HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion banner

Seeking professional advice

1 reading
1.8K views 15 replies 6 participants last post by  Inneedofprofess  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
My 14 –year old 3-ton Lennox AC unit has been nothing but problematic, costing me an arm and a leg to keep running. My most recent charge was $X because it needed 3 pounds of refrigerant. Apparently the evaporator coil is done. Anyway, the original AC company that installed it gave me a quote on a new unit. I also got quotes from 2 other companies as well.

The quotes range from XK – XK. That’s a big difference for a unit that most likely will need to be replaced in 10-15 years anyway, living in this central Florida heat and humidity, regardless of brand.

I’ve been told that Carrier is a great brand and that I should pay extra for a variable speed compressor (as opposed to a 2-stage heat pump??), as that’s the most important component, and will be more efficient in the long-run and save me more $. I’m also told that all AC units will be variable speed by 2025 anyway. (Although, there’s variable-speed handlers and variable speed compressors, but I think the latter is most important??)

Anyway, here are my quotes!! Any knowledge-based decisive input that can be provided to help me make the right choice on this insanely high priced purchase is greatly appreciated! It’s all Greek to me! Thanks for making sense of all this! J (All quotes include installation, compressor, handler, and thermostat for a 3-ton unit at 15 – 17 SEER2 rating)

1. Carrier - Performance 3-Ton 17 SEER R410A 2-Stage (NOT VARIABLE SPEED) Heat Pump (208/230 V 1-Phase) w/ a variable speed air handler & Ecobee 6 themostat - $X
2. Carrier - Performance Compact Heat Pump- Variable-Speed 38MURAQ36AA3 w/ a Performance Air Handler- Variable-Speed 40MUAAQ36XA3 & Honeywell Honeywell TH8321WF1001 WiFi thermostat - $X
3. Carrier - Performance Series Single-Stage Heat Pump 25SPA536A003 w/ a Performance Series Air Handler Variable-Speed FT4BNXC48L00 & Ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 thermostat - $X
4. Amana - S series Variable Speed Split Heat Pump ASZS603610 w/ a AHVE Series Multi-Position Air Handler Variable-Speed AHVE36CP14 & ATST-CWE-BL-A SMRT TSTAT thermostat - $X (heavily discounted due to a promotion – supposedly!)
5. Bosch - H062616 BOVA-36HDN1-M15G BOSCH 3.0 TON HP CONDENSER 3 ton Bosch 15 series 77 stage variable speed heat pump system w/ BVA-36WN1-15 Bosch Air Handler and accompanying thermostat - $X(According to quote, comes with New full platform New 30ft copper line set and drain New hurricane pad New WiFi Bosch thermostat New uv light New electric air cleaner 10 year parts warranty 10 year labor warranty 10 year maintenance warranty Pull all permits – big selling point was the 10 year labor for any reason whatsoever is covered. Worth it??))
6. Goodman - 3 ton Goodman 17.2 SEER2, 2 stage Heat Pump system with 5kw emergency backup heat kit. Includes: Nest gen3 smart thermostat, U.V. light placed inside the evaporator coils, New copper lineset (7/8 and 3/8), new drain line to outside, float switch for the drain line, new 3/4 plywood decking for air handler, new communicating wire to condenser outside unit, removal of old units, and installation of all components. Once registered with Goodman, the units carry a 10 year parts warranty, and we provide one year Labor warranty. Model numbers for the equipment: Condenser: GSZC703610A* Air Handler: AMVT42CP1400A* (this is a variable speed air handler)
- $X(although this was a small company and I showed the technician my 1st quote of the Carrier at $X and he just underbid that.)
 
#2 ·
What are your goals? Do you have some comfort issues you expect the equipment to correct?
I like multi-stage equipment, but do not expect an ROI. It's all about comfort.
If dehumidification is important, make sure the equipment is not any bigger than necessary.
All manufacturers have the same technology available. You should be concerned primarily with the installation rather than the brand.
 
Save
#3 · (Edited)
Your getting bids for single, two stages and inverters, what do you want of the three or are you open to any of the three models. It’s your money, your the boss on which type of system to pick from, not them.

