With a single level house, you don't really need two zones. With the correct ductwork and flow rate settings, you can have even temperatures throughout the house.

Can't really speak to the price except to say that's a builder grade unit and for $14,000 I'd expect (a lot) better. Get more estimates.

Thank you sktn77a for your feedback. Quote includes 13 lines and 2 intakes if this helps assess the quote.

What unit would you recommend?

What is 'correct' ductwork?

Is it easy to set flow rate settings?

Much appreciated!

A 5 ton system for a 2750 sq foot house seems over sized. Ask how this size was calculated. Where in California are you located and what is a typical summer high temperature? The right way to size a system is to do a load calculation.

"What is 'correct' ductwork? Is it easy to set flow rate setting?"

The "correct" ductwork and flow rate settings are specific to your house. They are designed with a "manual D" or "ductulator". It calculates the correct size and design of ductwork so that flow rates and velocities result in balanced air (and heating/cooling) delivery throughout the house. Your installer should do this when designing the system.

I'll reinforce the suggestion about cold air returns.

In a budget installation for a house this size it is common to only offer one or maybe two air returns centrally located in the house. This means that all air pushed to the bedrooms has to return by coming through an open bedroom door or through the space under a closed door. If you have an air return in each bedroom, along with two larger returns in the center of the house, it will keep temps more even and make it more comfortable even if doors are closed.

Bruce

Thanks for all your feedback. I received this email from one of the people quoting my system. Would like to know if this is sufficient for a house my size 2750sf and if not, what should I ask for to be included? I understand the returns are important.

I'm located in Northern California and would only use Air Conditioning probably a couple months out of the year.

this are the model #'s and specs on the Bryant 4 Ton heating and cooling system,

*Furnace Model 915sa4808017 95% AFUE Single Stage 80,000 BTU

*Condenser Model 105ana048000 14Seer AC PUR.

*Indoor Coil CNPHP4817 PUR. Incased

*Zone Control System- Ultra Zone Model NCM-300, Motorized Dampers Model URD 12"

*Ducting- Sliver Jacket Flex Duct R6 Polyester Core

*Copper Line set Mueller Industries 3/8"x7/8"x50'

We can do the install for $15,500, all materials and labor included with one year warranty on install. Heating and cooling units under

factory warranty. All work and materials up to code standards.

Well, it's the same bulder grade equipment but they put the price up 10%(?) California has the strictest energy codes in the nation - I'm surprized they allow R6 ductwork (unless it's all in a conditioned space?). I still question the need for zoning.

For ductwork, in a ranch house, you should ideally have an insulated, sealed, metal trunk line running the entire length of the house with flex duct for the branch line take-offs only. How many bids did you get?

The Bryant coils models are either CSPHP or CNPVP. Both may be proper matches, but one may result in a higher SEER rating than the other.

What thermostat and filter is being provided as part of this quote?

Since this is a major remodel, I recommend a load calculation be preformed. You can see by the quotes (4 and 5 tons) that these guys are guessing at the sizes.

foothillviews, I'd recommend that you look up Manual J and Manual D and read up on them. They should be used to properly design your new HVAC system.

"The Bryant coils models are either CSPHP or CNPV P."

I believe the CNPH P is the horizontal implementation.