Carrier vs Bryant Question
bjp999
12 years ago
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mike_home
12 years agobjp999
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Questions about Carrier/Bryant
Comments (7)I recently got a Bryant Evolution 80% variable speed furnace (Model 315) and their new Preferred Series (266A) two stage heat pump. I went with the 80% furnace instead of the higher efficiency ones because the whole point of hybrid heat is to have heat pump run the majority of the time, and for the few times the furnace needs to run to supplement the heat pump, the higher efficiency wouldn't make that much of a difference ove the standard 80%... and it also eliminates having to deal with installing new air input, output, and condensate lines for the high efficiency furnace. As for the unit itself, the new Preferred two stage (266A) heat pump is basically an Evolution pump with the Preferred series casing. All the guts are identical to their top of the line 288A heat pump except that it's been tweaked to qualify for the energy credits. They do this by generally adding more fin surface area to the unit, so it may be a little bigger that than 288A, but not so much to make a difference. I can tell you that the two stage heat pump with a variable speed furnace is very nice. My complete system essentially has 4 stages in heating... low pump, high pump, low furnace, and high furnace and the blower will speed up and slow down to match the requirements. 99% of the time, it is running on low stage pump, so it is saving as much energy as possible while still keeping my house at 71 degrees 24/7. And if you are concerned that the heat pump can't provide enough heat, I have had the outdoor temp go down to 30 degrees and the house was still maintained at 71 without the furnace kicking on. (of course, this would depend on how well your house is insulated and proper sizing, etc.). One final thing is the Evolution Control. It's nice to have a t-stat that actually "communicates" with the equipment instead of a dumb click on, click off. The Evolution Control will detect your equipment and show model and serial numbers, it will do a static pressure test and give you a reading on max cfm of air flow so you know your ducting is ok. It gives you errors and faults in the system with an event log that you can go back through and look at history. It also logs how many hours and how many times the various stages of the pump and furnace have been on, etc. The last thing I love about it is that it tells you when you need to change your filter and it does it my measuring air flow restriction in the filter and not just some dumb 6 month timer. So if your air is dirtier, it will tell you sooner and if your air is cleaner, you can go longer. Hope that gives you a bit more info. I know how you feel about getting enough info before buying. I spent a lot of time researching before buying and I'm glad I did. It's one of the best setups available out there I think....See MoreWhich compressor for A/C? also Bryant v Carrier?
Comments (4)Stopping stages allows the pressures to equalize so the reciprocating compressor can switch directions. This would likely put more strain on the compressor (but like I said, 10 year warranty). Would it be more noisy? Perhaps slightly. What I mean by split is how much of the capacity (say 3 tons) the system is running at depending on the stage. A 3-ton Infinity 16 SEER runs at or around 1.5 tons. A scroll compressor Infinity 19 will run at a higher capacity. If you ever zone your house, the 50% capacity drop would likely be preferable, since you may not need all that capacity for the upstairs. I am a just a homeowner like yourself trying to decide which unit to get, and I can tell you I'm torn between the two as to which one I WOULD prefer. I'm not really considering the scroll due to the added cost and slight gain in efficiency. I do not like the fact that the unit needs to stop to switch stages. What if it's in heat? Does it blow cold air or use the expensive heat strips? In my neighborhood, I've only seen the 16 SEER models putting in. I'm sure most people opt for the 16 SEER when they hear of a $900 difference or so. You really have to weigh the options and your needs. More capacity on lower stage, etc....See MoreCarrier Furnaces vs Bryant Furnaces
Comments (3)dadams your ductwork system needs a complete evaluation. Regardless whether you go two stg or three stg, you will not see any noticeable improvement to rooms that have comfort issues. ask dealer to make recommendations for improvement. The problem with heat exchanger is not covered by warranty? while Carrier and Bryant are fine furnaces and really are the same depending on model, neither offer a true modulating furnace in their product line. I am told one will roll out for next heating season. A true modulating furnace that moves up and down based on demand would be more effective for your problem areas than the two or three stg Carrier/Bryant. York/Luxaire offers mdulating furnaces at 97-98% AFUE efficiency. And I agree with previous post about HPs. A dual fuel system is worthy of consideration especially with your heating fuel being the more expensive propane. IMO...See MoreNew Bryant legacy vs 5 year old carrier infinity
Comments (2)To clarify, I have the matching infinity air handler and condenser and control panel, it is all the 2 stage 1.5/3 ton unit. All of that would be installed together as it should be. It is oil heat, none of that is changing, they only need a new AC system. I haven't gotten the full quote that explains that what "new vents" are yet. I will ask for more details on Monday. The Bryant system was quoted for just the new air handler and condenser (control) + installation, leaving the ductwork as is. I have another company quoting the install for installing my old Carrier system, but don't have the full plan yet. I am just guessing they will be around the same cost. So we are comparing a 5 year old Infinity system (every part necessary) with 18.3 seer, and 2 stage against the Bryant Legacy ~16 seer single stage 3 ton (brand new). Only a single zone, and using existing ductwork....See Morebaldloonie
12 years agobjp999
12 years agobjp999
12 years agotigerdunes
12 years agomike_home
12 years agobjp999
12 years agomike_home
12 years agobjp999
12 years agotigerdunes
12 years agomike_home
12 years agobjp999
12 years ago
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