The Carrier 38MURA is a Chinese made outdoor unit as far as in know and Carrier puts their name on it, it’s a side discharge unit that has a small footprint and is quiet due to being a variable and can be mounted inches from a wall. The manufacturer warranty is your standard 10 years compressor, parts and coil . Looks to be a AHRI matched system

Ask all the Contractors for the AHRI number to compare efficiency ratings and to keep them on their toes by letting them know they are dealing with an informed HO.

After getting the AHRI number check here for efficiency ratings and to see if it meets the Federal Tax Credits and any rebates your state may have.

https://www.ahridirectory.org/Search/SearchHome?ReturnUrl=/

There is the Federal Tax Credits and rebates from your state if system are a AHRI matched system and meets the minimum energy efficiency threshold. Ask each of the Contractors if the system they are bidding meet both or one or does not meet the Federal Tax Credits and your states Rebate programs.

https://www.bryant.com/en/us/before-you-buy/federal-tax-credits/

Ask the Bosch Contractor if they are a ABC rated Contractor as those are Contractors that got extra training on proper sizing, installation and setup and whatever else as those inverters are complicated systems, more so than a basic single stage or even a two stage. The inverters typically use way more proprietary parts and repairs can get quite expensive especially when the manufacturer warranty expires. This single stages and even the two stages use more low cost generic parts. Also being a ABC Contractor they can add an extra year to the manufacturer warranty to bump it up to 11 years from 10 years as far as I know..

If your looking for the best manufacturer warranty of the bunch, that would be the Amana, if compressor ever fails to original registered owner you get a new outdoor unit and not a replacement compressor that expires after 10 years like the Carrier or Bosch. The parts and coil warranty is your standard 10 years manufacturer warranty. I believe the only requirement to get that outstanding manufacturers warranty is that the system needs to be a AHRI matched system.

The 2nd best manufacturers warranty after the Amana is the Goodman, which has a limited lifetime compressor warranty ( once registered to original owner ) and if compressor fails in the 1st 10 years you get a new outdoor unit, again unlike the Bosch or Carrier, which gives you a replacement compressor and tops off at 10 years. Chances the Goodman upflow discharge outdoor unit has more standard features in it also than most other brands in the same tier line. You can ask each Contractor what the standard features are of the outdoor unit if your into most bang for the bucks and not necessarily hung up on brand names.

What are the labor warranties of each, as if one Contractor is offering more than the basic one year, is that an extra perk for you?

Each manufacturer offers extended labor warranties as an option if that interests you. Typically it’s either 5 or 10 years. Not sure about the Bosch, but you can ask the Contractor if Bosch offers them and what are the terms for how long they are for.

Only the Amana/Goodman of the brands you listed backs their extended labor warranties, the Carrier and other big names like Lennox, Trane , Rheem etc. use a 3rd party to back their extended labor warranties. Errr York is the other manufacturer that backs their extended labor warranties also, I believe.

Now of course the real key is having a correctly sized system, and ductwork and quality installation and setup more so than brand. Some contractors do a better job at that than others..
 
Save
#4 ·
Your evaporator is from 2010? Lennox had massive leak problems between 2007 and 2015 and there was a class action lawsuit over them. Unfortunately it's too late to make a claim.

Why not have the leaking coil replaced?
 
Save
#5 ·
Anywhere in Florida your best way forward is to install an accurately sized cooling system - single speed compressor.

And use the large amount of money retained to install a whole-house dehumidifier.

Set the dehumidistat to 45-50% indoor RH and then adjust the cooling thermostat to where you feel comfortable. My loose sloppy house in Florida is about 1500 square feet, has leaky all original awning windows and limited attic insulation. It also has a 1.5 ton heat pump system and a Sante Fe 70 whole house dehumidifier.

At 50% RH the house feels a little chilly at a 79º inside temperature.

Keeping the humidify down dramatically increases your comfort level and the higher indoor temperature decreases the house's heat gains - which reduces your cooling costs.

