New Construction HVAC Cost Estimate-Any Input?

8 years ago

We are planning new construction in Midwest-roughly 5000 sq foot home with finished basement. I would appreciate any feedback on an initial proposal for HVAC install:

(1) 100,000 BTU Carrier 92% High Efficiency Furnace

(1) 80,000 BTU Carrier 92% High Efficiency Furnace

(2) 4-ton 13-SEER Carrier High Efficiency A/C

(2) Honeywell HE300 Power Humidifiers

(2) electronic set back Thermostats

(2) non-electric air cleaner compartments with media filters

(1) Electronic Zone Damper system to separate Basement and First Floor

(1) Sterling Low-Profile Sealed Combustion Unit Garage Heater

Includes Kitchen Hood ducting, Bath fans ducting and dryer venting.

Total-$34, 290

We were not happy with the furnace and AC units as we desire something "more efficient" ( I don't believe the current specified units are even Energy-star qualified). Any feedback on the costs, specified equipment, questions we should ask would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (8)

tigerdunes
8 years ago
typical new home construction quote...no model numbers...very expensive...mediocre HVAC...was a load calc performed both heating and cooling?...where will furnaces be located?...pricing includes ductwork-if so provide some details...how well will new home be insulated?...most everything you have listed is quite vague...

IMO
mike_home
8 years ago
Both furnaces should be installed in the basement. It is hard to believe you need 180K BTU of heating and 8 tons of cooling. What is you location?
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gmkdac
Original Author
8 years ago
tigerdunes and mike_home

Thanks for comments.

Both furnaces will be installed in basement. I do not know if any load calc was done. We plan on doing insulation "above code" but are still deciding on how much to do. Right now our insulation plans our specified for: R21 fiberglass in exterior walls (2x6), R49 fiberglass at second floor ceiling, R21 fiberglass at boxed joist, R11 fiberglass basement exterior walls. We would like to "increase" the insulation but will need to get some professional opinion as to where most value is in doing this. I assume that if our insulation is very efficient then we can use smaller HVAC units? We are in the Chicago-area.
mike_home
8 years ago
What major city are you near? This will give us an idea of what the winter and summer outdoor design temperatures are for your location.

Does the 5000 sq. feet include the basement? If it does what are the areas of the first and second floors? Basements require little for heating, and nothing for cooling if they are mostly below ground.

Get a copy of the load calculation. New construction has no history for HVAC so it is very important that a load calculation with the proper software is done. You have above average insulation so I am skeptical you need 180K BTU of heating, and 8 tons of cooling.

Adding more insulation is a good idea, but you may hit the point of diminishing returns. Do you know the gas and electric rates? The return on investment on more insulation may be a long time. It may make more financial sense to put the extra money to more efficient equipment.
tigerdunes
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
OP says Chicago...for OP, need model numbers if you expect any comments and/or suggestions...and I agree that load calculation both heating/cooling is a must broken out by each zone...

IMO
gmkdac
Original Author
7 years ago
mike_home, tigerdunes

Thanks for comments. I do not have model numbers and will need to obtain from our builder/GC. I will need to stress to them that I want load calc done (not sure if they did). First floor-2676 sq ft, Garages- 1150 sq ft, Second Floor-2320 sq feet, Basement is below grade.

I see that I will really need to clarify many more details form that initial cost estimate. Thanks!
tigerdunes
7 years ago
Garage to be heated?....basement will be finished living area?....it's size?....basements below grade and properly insulated have small loads both heating and cooling...load calc required for each zone to be heated and cooled and you need to be involved in design temps used both inside and out...

IMO
PRO
HVAC Consulting
7 years ago
It can't be done without creating a level playing field for all bidders. Get the load calculations done duct layout drawings and specifications so all bidders are working from the same information. You need to compare apples to apples not apples to oranges.

New Construction HVAC Cost Estimate-Any Input?

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tigerdunes

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New Construction HVAC Cost Estimate-Any Input?

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tigerdunes

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