Nominal 16 SEER, but that matchup actually gets 14.5 SEER and 11.1 EER--not outstanding but not bad either. ARI reference number for that matchup is 551178. Price doesn't seem too off. Prices vary by area, dealer, and specific job, so it would be hard to tell you if it were competitive or not. That is a nice system--modulating furnace and 2-stage air conditioner. With the mod furnace, you might want to use that as your primary heat source just for the comfort that you're paying for.

I'm in the Philadelphia/NJ area and just had the same system installed this June,with two differences: had the '021' coil installed as well as a plain media filter (Aprilaire 2200).

Since the furnace is 21" wide, the 024 doesn't offer much more (a slight increase in sensible capacity) which you probably won't need (hope you had a heat calc done). The furnace allows air flow to be adjusted 10% +/- which will likely make up for any difference in sensible or latent capacity.

Also, I chose the Aprilaire because of its very low pressure drop.

Speaking of pressure drop, I forgot to mention that my return drop was totally redone (70% increase) and some new and larger returns, as the duct system had high static pressure. New system is between .5 and .6".

As far as price is concerned, my total came to $9400 after manufacturer's and utility rebates. As a homeowner, I can't comment of your local situation.

I had many quotes (not all for this system) but I wanted the Mod furnace, and finally found a contractor whom I trusted.

If you haven't seen it already, you can check out the specs on your a/c at: http://216.122.22.11/FetchDocument.aspx?ID=1b1063fa-c605-4b08-ab0f-963cfc29c415 .

Good luck.

V

Hi Ryan. According to Rheem's specs (link I posted), the 024 yields 14.8/11.55; the 021 is 0.1 less in each category.

I also wanted to mention to turtlek that this contractor had the highest quote (couple were over $1,000 less),but I got a great installation with all of the bells and whistles (triple evacuation with 410A, Nitrogen purge, etc.).

V

Thanks for pointing that out. I mistakenly input the 21" coil. The 24" will give a little more efficiency, but I would prefer a coil to be flush with the furnace, so if the furnace is 21", I suggest you stick with the 21" coil.

Thanks for the input.

I also have a "low quote" from a supplier that doesn't seem to be complete... But in my case the difference is several thousand. So I do really appreciate your information on this.

Anyone have any comment on the hybrid heat/two fuel system cost difference. I am waiting on some updated quotes but would appreciate your thoughts.

I have also noted that there seems to be a performance hole at 100,0000 BTU (between the 90 and 120 K BTU) RHeem furnaces. As much as 0.45 EER... Anyone have any ideas on this.

I don't see the point in investing in such a nice mod furnace to only use it as backup, which may or may not be often for you. How often does it get below 35* or so there? Cost again is based on the dealer's pricing. I would guess the upgrade price is below $1000--anything more wouldn't be acceptable to me since it's just the equipment that is really changing.

"I have also noted that there seems to be a performance hole at 100,0000 BTU (between the 90 and 120 K BTU) RHeem furnaces. As much as 0.45 EER... Anyone have any ideas on this."

Could you clarify your statement? As furnaces are rated by AFUE, are you talking about the EER of a specific a/c - coil combination being combined with a '90' vs. a '120'?

V

Hi Ryan - I figured that gas would do the bulk of the heating Dec-March... The Heat Pump would do its thing Mar/April & Oct/Nov with some overlap. The equivalent cost for Gas is about 11.50 $/MMBTU, Electric(HP) is 4 to 6 $/MMBTU depending on the COP you use. Below is the temperature profile for the area...

Month Low High
Jan 17.8°F 31.1°F
Feb 20.0°F 34.4°F
Mar 28.5°F 45.2°F
Apr 38.4°F 57.8°F
May 49.4°F 70.2°F
Jun 58.9°F 79.0°F
Jul 63.6°F 83.4°F
Aug 62.2°F 81.4°F
Sept 54.1°F 73.7°F
Oct 42.5°F 61.2°F
Nov 33.5°F 47.8°F
Dec 23.4°F 35.9°F

Either route you go, you'd be getting a nice system. Ask your dealer how they feel about dual fuel and if they would recommend it for you. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. The heat pump would be good for those mild winter days, but then again the "mod" furnace could take care of it with low fire rates.

Hi Veesubutee - Thanks for your comments.

This following should help explain the performance question.

The furnace/coil combination for HP or AC with the Rheem Mod furnace dip at the 100 KBTU size... Example using 4ton RARL and RCQD. The same happens with other Condenser/Coil combinations!

Size....EER/SEER
90K... 11.55/14.80
100K.. 11.25/14.65
120K.. 11.85/14.85

Doesn't make sense to me why this would happen