I like Goodman equipment and have a fair amount of it elsewhere although the 1.5 ton system described above is a Carrier - but only because I got it for free. <g>

PHM
------
 
Save
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks Bazooka Joe for your thorough and educated reply. I apologize for not responding sooner! Life! Anyway, to answer your questions, so you can help me make the most educated purchase, I’m still unsure as to which system is best for me. I’m on a public school teacher’s salary with three kids (two teenagers and a baby) who are all pretty allergic, with a wife that likes to keep the house at 72 degrees. It adds up!



I have learned from you and others the following:



Installation expertise is key, versus brand name! The contractors I have gotten bids from all are BBB and have good reviews. I did ask the Bosch guy (my most expensive bid at $x) about ABC rating. He had never heard of it. I’m eliminating them anyway, as I don’t want to spend that much.



Inverters/variable speed condensers will cost more up front but are to save you money on the back end by being more efficient. They also make less noise. (Not a concern of mine, however saving money on my 300+ monthly power bill is – which seems ridiculous for a 1500 sq. ft. home!) I am also learning that inverters/variable speeds are harder to install, require more parts, and can’t really use your existing components. And being in central FL units are susceptible to lighting/severe weather, so when and if repairs or replacement parts are needed, it can be slow to get and expensive.



My thermostat should also be from the same manufacturer as the handler and compressor, instead of a 3rd party, in order to get the most out of my unit.



…so that’s what I have learned thus far, which is tons more than I used to know!



I checked each units’ AHRI #’s through the directory you gave me, but besides SEER2 ratings and whether the unit is labeled Energy Star for the 2k tax credit. I’m not sure what other metrics are important and that I should be using to determine which unit is best. COP (coefficient of performance???) Is the difference between a 16 SEER and a 17 SEER enough to make a deciding factor, or worth paying $x extra for a 21 SEER?? I feel like I need at least a 2-stage unit based upon the humidity and efficiency?? Is using a 3rd party for a warranty (Carrier) a pain in the butt? Should I still get a variable speed/inverter even though there is the potential for more maintenance due to many parts? I guess what I’m asking, is if you were me and based upon my situation below, which would YOU choose? Highest SEER2? Best compressor warranty? Handler, compressor, and thermostat all one manufacturer? Is variable speed that much better and worth the risk of more potential/expensive service calls, or will a 1 or 2 stage do just fine based upon my situation? Energy tax credit ones only?



These are the units and what the installers are willing to do as part of the installation package. Assuming they’re all great installers, which 3-ton unit do you think is best for me – also assuming, I don’t care about noise, not too concerned with my carbon footprint (sorry!...especially if it’s going to cost me a lot of $, live in central FL under humid conditions, would like to significantly reduce my monthly bill, and live in a smaller 1-story home.



Thanks so much Bazooka Joe!!



1. Carrier – AHRI# (213280311) – 15.5 SEER2 Performance Series Single-Stage Heat Pump 25SPA536A003 w/ a Performance Series Air Handler Variable-Speed FT4BNXC48L00 & Ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 thermostat - $x (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? IS labeled Energy Star for 2k tax credit)) Cons: only a single-stage? Non-Carrier thermostat.
2. Goodman – AHRI# (211641719) 3 ton Goodman 17.2 SEER2, 2 stage Heat Pump system with 5kw emergency backup heat kit. Includes: Nest gen3 smart thermostat, U.V. light placed inside the evaporator coils, 10 year parts warranty, and we provide one year Labor warranty. Model numbers for the equipment: Condenser: GSZC703610A* Air Handler: AMVT42CP1400A* (this is a variable speed air handler)
- $x (Cheapest quote, non-manufacturer thermostat, but is labeled Energy Star for tax credit.)
3. Carrier - 16.5 SEER2 Performance 3-Ton R410A 2-Stage Heat Pump (208/230 V 1-Phase) w/ a variable speed air handler & Ecobee 6 themostat - $x (3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor - (lower SEER2 rating, Ecobee = 3rd party manufacturer, but Labeled Energy Star for tax rebate.)
4. Carrier – AHRI# (208447880) 16.9 SEER2 Performance Compact Heat Pump- Variable-Speed 38MURAQ36AA3 w/ a Performance Air Handler- Variable-Speed 40MUAAQ36XA3 & Honeywell Honeywell TH8321WF1001 WiFi thermostat – $x (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit??) – not labeled as Energy Star and 3rd party thermostat manufacturer.)
5. Amana - AHRI# (210773178) 16.3 SEER2 S series Variable Speed Split Heat Pump ASZS603610 w/ a AHVE Series Multi-Position Air Handler Variable-Speed AHVE36CP14 & ATST-CWE-BL-A SMRT TSTAT thermostat – $x (heavily discounted due to a promotion – supposedly!) – 1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, lifetime compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? (The price point is manageable, I like they are all Amana components, I like they are willing to enlarge return. Concerned that SEER rating of 16.3 is too low??? And that it’s an inverter system, and not labeled Energy Star.)
6. Carrier – AHRI# (213361585) 21 SEER2 split system inverter heat pump 25VNA436A003 w/ FE4BNXC48L00 handler and SYSTXCCTTCOL-B thermostat. – $x (comes with UV light kit/2 yr/ bulb or can get HALO LED for $x more. 3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor (PROS: All Carrier components, high SEER2 rating, Labeled Energy Star, Better labor warranty. Cons: $x more than Amana, won’t expand intake.
 
