lost

just on equipment alone, the first quote is the better choice. two stage var speed furnace is the way to go. You would be on first stage majority of time. on the stat, you want minimum either Trane XL803 or the identical Honeywell equivalent. Just for your info, Honeywell makes the Trane branded stats. However, the HW VisionPro IAQ stat would be the best choice.

Like you, I am concerned about size of AC condenser. What size are you replacing? I would think the three ton XR15 would be a better choice. Also if you provide the evap coil model, I will look up the AHRI performance/eff numbers for you.

You are correct about your current 80 KBTU furnace yielding about 64 KBTUs.

I recommend only using authorized dealers and that includes Trane.

I would not use or recommend Goodman period. Too many issues either equipment or dealer related installs. Sorry.

IMO
Good Luck!

Thanks for you thoughts.

The two quotes are from same dealer. i am waiting to get his load calculations , he is email them.

I will find out on coil and report back, and check to see what thermostat, meaning i will make a vision pro.

Do think price is good or bad on first deal?

I HAVE THE MODEL # OFF OF MY OFF A/C UNIT CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HOW MANY TONS IS IT?

TRANE BTR736100A4

3 tons.

But, that doesn't mean 3 tons is the correct size.

I know what mean , the unit runs all time just about never shut off , it dose have a 20 degree temp drop normally.
Just in last 4 months i took duct seal all joints. I found holes so big in return air trunks you could drive truck threw them , 6 total - so in thinking about what i just said , that 20 degree temp drop was suck in from a lot of basement air, 2 nd never very cool.

I am trying to get a few more quotes with load calculations for hvac contractors.

The fact that they are doing load calculations is a GOOD thing. That will tell you the sizing requirements. Your ductwork, you noted, WAS in poor condition, and this will undoubtedly affect performance negatively. So, could be you require a 3 ton unit, and a new one won't have to run constantly. Lots of factors go into system performance; ductwork, condition of present air conditioner, airflow, ambient conditions, etc...

Good luck in the process and post back with any results.

I have a another question if some can field it.

The number of air returns, what would be best way to determine if i need more. I been read on internet about this problems with not have enough returns.

We have a huge 25 X 20 x 22 h room with cathedral ceilings with one small 10 x 8 return that is jumped to another return threw the wall up into a bed room.
Also can i add another return air vent , to an existing return run without loss air flow? Would i gain more air
flow or just divide the air in two ( between the two vents).

I think it would work well if starved for air.

lost

returns correctly sized and located provide better airflow, overall comfort, and usually reduction of noise. keep in mind for every ton of conditioned air, you will require minimum 400 CFMs of return air. Supply and return air should be in close balance.

I think your pricing on quote #1 is reasonable.

one more thought. I have nothing against AprilAir filter boxes. However, I would ask dealer how it fits to the furnace. Trane's Perfect Fit media filter boxes fit the furnace like a hand fits a glove. It is neater and tighter than many hack jobs that require transitions.

I would not go lower than three ton on your outside condenser. I don't think you can judge your old AC's performance/size based on the condition of your poor ductwork.

IMO
Good Luck!

Thanks everyone for the advice

I am see another contractor today. Bryant , Trane, Nutone ( not sure this how spell it).
I am wondering about Bryant and Nutone. Are they good or bad?

Also on Trane xv95 , the inducer motor is dc or 120 volt ac?

lost

the inducer motor is VS. see link below for details.

Bryant is good HVAC-same as Carrier.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane Brochure

Have new Company with 3 quotes Trane , bryant, nutone
He did heat load calculation, and Duct load calculation.
supply 1410 cfm 3.5 ton return 1050 cfm 3tonish

Today's btu load :49,218
( First dealer:60,136 btus to maintain 70F/ 0F)

Today's cooling 35,888
(first guy: 34,815 btu)

1st deal bryant 60000 btu
model 335c / 116 var speed 3 stage gas valve 3.5 blower
3ton ac 16 seer with air cleaner 4" basic braynt 36000 btu
and the evolution t-stat
10years p & labor
$7854.00
I think furnace my be under sized, i need to look up
gas valve ratings btu on all 3 stages.
well, look i could find anything on site?

Next deal nutone
variable FG7tc 95 % 60000 btu
a/c 15 seer 3 ton 36000 btu
filter rack 144$
t-stat unkown
10 years p & l- 10 warranty
$7224.00

last deal :trane
xv95 60000 btu
xr 15 15 seer 36000 btu
10 parts
2 year labor !!!!!
$7788

My first quote went up because guy sized a/c wrong 2.5 ton , after is load calculations today here recommends 3.0 ton
$7728 plus get 8 more years on labor.

Is bryant better than train's equipments for durability?

Do tranes parts cost more than Bryant to replace, motor, motherboards?

What do think on price of bryant?

lost

I will concentrate my opinion on the Bryant quote. I know very little about Nutone other than it falls under the old appliance brand name umbrella of Nordyne. And I believe Nordyne has been in Chapter 11.

First off Bryant is the sister company to Carrier. I believe you have the wrong model number for the Bryant furnace. Check to see if it's not Mdl 355CAV which is their top of line Evolution three stg furnace. It appears you have been quoted a low end Bryant condenser. I would suggest either the Preferred 15 or 16 AC condenser. Those model numbers would be 165 or 166. Also you want the matching "T" tin plated evap coil.

