Hello all
Thank you so much for all of your input! Mr. Bear, thanks especially. I suspected that the Infinity's dehumidification was tied to cooling, but the product literature is ambiguous at best.
So now my decision comes down to which is the better furnace for comfort.
Mike, as requested, the model numbers and sizes provided to me were:
Carrier Infinity 58MVC080-14
24ABB336A31 (13.5 SEER AC unit)
Infinity Control thermostat
Filter configuration - none discussed
11% more expensive
1 year labor warranty
Rheem 95% 2 stage variable speed 75,000 BTU
He didn't write the model number on the estimate, but the literature is for the RGRM
13 SEER 3 ton single stage AC (model RANL in literature)
Honeywell two-stage thermostat (no details available)
Rheem media air cleaner
11% less expensive
10 year labor warranty (no extra charge)
Recommended against the Rheem modulating as he’s had mechanical issues with them lately.
As for size, I've currently got a 100,000 BTU unit which everyone has said is oversized. I've had a whopping seven estimates, and all have recommended an 80,000 BTU unit. The Carrier estimator used the Comfort Builder software by Wrightsoft to perform calculations. Everyone says I'm on the line between a 2.5 and 3 ton AC unit. In fact, the Carrier Latent Cooling Equipment Load Sizing, Req. total capacity at 0.70 SHR is 2.8 ton. The house is on a slab, and the walls are not insulated, so those may be contributing factors. Also my large living room has a cathedral ceiling.
Sky - thank you for the heads-up regarding the condensor fan motor recall notice. That is greatly appreciated.
So, folks, which furnace will keep my dampish house most comfortable, especially on those cool, clammy 40-degree Pennsylvania days? (Of course I'm also interested in making sure I'm getting the most reliable system.)
Thank you all so much!