#7 ·
Thanks Dougfamous for your response. I had heard about the class action suit but did miss my claim window. I was told that it would cost about 4k just to replace the evaporator coil, plus I’m having issues with the compressor as well…so I figure it’s time to purchase a new one.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks Poodle Head Mikey for your valuable feedback! I would have never thought of your option, but I like your thinking. However, what if I could get a 2 stage or variable for around the same cost, ie: the Goodman 2 stage or the Amana variable speed that will take care of the dehumidification for me? Should I go with highest SEER2 ratings (wide ranging from 16 – 22) or? Based upon these that I’ve narrowed down, what would you suggest?



I have learned from you and others the following:



Installation expertise is key, versus brand name! The contractors I have gotten bids from all are BBB and have good reviews.



Inverters/variable speed condensers will cost more up front but are to save you money on the back end by being more efficient. They also make less noise. (Not a concern of mine, however saving money on my 300+ monthly power bill is – which seems ridiculous for a 1500 sq. ft. home!) I am also learning that inverters/variable speeds are harder to install, require more parts, and can’t really use your existing components. And being in central FL units are susceptible to lighting/severe weather, so when and if repairs or replacement parts are needed, it can be slow to get and expensive.



My thermostat should also be from the same manufacturer as the handler and compressor, instead of a 3rd party, in order to get the most out of my unit.



…so that’s what I have learned thus far, which is tons more than I used to know!



I checked each units’ AHRI #’s, but besides SEER2 ratings and whether the unit is labeled Energy Star for the 2k tax credit. I’m not sure what other metrics are important and that I should be using to determine which unit is best. COP (coefficient of performance???) Is the difference between a 16 SEER and a 17 SEER enough to make a deciding factor, or worth paying ? extra for a 21 SEER?? I feel like I need at least a 2-stage unit based upon the humidity and efficiency?? Is using a 3rd party for a warranty (Carrier) a pain in the butt? Should I still get a variable speed/inverter even though there is the potential for more maintenance due to many parts? I guess what I’m asking, is if you were me and based upon my situation below, which would YOU choose? Highest SEER2? Best compressor warranty? Handler, compressor, and thermostat all one manufacturer? Is variable speed that much better and worth the risk of more potential/expensive service calls, or will a 1 or 2 stage do just fine based upon my situation? Energy tax credit ones only?



These are the units and what the installers are willing to do as part of the installation package. Assuming they’re all great installers, which 3-ton unit do you think is best for me – also assuming, I don’t care about noise, not too concerned with my carbon footprint (sorry!...especially if it’s going to cost me a lot of $, live in central FL under humid conditions, would like to significantly reduce my monthly bill, and live in a smaller 1-story 1500 sq. ft home, and wife likes home temp at 72 degrees.