It seems a 60 KBTU furnace is more than adequate from your second quoting company but borderline from your first quoting company. That's a big difference in the load calc for heating-relatively close and identical in cooling. Ask to see the load calcs in writing to see if you can uncover the reason for the large difference in heating.

as far as price on the Bryant, I will just say it is fine but I do not like the idea of a high end furnace paired with a low end AC condenser.

you will get different opinions on reliability but as far as comparable models, I would not turn around for the difference. I suspect the difference would come from the quality of the install rather than the equipment itself. Of course the Bryant furnace is three stg while the Trane is two stg.

IMO
Good Luck!

Thanks

Tigerdunes

A/c Model was 114. The dealer called back 3 hours after left said did not have 114 in stock but he give me model 113 with four ton coil and that would give me 16 seer and 13 seer for tax credit. Is 114 low end model, I am go to bryant site in second here.

As far as the heat load calculation difference , i have contacted the first dealer to ask. How major is 10,100 btus in your opinion , i saw you raised an eyebrow to it.
I know from furnace wise one says 60,000 , other says you need 80,000 btu first , like what i have.

Opinion ?

plan to have more dealers estimate

3 or four more

Would r-19 attic insulation vs r-22 attic insulation
cause 10,900 BTUs difference in load calculation?

Today's btu load :49,218
( First dealer:60,136 btus to maintain 70F/ 0F)

lost

same design specs-70F/0F?

because of the large difference, why not take the time and spend $49.00 to perform the load calc yourself? see link.

post back.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: HVAC Load Calc Software

same design temp, so yes.

I have been to site and download free version already to see how works, still thanks for info.

Got another contract at door as we speak.

Just got done with company , did bother with a load calculation he told me he could put 60,000 put in my house he wouldn't , he recommended a 80,000 which what i have. (laugh)

$772 over another Trane quote i got that but wait $750 off coupon!!! $1,685 if didn't have coupon!!!!
$8500.00 will all bells and whistle - $722 more than first
apples to apples

That quote from a different dealer
furance:trane xv95 tuh2b080a9v3va 95%
ac: xr15 15 seer 3 ton
aprilaire 2210 air filter: $395.00 ( seems high)
labor contract $717 10 labor / 10 parts factory free
t-stat- unknown progamble
installed : $ 7728

I am having the gas company out for blower do test to find out air infiltration, I would feel more comfortable after this test to use on line software - 49.99 one to determine heat load heat loss cac after i see how sloppy my house was built i have find lots of air infiltration and major duct work assembly problems .

Today's winner a company that been in business for 90 years with A plus from BBB with 9 complaints.
Offering a house brand furnace manufactured only for them by worlds leading mfg U>P>G or , which only one other company is big enough in Columbus , Ohio to do. ( what the smell you might ask?) we have 36,000 clients the second biggest has only 1,500 clients in columbus ohio. ( I am sure i stepped in something, there is funny smell. We are not the cheapest but we are the best.

A variable speed 95% with 16 seer a/c $11,400.00
we have a special patented blue coil , that kills bacteria and mold. A non piston Txv valve that can be manually adjusted for precision on top of normal operation making it better than a piston Txv so match your system exactly by our Background check in house trained, certificated tech and installers .

I will only do a load calculation if u buy system but think you stick with your current 80,000/ 30,000 setup.

I took him up to my living room where my thermostat is taped to wall and the wires are stretched around the wall and told he my furnace furnace runs for 8 minutes and is off for 2 minutes when cold outside 6 degree's , well he says there is either something wrong with furnace or t-sat think to myself( ya maybe it is oversized).

I will not do a load calculation in less you buy.

So if i buy and you do load calculation and i need a 60,000
btu instead 80,000 will that save money? no it is same price!!!!!!!!!!

He did a 1 minute duct calculation to say i had 1400 cfm both air/ return. For right size motor. ( which i can see)

A day ago i was told by a guy who measured o bunch and took 15 minutes. which he looked at all my duct work and return vents in every room hold a piece of paper up to them which sucked to the vent and stuck. That i have 1410 cfm air / 1050 cfm return - i did add a new return , like guy told me to do. ( so it would be set for 3 ton system , i have 3.5 of duct work)

Back to the greatest sales pitch ever!!
10 years no lemon Guarantee
2 years comfort Guarantee if not satisfied will replace system
10 parts 7 years labor
7 year twice a year check up included
similar stat to vision pro
life time exchanger on the round exchanger tubes!
plus ten years on next homer owner
compress goes bad with replace the whole unit!
copper coils, not aluminum like the other companies.

He says none of his competitors do this no one in ohio !( record scratching sound) I saw this advertised not but you but by you competitors think back to a website for another company i checked out.

$11,400.00 before tax credit
wow wow wow wow

The best ever, if go out business ,or are rock by mass law suit where would i get there expensive custom parts and service from?

did a little research (The Unitary Products Group aka
york furnace brand, and coleman and Johnson control.

Good 10 years product guarantee.
but will product last 12 years.

Gee, I wonder if that was One Hour Air.

Company was Atlas Butler in Reynoldsburg ohio

Second company that would not give me a load calculation.

I read 50 garden blogs about Hvac equipment in last 2 weeks- i have a lot free time you guys do good work. I am picking up a lot tips on equipment.

Can some broken down a rule of thumb on blower motors and cfm ? I read stuff where people state that their have 2000cfm blower motor or 1000cfm blower motor.

example :i have a 1/2 hp electric motor with 4 speed taps low to high 115volts on my old 80,000 furnace . I guess i would have to know what size blow wheel to determine how many cfm.....? or would model number provide info?