HVAC System in new house?

15 years ago

Building a new house in New England. Lots of windows. primarily use will be in the summer and fall months, so AC will be important.

My GC has suggested Rheem, American Standard or Heil. Other than what I've read on this forum, I don't have any way to choose between these (or pick another). He claims most systems have Honeywell parts in them anyway.

He's suggesting a 13 Shear unit.

Can anyone offer me assistance between these units (or maybe specific models for these brands?

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Comments (5)

udarrell_2007
15 years ago
New England weather should be rather mild.
Only around 500 hours of AC runtime a season.
Heating will be your major monthly utility cost, AC should be a minor utility cost.

A 14-SEER Goodman unit "with a scroll compressor & a TXV metering device on the matching cooling coil."

A quality installation is by far the most important factor in equipment performance & long life!

Do what you can to reduce heat-loss/heat-gain, and then have a manual J load calc done.

IMO, In your climate a slight undersizing of the AC would be better than oversizing it. - udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: PROPER DUCT SIZING & AIRFLOW
Jack
Original Author
15 years ago
What things should I look for in the Furnace/AC?

From reading this forum, I'm thinking of:
1) A variable speed fan
2) AC outlets as high on the walls as I can get them (9' ceilings)
3) Scroll Compressor
4) TXV metering device on the matching cooling coil
5) Manual J, S and D calculations

PS: While the basement isn't finished now, I plan on finishing it in the future. Any considerations when sizing the furnace for this?
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clockwork you will always get more comfort and control from multiple systems over a single system with zoning controls. however, a zoned system like you have listed is certainly a viable second choice and not overkill. dealer must do his load calcs for equipment and Man D for ductwork sizing/design. Ductwork should be insulated probably R8. I would want metal trunk lines for both supply and return. what did dealer propose? I think your biggest challenge is verifying your dealer's experience/expertise with a sgl system using zoning controls. I recommend going to visit a newly constructed home similar to yours where zoning controls were used and discuss with homeowner. Zoning is not for the inexperienced. how much is this system? IMO Good Luck!
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Around here, that house would get 3 systems. I am not sure that is necessary or the most cost effective solution. But there are lots of options and you have to give a better idea of your priorities. It is install cost, ongoing costs, comfort etc? Is this forced air throughout? Do you have NG? The number of systems is not necessarily the first choice. FWIW - I have 2 systems in a similar house. So far it is working well but I just finished the walkout. Going to 1 system allows that system to be the best - 96% furnace with heat pump. The only problem in your setting is that the top floor is so much smaller than the second that short cycling of your a/c at night might be an issue with some systems. Even with Infinity running at low stage, that upstairs will get cold really fast and not dehumidify well. But if the design was really good, it might all work. What you would want is do dump some onto the first floor even though the Infinity technically doesn't allow that. All-in-all, you would need a really slick installer to get 1 system to work well. Most around here would put 3 basic systems in. Often a basic system costs less than the upgrade to a good zoned system (ie 2 basic systems cost less that 1 zoned system). At 3 floors, while the zone system would seem to get cheaper (vs 3 units), the complexity of design goes up significantly. Get 2 systems. A basic one for the upstairs (that might not be used all the time?), and a really good zoned system for the 1st 2 floors.
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I suggest separate systems for the first and second floor. That is the best way to have even temperatures on each floor. It costs more up front, but you potentially have lower operating costs. You could zone the loft off the second floor system. However if you are going to be working 10 hours days with multiple pieces of equipment generating heat then spend the money on a mini split.
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I don't think Brand makes much difference if they are installed properly. Having said that, I've had 2 Rheem Prestige modulating furnaces and 2 stage AC condensers for about 10 years in my home. Nothing but praise for them and the cost to replace 2 systems was reasonable. We have carrier in the other home - FV4 variable speed air handlers and 25HCD single stage heatpumps. The heatpump condensers are bottom of the line - if I had to do it again, I would get their mid range 2 stage condensers.
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ryanhughes
15 years ago
You've got your prerequisites down pretty well. The basement adds little to the cooling load, but as far as heating goes, do you plan on spending considerable time down there? When do you plan on finishing it? Your contractor may want to take it into consideration when doing his load calculation (which I hope he does). You can zone the basement off either with electronic or manual dampers. Some homes have vents on the floor, but I would prefer them on the ceiling (mine are mostly on the floor by the way). I would go for R-410a refrigerant as well. As far as systems go, I like what Trane has to offer. A new 3-ton XL15i was just installed down the street from where I live. They make some quality products (but then again so does Rheem, Carrier, etc...)
tigerdunes
15 years ago
fedude

what is your electric rate?

what is your fuel source for heating?

TD
Jack
Original Author
15 years ago
Fuel source is natural gas. My electric rate is: .09/kwh plus all the bogus delivery charges and taxes.

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HVAC System in new house?

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udarrell_2007

Jack
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HVAC System in new house?

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