1. Carrier – AHRI# (213280311) – 15.5 SEER2 Performance Series Single-Stage Heat Pump 25SPA536A003 w/ a Performance Series Air Handler Variable-Speed FT4BNXC48L00 & Ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 thermostat - ? (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? IS labeled Energy Star for 2k tax credit)) Cons: only a single-stage? Non-Carrier thermostat.
2. Goodman – AHRI# (211641719) 3 ton Goodman 17.2 SEER2, 2 stage Heat Pump system with 5kw emergency backup heat kit. Includes: Nest gen3 smart thermostat, U.V. light placed inside the evaporator coils, 10 year parts warranty, and we provide one year Labor warranty. Model numbers for the equipment: Condenser: GSZC703610A* Air Handler: AMVT42CP1400A* (this is a variable speed air handler)
- ? (Cheapest quote, non-manufacturer thermostat, but is labeled Energy Star for tax credit.)
3. Carrier - 16.5 SEER2 Performance 3-Ton R410A 2-Stage Heat Pump (208/230 V 1-Phase) w/ a variable speed air handler & Ecobee 6 themostat - ? (3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor - (lower SEER2 rating, Ecobee = 3rd party manufacturer, but Labeled Energy Star for tax rebate.)
4. Carrier – AHRI# (208447880) 16.9 SEER2 Performance Compact Heat Pump- Variable-Speed 38MURAQ36AA3 w/ a Performance Air Handler- Variable-Speed 40MUAAQ36XA3 & Honeywell Honeywell TH8321WF1001 WiFi thermostat – ? (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit??) – not labeled as Energy Star and 3rd party thermostat manufacturer.)
5. Amana - AHRI# (210773178) 16.3 SEER2 S series Variable Speed Split Heat Pump ASZS603610 w/ a AHVE Series Multi-Position Air Handler Variable-Speed AHVE36CP14 & ATST-CWE-BL-A SMRT TSTAT thermostat – ? (heavily discounted due to a promotion – supposedly!) – 1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, lifetime compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? (The price point is manageable, I like they are all Amana components, I like they are willing to enlarge return. Concerned that SEER rating of 16.3 is too low??? And that it’s an inverter system, and not labeled Energy Star.)
6. Carrier – AHRI# (213361585) 21 SEER2 split system inverter heat pump 25VNA436A003 w/ FE4BNXC48L00 handler and SYSTXCCTTCOL-B thermostat. – ? (comes with UV light kit/2 yr/ bulb or can get HALO LED for ? more. 3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor (PROS: All Carrier components, high SEER2 rating, Labeled Energy Star, Better labor warranty. Cons: ? more than Amana, won’t expand intake.
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks Bazooka Joe for your thorough and educated reply. I apologize for not responding sooner! Life! Anyway, to answer your questions, so you can help me make the most educated purchase, I’m still unsure as to which system is best for me. I’m on a public school teacher’s salary with three kids (two teenagers and a baby) who are all pretty allergic, with a wife that likes to keep the house at 72 degrees. It adds up!



I have learned from you and others the following:



Installation expertise is key, versus brand name! The contractors I have gotten bids from all are BBB and have good reviews. I did ask the Bosch guy (my most expensive bid at $) about ABC rating. He had never heard of it. I’m eliminating them anyway, as I don’t want to spend that much.



Inverters/variable speed condensers will cost more up front but are to save you money on the back end by being more efficient. They also make less noise. (Not a concern of mine, however saving money on my 300+ monthly power bill is – which seems ridiculous for a 1500 sq. ft. home!) I am also learning that inverters/variable speeds are harder to install, require more parts, and can’t really use your existing components. And being in central FL units are susceptible to lighting/severe weather, so when and if repairs or replacement parts are needed, it can be slow to get and expensive.



My thermostat should also be from the same manufacturer as the handler and compressor, instead of a 3rd party, in order to get the most out of my unit.



…so that’s what I have learned thus far, which is tons more than I used to know!



