What air handler goes with this Heat Pump?

mordak

12 years ago

I'm doing a new construction house and need to pick a heat pump + air handler. Must be Lennox brand (Builder rules)

2500 sq ft house in Charlotte NC

Standard equipment for the house is: 13HXP Heat Pump (3.5 tons) with CBX26UH Air Handler.

However I want to upgrade to the XP13 or XP14.

What air handlers are best paired with those?

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Comments (15)

tigerdunes
12 years ago
Mordak

I am not a fan of Lennox HPs and would not have one at my home. Also, I would not have a HP for your area/climate that did not have electronic demand defrost. Don't believe any of those mdls have that important feature.

But to answer your question on air handler for a 3 1/2 ton XP14, these would be your best selections. I am not listing air handlers for the XP13 because I don't feel it is a good choice.

CBX27UH-042 non var speed

CBX32-MV-048 var speed

IMO
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
As I said, the builder requires I use Lennox, and my family owns a heating/cooling business in the north and he says Lennox is a good brand, however he has no experience with heat pumps because nobody uses those in NY.

Almost everybody in North Carolina uses heat pumps actually.
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mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
the 13hxp comes with a 10KW Heat Strip. Will that be good for the XP14 also?
tigerdunes
12 years ago
Mordak

Please don't misunderstand my post.

I am not against HPs, just don't care for Lennox HPs.

A 10 KW is a little light for a 3 1/2 ton model especially on defrost cycle to temper the AC air. I would want two 7.5 KWs staged with full 15 KW for
defrost cycle. At the very least perhaps a 5KW and a 7.5 KW staged with
full 12.5KW for defrost cycle. Certainly not a 10 KW.

IMO
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks tigerdunes.

Our average temp in January is 39-42. Would you still recommend that (1) 10KW isn't enough? I keep the heat set to 67-70 degrees in winter.
tigerdunes
12 years ago
mordak

I am well aware of Charlotte winter temps and climate.

If you don't mind cool air on defrost cycles, and yes there will be plenty of those with time/temp method, then go ahead with 10 KW heat strip.

And also, I don't believe a 10 KW is large enough for emergency heat in
the Queen City. That's only about 35 KBTUs. Sizing to average winter temp is a mistake.

I would prefer the two options I gave you in a prior post if comfort is even a consideration for you and perhaps family members.

IMO
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
Tigerdunes,

I got a quote from the builder.

I can upgrade from 13HPX and CBX26UH (13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF) to:

$2500
A) XP13, CBX27UH blower (14.2 SEER, 8.3 HSPF, 11.5 EER) ARI #4611972

B) XP14, CBX27UH blower (15.5 SEER, 9.0 HSPF, 13.0 EER) ARI #4686863

Should I keep the standard, upgrade A, or upgrade B? I'm in Charlotte NC
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
Option B was $3000
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
Also they want $470 to upgrade from R30 to R38 in attic (blown in fiberglass) and $930 to go from R13 to R15 in the exterior walls.

Should I upgrade the attic, walls, or both insulation?
tigerdunes
12 years ago
Mordak

His long do you think you will be in this home?

I find the HVAC upgrade prices to be over the top, ridiculous, absurd but quite typical for a GC looking out for himself rather than hs customer.

I like the XP14 system best because it is a much nicer condenser and will be quieter. I would want to know what the warranty is for HPX series.

The upgrade price on the XP14 should be closer to 1500 range.

On the insulation, go with the R15 for the walls. You can always go back and add insulation to attic at a later date if necessary. I think R30 is still standard for Southeast. R38 though would be better.

Going back to HVAC, you might ask for a price on 14HPX Lennox HP, AHRI matching #4684268. Has good numbers but cheap condenser and may not be USA made. Again ask about warranty.

I still encourage you to follow my recommendations on staged heat strip. Easily it will pay for itself on operating costs.

IMO
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
I plan on being in the house 7+ years minimum. More likely 10+.
neohioheatpump
12 years ago
the price to upgrade the HVAC is ridiculous. I would threaten to break the deal on that.
I like the extra upgrade from r30 to r38 in celing for $470.

$930 to go from r13 to r15 in the walls doesn't seem worth it.
mordak
Original Author
12 years ago
neo, what's a decent price to upgrade from 13hpx with cbx26uh air handler to 14xp and cbx27uh air handler?

Would $2000 instead of $3000 be fair?
weedmeister
12 years ago
You will want the variable speed blower for comfort and humidity extraction.

The 2.5 point increase in SEER should give you something like a +10% decrease in electrical costs for the unit.

$3K? wow.
neohioheatpump
12 years ago
All I know is there is no extra labor to install that nicer unit. The nicer outdoor unit doesn't cost that much more. Its like 75% profit.

What air handler goes with this Heat Pump?

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What air handler goes with this Heat Pump?

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