fishing

some questions.

what is your location?

what size/eff is your current furnace and AC?

what size is your home?

what is your electric rate/KWH? your nat gas rate/therm?

new refrigerant lineset to be included?

Infinity thermostat included with either system quoted?

new whole house air filter cabinet included?

it appears you are being quoted Carrier's bottom end AC condenser. I have never liked the idea of pairing top end furnace with btm end condenser. Suggest going up to at least Comfort series.

post back.

IMO

Outside of Philadelphia
3 ton unit. It is 18 years old...the guy estimated we are getting 65% efficiency from heater...AC is a mess.
Split level, 1800 sq ft
$0.09070/KWH
$0.62934/Ccf
says existing
Says Filter Dryer

Are both AC units low end? The other option was for 24APA736

fishing

you should review your utility costs and make certain they are all inclusive of fees.

an Infinity furnace whether 95% eff or 80% eff is a bad choice without the Infinity controller. was it included in quote?

I think an 80% eff furnace for Philadelphia is a poor choice. You would want to considera HP if electric rate is favorable. I personally think the 95 with straight AC is a better choice.

did quotes include a whole house air filter cabinet?

as I said in previous post, I would not want the low end base series condenser.

you might consider a competitive quote from a Bryant dealer, Carrier's sister company.

IMO

Yes, the Infinity Controller was included. I don't see anything about the air filter cabinet.

I am waiting on another HVAC co's quote. I will get another quote as well.

I agree with tiger's comment on upgrading to at least the Comfort series a/c. The 24APA736 you were quoted is a 2-stage Performance series model.

It appears the 24ABC6 you were quoted does not come standard with high or low pressure switches, which help protect the compressor if it is undercharged/overcharged.

Is the Carrier dealer offering the Carrier rebate? The rebate amount increases as you move from the Comfort, to Performance, to the Infinity condenser. The rebate tends to offset the increased unit cost. Get quotes with higher end condensers. You may be pleasantly surprised the delta in cost is small.

Thanks for all of your help so far guys!

Just heard back from some guys that have done work for us already. They quoted the following Bryant Products:

AC: 116BNA03 - 16 Seer
Coil: CNPVP3717
Heater: 353BAV048080
Filter box, all new lines, etc.
$5585 before tax and elec company rebates of $350 and $525.

The previous quote included the rebates from Carrier.

The biggest difference between the two companies is that Carrier guy works for a big HVAC company with logo'd trucks and sales cars. Bryant guy is two partners that split off on their own 4 years ago after years with a big outfit.

Thoughts?

They aren't quoting you any better an A/C unit, just with the Bryant name. Step down in the furnace. Price is certainly better.

Ryan,

If I understand your post...the AC unit is about the same. The furnace is not as good as the quote carrier? Is it a good system? I am not looking for top of the line...I was good without dropping $10k.

Looking at Bryant's website I see the following upgrade options:

AC: Evolution 180B, 187B, or 186B
Heather: Evolution 355CAV, 355AAV

Should I ask for a quote on these?

fishing

if you are not going with Carrier Infinity or Bryant Evolution furnaces, then I would want a two stg var speed furnace 80K size. Both Carrier and Bryant offer these models. In Bryant, I believe its the 355BAV and 359BAV furnace models. Pair with Legacy series or Preferred series AC condenser-your selection on SEER level and best efficiency evap coil for your application. Add a box filter and Carrier/Bryant thermidistat. Not an Infinity system but still a very nice system that will provide you comfort and satisfaction at a reduced price and solid operating costs.

I always recommend that homeowner request a thorough ductwork inspection by dealer. Now is the time to address any issues including hot/cold spots in home.

IMO

Thanks again guys...I requested a quote on the upgraded Bryant Evolution. Should hear today.

My wife wondered about the big gap in prices. I said that the Carrier contractor is big with a lot of overhead including as sales force in shiny new company cars while the Bryant guys are two guys with two trucks. Sound right?

You first need to get an equivalent Bryant quote. The means the same furnace, condenser, and sizes. I believe Bryant makes a replica of each Carrier model, but I am not sure.

Next you have to determine what else is part of the installation. For example filter size, duct modifications, surge protector, condensate pump, overflow cutoff, warranty, etc.

I agree the smaller company has less overhead, but I doubt it explains the bulk of the price difference. Make sure no corners are being cut on the installation. This is the most critical piece.

My wife wondered about the big gap in prices. I said that the Carrier contractor is big with a lot of overhead including as sales force in shiny new company cars while the Bryant guys are two guys with two trucks. Sound right?

yep. different levels of overhead equals different pricing structure. as long as dealer is authorized by Carrier or Bryant, I always think you get a better install and attention to detail from a small shop over a large operation.

IMO