I checked each units’ AHRI #’s through the directory you gave me, but besides SEER2 ratings and whether the unit is labeled Energy Star for the 2k tax credit. I’m not sure what other metrics are important and that I should be using to determine which unit is best. COP (coefficient of performance???) Is the difference between a 16 SEER and a 17 SEER enough to make a deciding factor, or worth paying $ extra for a 21 SEER?? I feel like I need at least a 2-stage unit based upon the humidity and efficiency?? Is using a 3rd party for a warranty (Carrier) a pain in the butt? Should I still get a variable speed/inverter even though there is the potential for more maintenance due to many parts? I guess what I’m asking, is if you were me and based upon my situation below, which would YOU choose? Highest SEER2? Best compressor warranty? Handler, compressor, and thermostat all one manufacturer? Is variable speed that much better and worth the risk of more potential/expensive service calls, or will a 1 or 2 stage do just fine based upon my situation? Energy tax credit ones only?



These are the units and what the installers are willing to do as part of the installation package. Assuming they’re all great installers, which 3-ton unit do you think is best for me – also assuming, I don’t care about noise, not too concerned with my carbon footprint (sorry!...especially if it’s going to cost me a lot of $, live in central FL under humid conditions, would like to significantly reduce my monthly bill, and live in a smaller 1-story home.



Thanks so much Bazooka Joe!!



1. Carrier – AHRI# (213280311) – 15.5 SEER2 Performance Series Single-Stage Heat Pump 25SPA536A003 w/ a Performance Series Air Handler Variable-Speed FT4BNXC48L00 & Ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 thermostat - $ (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? IS labeled Energy Star for 2k tax credit)) Cons: only a single-stage? Non-Carrier thermostat.
2. Goodman – AHRI# (211641719) 3 ton Goodman 17.2 SEER2, 2 stage Heat Pump system with 5kw emergency backup heat kit. Includes: Nest gen3 smart thermostat, U.V. light placed inside the evaporator coils, 10 year parts warranty, and we provide one year Labor warranty. Model numbers for the equipment: Condenser: GSZC703610A* Air Handler: AMVT42CP1400A* (this is a variable speed air handler)
- $ (Cheapest quote, non-manufacturer thermostat, but is labeled Energy Star for tax credit.)
3. Carrier - 16.5 SEER2 Performance 3-Ton R410A 2-Stage Heat Pump (208/230 V 1-Phase) w/ a variable speed air handler & Ecobee 6 themostat - $ (3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor - (lower SEER2 rating, Ecobee = 3rd party manufacturer, but Labeled Energy Star for tax rebate.)
4. Carrier – AHRI# (208447880) 16.9 SEER2 Performance Compact Heat Pump- Variable-Speed 38MURAQ36AA3 w/ a Performance Air Handler- Variable-Speed 40MUAAQ36XA3 & Honeywell Honeywell TH8321WF1001 WiFi thermostat – $ (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit??) – not labeled as Energy Star and 3rd party thermostat manufacturer.)
5. Amana - AHRI# (210773178) 16.3 SEER2 S series Variable Speed Split Heat Pump ASZS603610 w/ a AHVE Series Multi-Position Air Handler Variable-Speed AHVE36CP14 & ATST-CWE-BL-A SMRT TSTAT thermostat – $ (heavily discounted due to a promotion – supposedly!) – 1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, lifetime compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? (The price point is manageable, I like they are all Amana components, I like they are willing to enlarge return. Concerned that SEER rating of 16.3 is too low??? And that it’s an inverter system, and not labeled Energy Star.)
6. Carrier – AHRI# (213361585) 21 SEER2 split system inverter heat pump 25VNA436A003 w/ FE4BNXC48L00 handler and SYSTXCCTTCOL-B thermostat. – $ (comes with UV light kit/2 yr/ bulb or can get HALO LED for $ more. 3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor (PROS: All Carrier components, high SEER2 rating, Labeled Energy Star, Better labor warranty. Cons: $ more than Amana, won’t expand intake.
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
Thanks kdean1 for your feedback and advice. I believe my goals are to get the most efficient AC whose brand reputation has a history of being trouble-free, at the best price! I guess so does everybody else! I’m not expecting an ROI, although once we move from our starter home, we’d like to rent this place out – as such, need a working, fairly maintenance free AC. I am taking heed of your advice and all 3 potential installers are a member of BBB and have great reviews. I just don’t know if I should go with the highest SEER2, or a single, 2-stage, or variable speed based upon my circumstances. When you say multistage, are you referring to anything but a single stage, and that a 2 stage or variable speed is your preference. If so, of these below, what are your thoughts? Thanks so much!
These are the units and what the installers are willing to do as part of the installation package. Assuming they’re all great installers, which 3-ton unit do you think is best for me – also assuming, I don’t care about noise, not too concerned with my carbon footprint (sorry!...especially if it’s going to cost me a lot of $, live in central FL under humid conditions, would like to significantly reduce my monthly bill, and live in a smaller 1-story 1500 sq. Ft home with a wife that likes the home kept at 72 degrees.



