md

I would not have the AmStd Heritage 16. This HP has been problematic, has poor performance/eff numbers, and does not qualify for the Fed Govt Tax Credit.

Now to the Carrier Performance 15

3258844 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA542A31 FV4BNF005 42000 12.50 15.50 41000 8.50 25000

You should request the "H" mdl Performance 15 over the "A" mdl you have been quoted. It has much better heating eff and EER. see below for comparison.

3257967 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA542H31 FV4BN(B,F)005 42000 13.00 15.50 42000 9.00 26600

both Carriers qualify for the tax credit.

The Bryant quote is their Preferred 15 HP condenser which for all basic purposes is the same as Carrier's Performance 15. (if you didn't know Bryant and Carrier are sister companies same as Trane and AmStd). The main reason the Bryant is more expensive is because of the Evolution air handler and Evolution thermostat. Nice but depending on budget not absolutely necessary.

The Performance 15 "H" mdl configuration would be my choice with a Carrier thermidistat. That dealer has quoted the "T" tin plated coil var speed air handler which is correct. I would have the 15 KW backup heat strip staged with perhaps two 7.5 KW strips.

I assume the prices quoted do not include the tax credit-correct?

Let me know if you have any questions.

IMO
Good Luck!

Where in Maryland are you located? I'm in Montgomery County, not a professional, but could refer you to some companies.

Has the 3.5 ton always done the job well in the past? Did any contractor bring up your ductwork possibly needing work?

Your pricing is very good. The Carrier and Bryant systems are identical except the use of the Evolution controller in the Bryant (not worth that upgrade cost by any means). What thermostats are the other systems using? For the American Standard setup you'd want the ACONT900 and for the Carrier I'd recommend their TP-PRH thermidistat.

Are all these bids from the same contractor? The contractor is who will make the difference in the end.

I like American Standard products but am not a fan of the 16 SEER unit since it's an under performer in terms of heat output (and also not great at dehumidification despite its 2-stage operation). I would much prefer to the 15 SEER 4A6H5042. If going with American Standard the 4TEE3C07A1000A is the better air handler combination.

Thought about the tax credit? The Bryant and Carrier would qualify, not the American Standard. $1500 or 30% of total install cost.

Thanks. The quotes are from different contractors. The carrier and American are from the same contractor, but the Bryant is from a different contractor.

How much should be the price difference between the Evolution controller and fan unit of Bryant, and the performance series quoted by Carrier? Does that justify the difference?

Similarly, how much should be the price difference between the 15 and 15"H" configuration of the compressor unit?

The tax credit certainly is something I would like to consider, so it obviously tilts the balance in favor of the bryant and carrier systems.

Thanks for your help.

I just got another quote for Trane as follows:

4TWX5042A1, 4TEE3F65B1, XL600 thermostat, 10 yr Labor and parts warranty - US$ 5900

The contractor does not think he needs to change the return box (aluminum box under the air handler), while a Carrier contractor said he would. Should I insist on changing the return box ?

Good system, but I would suggest the Trane XL800 thermostat or even better the Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ (it is NOT the same; the IAQ can control the blower speed for dehumidification). That is a very large air handler (26 wide by 63 tall), so I would make certain all transitions work well with the ductwork and the unit. Very good pricing. Where in Maryland are you located (I assume away from Montgomery County based on the pricing and what we would expect around here)?

Thanks. I am actually in Montgomery county. Would you suggest changing the return box too?

I have to believe it's going to be necessary, especially since this air handler will carry a different physical footprint and you want the best metal transition.

Try contacting Don Hoffacker's Heating & A/C - good company. Do you mind sharing which companies you've received bids from (just curious myself since pricing sounds great)? I also live in Montgomery County but am not in the HVAC profession.

I am not comfortable sharing the names and prices of contractors. I know they all try to keep that a little secret from each other, and this is an open forum.

Thanks for all your advice.

Yea, I'm sure none of those contractors would want to take a chance of getting a referral with the possibility of more business because you passed their names along to another local consumer.

We're not talking defense contractors here, it's just HVAC companies...no state secrets there, especially considering this is a site for consumers/homeowners to help each other out. You were able to get some great, on point guidance from ryanhughes so everything worked out for you...