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Heating & Air Conditioning

'Real world' differences between Carrier Performance and Infinity

13 years ago

Hi - I posted this question in the HVAC-talk.com forums, but I've received no responses (probably as it is a boring question that's been asked too many times). But, I'm really hoping that someone can definitively help me with the following:

I've read lots of threads about the differences between Carrier Infinity and Performance systems. But after reading all these threads, I haven't been able to really understand what I'll miss by going with a Performance system instead of an Infinity system.

The comments between the two systems seem to boil down to the fact that an Infinity system offers improved humidity control, "comfort" (?), and the controls are neat.

Can someone clearly tell me if I'll regret installing the following system in my home instead of an Infinity system? My installer tells me that this system (that will replace my failing second floor Tempstar zone) will control humidity and should more than surpass my needs:

CARRIER HIGH EFFICIENCY AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM *REPLACEMENT* *16 SEER*

CARRIER CONDENSER #24APA5024 APPROXIMATE B.T.U 24,000 2.0 TONS *410A REFRIGERANT*

CARRIER4 AIRHANDLER #FV4CNB003TOO APPROXIMATE B.T.U 24,000 2.0 TONS

CARRIER EZ-FLEX WHOLE HOUSE AIRCLEANER

CARRIER PROGRAMMABLE EDGE THERMOSTAT

Featured Answer

tigerdunes

13 years ago

weathertop

assuming you are sized correctly and for such a small system, the average homeowner would not notice a thing and improvement in operating cost and comfort with an Infinity system would be marginal at best.

what is your location?

how do you heat?

you do want the Carrier Edge Thermidistat for best humidity control.

here are the AHRI AC Directory performance/eff numbers. This system would qualify for the Fed Govt tax credit.

3404601 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24APA524A31 FV4CN(B,F)003 23600 13.00 16.00 1

IMO

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Comments (6)

weathertop
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi Tigerdunes:

Thank you for your feedback. I live in North New Jersey. We heat both floors of our house using steam radiators (from a separate boiler in the basement). We also have a separate AC zone for our larger first floor.

This system is for our second floor only.

I think that our installer has sized us correctly for our (smaller) upstairs zone as I received several estimates and virtually all the bids included the same system (or Comfort systems).

Your feedback helps as our installer shared that he thought that I was wasting money by even getting a Performance system, but I wanted to have some humidity control and a VS system.

One follow-up question: I think that this system on his proposal has a single stage with a scroll compressor. Would I notice any difference between this system and a Performance system with 2 stages?
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Thanks to your feedback. Unfortunately, none of the installers performed any load calcs. I even called another Carrier authorized dealer, but he was in/out in 15 min so am not expecting to receive any calcs with his proposal. I assume its not something I can perform myself. Given that my current system is 2.5 tons, I assume that the current ductwork is not sized appropriately for either the 3.5 or 4 ton system. Although my current system is 2.5 tons, my den was an on and it's 250 sq ft with high ceilings. The room is not getting enough heat currently (the air flow into the room was poor). Both installers agreed that we need to expand the ductwork to get the room heated/cooled properly. Given the price differential between green speed and the normal infinity furnace system, I didn't mind paying a little more for efficiency. However, if its going to end up costing me more because both the heat pump and furnace end up turning on most of winter, then it's not worth the upgrade. So difficult to find a proper installer willing to do the due diligence necessary up front these days! Mike- my electricity rates are 21c/kWh while my gas rates are 1.47 per therm or 1.52 per ccf Thanks for all your help
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Back to an earlier question, the house is about 2200 square feet. We are considering finishing about 400-800 square feet of the basement and in that case is the current 100k size of the system + Infinity zoning sized well? If I end up replacing the furnace on my own I'd need to know if I should downsize to 80k and/or if Infinity zoning vs a separate (ductless) system for the basement would be a better option. Zip code is 22015 (northern Virginia). Also, the FAD that gave the $7k quote didn't have great things to say about Carrier and suggested that due to the age of the A/C unit, if I was going to buy a new furnace we might consider starting from scratch with a Daikin system that they also carry and recommend over Carrier. Nothing is ever simple, right?
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weedmeister
13 years ago
Do they even make a 2-stage 2ton unit?
weathertop
Original Author
13 years ago
...I'm getting the sense that the sizing for my unit is really small, right?

And, any additional features that I explore are wasted money...correct?
tigerdunes
13 years ago
weathertop

I think for your situation it's wasted money.

However, it's less about whether outside condenser is sgl stage or two stage than the diagnostics and the best residential control that you would get with a matching Infinity air handler and Infinity controller.

Hard to know the upcharge because of the crazy prizing in NJ but it should be no more than $750-$1000. would I do it based on your situation, an emphatic no.

IMO
weathertop
Original Author
13 years ago
Many thanks, tigerdunes.

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