Thanks so much!



1. Carrier – AHRI# (213280311) – 15.5 SEER2 Performance Series Single-Stage Heat Pump 25SPA536A003 w/ a Performance Series Air Handler Variable-Speed FT4BNXC48L00 & Ecobee EB-STATE3LTP-02 thermostat - $ (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? IS labeled Energy Star for 2k tax credit)) Cons: only a single-stage? Non-Carrier thermostat.
2. Goodman – AHRI# (211641719) 3 ton Goodman 17.2 SEER2, 2 stage Heat Pump system with 5kw emergency backup heat kit. Includes: Nest gen3 smart thermostat, U.V. light placed inside the evaporator coils, 10 year parts warranty, and we provide one year Labor warranty. Model numbers for the equipment: Condenser: GSZC703610A* Air Handler: AMVT42CP1400A* (this is a variable speed air handler)
- $ (Cheapest quote, non-manufacturer thermostat, but is labeled Energy Star for tax credit.)
3. Carrier - 16.5 SEER2 Performance 3-Ton R410A 2-Stage Heat Pump (208/230 V 1-Phase) w/ a variable speed air handler & Ecobee 6 themostat - $ (3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor - (lower SEER2 rating, Ecobee = 3rd party manufacturer, but Labeled Energy Star for tax rebate.)
4. Carrier – AHRI# (208447880) 16.9 SEER2 Performance Compact Heat Pump- Variable-Speed 38MURAQ36AA3 w/ a Performance Air Handler- Variable-Speed 40MUAAQ36XA3 & Honeywell Honeywell TH8321WF1001 WiFi thermostat – $ (1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, 10 yr. compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit??) – not labeled as Energy Star and 3rd party thermostat manufacturer.)
5. Amana - AHRI# (210773178) 16.3 SEER2 S series Variable Speed Split Heat Pump ASZS603610 w/ a AHVE Series Multi-Position Air Handler Variable-Speed AHVE36CP14 & ATST-CWE-BL-A SMRT TSTAT thermostat – $ (heavily discounted due to a promotion – supposedly!) – 1 yr. labor, 10 yrs. Parts, lifetime compressor. And this company said they’d widen my intake from 20 x 20 to 20 x 24 to put less strain on my 3-ton unit?? (The price point is manageable, I like they are all Amana components, I like they are willing to enlarge return. Concerned that SEER rating of 16.3 is too low??? And that it’s an inverter system, and not labeled Energy Star.)
6. Carrier – AHRI# (213361585) 21 SEER2 split system inverter heat pump 25VNA436A003 w/ FE4BNXC48L00 handler and SYSTXCCTTCOL-B thermostat. – $ (comes with UV light kit/2 yr/ bulb or can get HALO LED for $ more. 3 yrs. Labor 10 yr. parts, 10 yr. compressor (PROS: All Carrier components, high SEER2 rating, Labeled Energy Star, Better labor warranty. Cons: $ more than Amana, won’t expand intake.
 
#11 ·
I would reject any bid that includes a UV light, a Nest thermostat, or HALO. The IAQ devices have unwanted side effects and just don't clean the air as they claim. Nest sucks. I've had too many call backs and problems with Nest to ever allow one on my equipment.
 
Save
#12 ·
Site rules do not allow posting or discussing prices. Please do not ANY prices. It took me some time to find and remove all those that you posted, especially the ones that did not have a $.
 
Save
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.