13 seer single speed VS 16 seer var speed heat pump

16 years ago

I am awaiting my quote for my HVAC equipment but I thought I would get some advice while I wait. I have two questions.

1. My contractor charges $1900 per ton for a Rheem 13seer single speed HP. How much would you guys think Rheem 16seer var speed HP would be per ton?

2. With a 5 ton house system roughly how long does it take to recoup the additional expense of going from single speed 13seer HP to 16seer var speed HP.

thanks

Comments (3)

bob_brown
16 years ago
If you want to compare 5-ton 13 SEER fixed speed against a 5-ton 16 SEER variable speed, you will never catch up. If you install 7-8 tons of variable speed anything, maybe 10 years or so. Depending on the ambient temperature, the fixed speed unit will always be more efficient. The variable speed control adjusts for static pressure. If a system is marginally designed, the blower will reduce the speed, which inturn reduces the cooling capacity. Many systems are reported to run at 5/8 speed. This would say an average of 1/2 output would be the most you could expect.

A speed controller uses more energy then a fixed speed motor. A 2-speed motor is more efficient than a variable anything.
dallasbill
16 years ago
mcassel... welcome to the wonderful world of Disney and Bob Brown. May I suggest that you are already getting great answers at hvac-talk.com, where you WILL notice there is no Disney allowed... ;-)
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remodeler08
16 years ago
Are you referencing new ducts, programmable thermostat, high voltage wiring, equipment, and inspections? If so, $9,500.00 for the job is not to high. The variable speed may be $2,300.00 per ton. I am assuming you are speaking of the air handler as being variable speed.

To answer your other question, for all practical purposes, you may never recoup the additional expenses. The energy savings in terms of dollars and cents are not worth the increase cost, normally. The cost to repair a variable speed blower is much higher than a multi-speed air handler.

FYI, a per ton price is never a good conversation point for a change-out. At $1900, two tons equals $3800.00 Three tons equals $5,700.00. The difference is $1,900.00. But the equipment cost could be as little as $400.00 different. And, the labor is the same. Per ton price cause some contractors to oversize just to be able to charge more.

We replaced a 5-ton unit in New Orleans for a 3.5 ton unit. The 3.5 ton unit will do a better job with the humidity. In Durham, NC, our customer asked us to replace his 3.5 ton A/C unit and furnace for a 2.5 ton A/C because of the humidity problem that he wanted to solve.

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13 seer single speed VS 16 seer var speed heat pump

Comments (3)

bob_brown

dallasbill

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