1 vs. 2 stage cooling? 80% vs. 95% furnace?
M. A.
9 years ago
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dovetonsils
9 years agoRelated Discussions
4 Ton vs 5 Ton; 2 stage vs 1 stage condenser
Comments (53)The furnace model number with the XR16 is an XC80. Very similar to the XV80 but communicating. Must be a mistake. TCONT803 is a fine thermostat to use with the XR16 air conditioner and furnace. Overall, I do not agree with the equipment matchups proposed with the furnaces and air conditioners. Oversized furnace on both systems, and oversized coil to achieve marginal efficiency gains on the XR16 system. I realize you may not understand all the implications of oversized equipment, but it is a big deal for comfort, efficiency and reliability. All things considered I still recommend the heat pump system. This post was edited by ryanhughes on Wed, Apr 24, 13 at 13:54...See More2 stage vs. 3 stage HVAC unit?
Comments (6)I live in SE PA outside of Philly. The house is approximately 3,400 sq feet. I get very little air circulation in the house with open windows and no trees for shade. So the house bakes in the summer. The system I am replacing is the original system, and is 100k BTU's. The compressor seized up. I was told by 2 different HVAC's guys if I replace the compressor I need to replace the AC unit, and need to match the existing furnace, so I am buying old inefficient technology. They both recommended to buy new and get the 10 year warranty. I will also get a $600 PECO rebate and (I think) $500 tax credit. The Bryant dealer suggested he has some room in his quote, I am thinking he might come down a little. I plan on living in the house for a long time. I am thinking if can come down, I might go with him. I am not sure what you are talking about with the evap coil mdl number. Should that be on the quote? Enclosed are the model numbers - Furnace M#355CAV060100, Air Conditioning M# 187BNA048 The installer is raving about how well integrated the Byrant system is, and with the control thermostat I can monitor the complete system. Is it worth it for a guy who sets the temp and never touches it? My wife and kids are in and out all day long. I also forgot to mention the price may be a little higher than normal, they are doing some duct work and moving the outside pad a little further away. I appreciate the help and advice. GM...See MoreComparing HVAC quotes: 2 stage AC vs 1 in SE Pa.
Comments (5)@ Mike_home: I meant only de-humidifier. I am not home now, will check the humidity reading when I got back. We installed the de-humid as part of a basement waterproofing system some years back. At that time we were running a 10yr old Cent AC and the dehumid definitely was working. Prior to that the basement smelled somewhat musty (my wife is very sensitive w/ allergies) and we ran 2 portable dehumids on the first floor, emptying them frequently SE Pa can get warm and sticky, the whole house unit was needed, it will be interesting to see if we need to run it with new AC. As for the load, 3 contractors each bid 3 ton units after their inspections. I haven't seen their results, but I will ask and if I find out anything interesting, I will comment. Thanks all for your help. John...See MoreAdvice on new furnace - single stage vs 2 stage, 80% vs 95% AFUE
Comments (7)I'm also in the Bay Area and presume the OP has PG+E as I do. Gas and electricity charges are tiered by order of the PUC, a so-called "baseline" allowance for the first small tranche and then the "excess" rate. For me, the baseline is enough for water heating and cooking and was $1.19 per therm on my last few bills. The next tier, immediately reached in any month when heat is used, is $1.75. Yeah, it's high, compared to rates elsewhere in the country. I replaced two systems a few years ago. The HVAC contractor recommended sticking with 80% furnaces because he said there would be no payback for the incremental cost of more efficient ones, so that's what I did. I guess it depends on how warm one keeps the house during the winter. We tend to stick to the high 60s, with daytime and nighttime setbacks, and in a larger house than this one. I don't think I've ever spent as much as $750 per year on heating and it's usually less. To save 10-15% isn't going to get me very far any time soon. Also, because of the mild temperatures, single stage units seem to be the most common. HERS testing is required for all HVAC equipment replacement and installation jobs. It's basically testing by a 3rd party, not the HVAC contractor, for duct leakage and requires reasonably easily located holes be patched. For my job, I had them do a complete rehab and reinsulating of my old hard duct system anyway, and in advance, so the HERS testing was a non-event. But it does cost about $1K....See MoreM. A.
9 years agobry911
9 years agoM. A.
9 years agobry911
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoM. A.
9 years agomike_home
9 years agoM. A.
9 years agoM. A.
9 years agotigerdunes
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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