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Heating & Air Conditioning

Opinions wanted for Central Air proposal

13 years ago

Upscale Manhattan suburb in NJ. '60s cape with about 1400sq/ft to cover amongst two floors. Reputable firm who I believe is best in the area for this type of work. My basic questions are:

1. Is the pricing in the general ballpark of fairness?

2. I think it's a no-brainer, considering the rebates, to opt for either the 16 or 19 SEER options. Which of these two seem to be better?

3. Is one zone sufficient for a rather small home despite the limitations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

System #1-Entire Home

Condensing Unit-24ABB336

Air Handler-FV4CNB005

Thermostat-Pro 4000

Supply outlets-10

Return Outlets-1

A/H Location-Attic

Condenser Location-Side

Supply and install a new one zone air conditioning system by Carrier.

High efficiency air conditioning system rated at 13 SEER.

Systems include ozone friendly refrigerant R-410A.

Load calculations are based on manual "J".

New ducts to be sized as per manual "D".

System includes a variable speed modular air handler.

All new supply and return ducts to be sealed with mastic and wrapped with 3" insulation.

All flexible ducts in attic are rated at R-8.

Condensate piping included.

The secondary drain line includes a cut-off switch in case an overflow condition occurs.

The emergency drain pan will be supported with a Â½" plywood base.

Refrigerant piping will be concealed in a white leader pipe as discussed.

Pre-cast slab is included for condensing unit.

Digital programmable thermostat included.

Aprilaire #2210 air cleaner included. (13 MERV)

All necessary control wiring included.

Access for future servicing of equipment will be through the main return in upper hall as discussed.

Line voltage wiring included.

Start and test.

Permit fees not included.

10 year part warranty on Carrier equipment.

One year part and labor guarantee.

Options:

1-Carrier high efficiency electro-mechanical filters(GAPA)----add--$990.00

2-Upgrade to 16 SEER equipment (better system) (24APA5/TP-PAC)----add--$1,595.00

Includes: $300.00 "Cool Cash" rebate, $600.00 Cool Advantage rebate and qualifies for a $1,500.00 federal tax credit.

3- Upgrade to 19 SEER equipment (best system) (24ANA136/FE4ANB005/SYSTXCCUID01)----addÂ$3,280.00

Includes: $900.00 "Cool Cash" rebate, $600.00 Cool Advantage rebate and qualifies for a $1,500.00 federal tax credit.

Carrier "Infinity" system is two-stage equipment.

4-Zoning system by Arzel separating the first floor from the second floor.----add--$2,950.00

Patching of sheetrock may be required for thermostat wire to be installed.

Includes smart sensor and branch dampering.

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Comments (2)

ron_mino
Original Author
13 years ago
Apologies as I left out the base cost.

Base cost of System #1 is $9,900
classicdave
13 years ago
1. Prices are irrelevant, based on location and some locations are less/more expensive than others.
2. Prices are based on small things, and it is the small things that take time and that adds up. A good contractor will give you options and should catch things to take care of for a complete install.
The price seems ok though for what he is doing.

1st question what do you have for heat?

next I'm not a fan of that condenser they first quoted, it's carrier's low end, not that it's 13 SEER but it's made to compete with the goodman products. To be honest it's a lesser model of equipment for me that doesn't meet my quality expectations so I would definitely think about upgrading.

If the contractor offered to do zoning, I would first look into the infinity product line with the infinity zone system. It is a top notch zone system, almost as good as the bryant evolution zone system. :) actually it's the same. But if you want a precision modulating zone control that is it.
It's the best.

The second option is Arzel zoning for the non data communicating systems, this tells me they know something about zoning but then they didn't offer the 2 speed compressor with it, good grief.
If you choose the Arzel zone then I would recommend the 24ACB7 or 24APA7 models. These have 2 speed compressors and work well with the Arzel zone control.
It's worth the cost and when done well nothing beats it.

for the purifier, I would pass and just get the 4" media filter cabinet. Put the money into zoning.
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