New Furnace,Humidifier,Air purifier Advice

13 years ago

Its time for me to purchase a new Furnace and I was wondering if anyone had any experience or tips on what sort of brands to go with? I am also going to be purchasing a new Humidifier and Air purifier for the unit and am unsure of what to go with (Purchasing for a two floor 2500 square foot house). I have spoken to a couple of Installers and each one contradicts what the other said and try's to throw their sales pitch.

Currently I am looking at Rheem and American Standard. As far as Air purifiers I'm looking at Aprilaire and AccuClean. When it comes to Humidifiers I'm unsure as to what brands are good and what to look for. Any help or advice from someone who knows their way around this field of work or has simply done some shopping from the above mentioned would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

-Mike

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Comments (8)

tigerdunes
13 years ago
mike

depending on mdl selected, both Rheem and AmStd make good HVAC including furnaces.

what is your location? do you plan to replace AC as well?

unless there is a specific reason, I am not a fan of EACs like the AccuClean/Clean Effects. I prefer a good MERV 12-13 pleated filter media cabinet that has no maintenance, easy filter changeout, uses no electricity, produces no ozone.

I always think of Honeywell for humidifiers.

This is just one person's opinion.

IMO
mike423
Original Author
13 years ago
I live in The Chicago land area. The only reason I mentioned the AccuClean purifier was because one of the salesmen said that it would be one of the only good candidates for one that would catch a smaller micron size other that bigger particles like dust and hair effectively?? I don't need the best purifier, but would like something that works well. I was unsure about it when he said it was filter-less as I heard about some of the older electric purifiers that have magnetized plates that are meant to be taken out and wiped clean and that they are garbage and had a massive return rate once proven so.

As far as the air conditioner, I was told that I would save $600 dollars by replacing my conditioner coil with the new system installation but would rather wait since I have more of a fixed budget and would like to use more of my money to get my heating system. Like I said before I don't need the best system and components out there, but would like a good solid system that works efficiently and effectively for a 2500 square foot house.

Please also if possible try to use laymen terms as well when discussing product types since I am mostly illiterate when it comes to these systems and components. Thanks again for any help :)
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tigerdunes
13 years ago
mike

what size furnace and eff are you replacing? how is your home's insulation qualities?

I would want a good 2-3 stg var speed furnace or even perhaps a true modulating furnace,95% or higher efficiency.

As far as EACs go, I would want to know homeowner's responsibility as to cleaning, maintenance frequency, etc. I subscribe to the KISS principle. That is why I prefer 4"-5" pleated filter media cabinet with changeout lasting up to one year.

IMO
mike423
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm not sure what my furnace size is, what an eff is, or what you mean by my insulation qualities. Is there a way I can look to find any of these out?

I'm also unsure as what you mean by EACs or KISS, but I am always up to date on things like filter/media cleaning and replacement of such items on all my houses appliances. Like I stated before I'm illiterate in heating terminology so please be a little easy going on me and give me the dummy version if you will.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
eff=efficiency of furnace,look at dataplate on furnace for input/output numbers

EACs=Electronic air cleaner like AccuClean

insulation qualities=type of windows,R rating for attic, walls, under floor

KISS=keep it simple stupxd!
mike423
Original Author
13 years ago
Input rating is 125000 BTU/HR
Alternate Input 100000 BTU/HR

Manifold Press inches W.C. 3.5
Min. Supply Press In W.C. for purpose of input adjustment 4.5
Max supply press inch W.C. 14.0

I wouldn't have thought that the size of the old one would matter since I was told the size/power of the furnace is judged on the houses size. The one I have now does not heat the house properly usually leaving the second floor warmer and the ground level cooler. I was also told the current heater also was installed with a intake vent smaller than needed to work efficiently. As for what rating I have for the efficiency of the houses ability to stay insulated I have no clue since I was never told nor had it evaluated.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
mike

what size home?

that's a rather large furnace even at 80% efficiency

I would request a load calculation be performed for accurate sizing of new system.

time for dealer to address your concerns about hot/cold spots in your home and possible solutions to correct.

IMO
mike423
Original Author
13 years ago
My home is approximately 2500 square foot two floor house.

New Furnace,Humidifier,Air purifier Advice

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New Furnace,Humidifier,Air purifier Advice

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