 23707

J F Whitlow Jr and Sons Inc 399-1714 703 Confederate Ave
Portsmouth, VA 23704

http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...mps/xl16i.aspx

Add almost 1800 (or maybe $1,500 net) to your previou$ quote for TRANE XL16i heat pump.
Energy savings might be about 15% (or $300+ per year).

MOD: Slight exception to HVAC-Talk rules may apply to
assisting an overseas service man in a timely manner.
I appreciate your understanding.

[Edited by dan sw fl on 01-24-2006 at 06:10 AM]

[jw1957]

Dan SW FL; Thanks for the quick reply and the details, with all of the dealers.

I will e-mail my wife and get the current size system. I believe it's a 3 1/2 since that's what the guy wants to replace.

I do not have the house plans. It's a large ranch, with a room over the garage. Counting the ROG, it's a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, with large (20X25) family room. About 15 windows, of which 5 are large 3 section picture types.

I'm inclined to go with the larger 4 ton system since when I get back we want to do a modest addition and add about 500 sq. ft., although we'll replace the window with new more efficient ones at the same time.

I see on the ACEEE list that in the 4 ton range the Trane XL19i is the most efficient system. American Standard is next, and I think they're made by the same manufacturer. Is that correct and would you recommend the American Standard?

It looks like the more expensive system pays for itself in a couple of years in energy savings. I think the XL19i also qualifies for the new tax credit since it's listed at max 16.6 SEER. Do you think that's correct?

Thanks again for your prompt response. JW

[Edited by jw1957 on 01-24-2006 at 06:02 AM]

[dan sw fl]

TRANE is American Standard.
XL19i is a bit more pricey.

5-ton is definitely required if you plan to add 500 S.F.

3.5 ton is totally inadequate based on your future plans
(and most likely already is based on current set-up).

http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...mps/xl19i.aspx

[jw1957]

OK, I think I'm headed in the right direction, thanks.

It looks like Trane is the way to go.

I think the main difference between the XL19i and the XL16i is that the 19i has two compressors. Is that better? Would you recommend the 19i over the 16i? Is it worth the price difference?

JW

[heatpumpguru]

They both are good,Trane guy can check HSPF which is also needed for Tax Credit.The 16i does not uses freon or R22,variable speed a must and get 10 year parts and labor.Thanks for your service!!!

[probsolved]

JW--First of all, thanks for your service!
So I am sure that you have read through enough of these posts to know that the only way to determine the size of your heat pump is with a Heat Loss analysis. When your wife calls for an appointment, have her ask the sales rep "what size do you think we will need?" If she gets any answer other than "only by doing a heat loss will I know for sure" she needs to hang up. Have her keep calling other companies until she gets the right answer.
As for a 16i vs a 19i, if you ever want to zone your home (different thermostats controlling different parts of the house) you cannot have a 16i.
Good luck and be safe!

[jw1957]

Well my experience is stuff also breaks when you're deployed...

Thanks for your support.

The current system is a 3 1/2 ton, and we had an earlier quote for that size system. (we've been limping along w/the idea of redoing HVAC w/remodel). I guess the bill is finally due.

Thanks for the gouge on zoning, because that is what we were intending to do with the remodel. Why can't you zone w/a 16i?

I will tell my wife about the Heat Loss Analysis.

Again, thanks for your help. JW

[e_w_g0339]

In 1993, shortly after Hugo, I replaced my heat pump with a Carrier 2 1/2 ton 12 SEER unit. I live on the coast of SC.

Several days ago I replaced this unit with an American Standard 3 ton 13 SEER unit. The cost for 14 SEER was $300 more.

My house is about 1200 sq. ft., one story, and don't think would gain all that much by increase SEER rating. May be different your situation?
Electric bill not all that much in my house. July, August
maybe $150.00.

My main reason for upgrade is hopefully improvement in quality (old unit leaking freon) and personnel servicing new unit.

I did find excessive wear, one side, cooling coils and installed American Air & Water UV light in new unit, return side. Other side of coil like new? Blower old unit bad shape (rust, balance, etc.)

Ernest

[probsolved]

>>Thanks for the gouge on zoning, because that is what we were intending to do with the remodel. Why can't you zone w/a 16i?

The 16i won't do it. I have no idea why they would design a new unit that doesn't, but they did. That being said, the 2 compressor 19i will as well as the single stage 14i.

[morris-jenkins]

just a tip that alot of ppl seem to over look when upping the tonnage of a system is the return duct work make sure they check out hte duct work and that its sized right for the unit you want if its not it wont run as efficiently as you paid for