Question about contractor quote and system choice

16 years ago

I live in Western NC where we have fairly moderate climate. This past Dec and early Jan have been colder than normal and on a few days our heat pump was overwhelmed and became ineffective. In the summer we only use AC about 60 day per year max, usaually much less.

I would like to replace our contractor grade HP unit for a better one and add a gas furnace as backup for the colder days.

We got a quote on a Trane system that I think might be overkill. We were quoted an XV95 (61K/95K btu) with

an XL15i. The new furnace was to be integrated with our existing Arzel Airboss zoning unit and reuse the current coil (FCX3600C). We don't currently have natural gas but the gas company is set to have it brought in from the street. The contractor would have to run about 25 feet of gas line through an open ceiling (web trusses) to the meter. The vent would have to be run about 10 feet to get to an ouside wall. The contrator would also replace all the lineset.

The quote was for about $12K and didn't include any of the Clean Effects or any t-stats. I think the unit is sized right because they did extensive measurements.

I think the price is too high but I was also concerned that I wouldn't get my money's worth due to the lack of utilization (if I lived in a Northern state it would be a no brainer). I was wondering what other configurations I should look at that will provide reliable heat and AC with a budget of around $8K. I would prefer a system with emphasis on the HP but with a good furnace. Reliability is a priority and I'm also concerned that the quote didn't include a new coil.

I like what I hear about Trane and want to stay with a good brand.

The tax credit is not really a consideration since we were also looking at a new water heater. I don't want to make a model selection based on that.

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Comments (5)

tigerdunes
16 years ago
resqguy

I live close by in the foothills of SC so I know the weather for our area very well.

what size is your home? what size, brand, age is existing HP system? This is HP with air handler and electric strip heat backup?

your dealer has confirmed that existing zoning controls are compatible with HVAC equipment being proposed?

What size XL15i HP is being proposed? Tell a little more about this existing evap coil. Re-using a non matched coil is a terrible idea and makes me question the qualifications of your quoting dealer.

Not clear about running this gas line thru open ceiling. I would run this by gas company and local building authority respensible for codes in your area.

You will need a good two stg stat suitable for DF.

at the minimum, you should consider a good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet.

I personally think an 80% VS furnace would be a better choice since you will rarely run the furnace. keep in mind the recent cold wave that our area recently experienced was about 20 degrees below average.

just on the info provided, I find your quote on the high side and recommend you get additional quotes.

IMO
ryanhughes
16 years ago
Just to clarify, your dealer wanted to reuse your preexisting coil with a new heat pump? Big no and red flag right there. They are NOT compatible, and would do you no good. I agree with tiger above; if you get a heat pump, an 80% furnace would be fine, unless it is easier to vent with PVC for some reason (i.e., no chimney nearby, etc.).
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creek_side
16 years ago
Have you considered a wood stove? Unlike all the other options, it will also work when the power is out.

We just had a 70,000 BTU model installed. It was about $3,300 through our builder. Evey thing was included in the price, stove, pipe, penetration, cap, decorative extras, labor. If we hadn't gussied it up, it would have been under $3K.

We aren't too far from Western NC.
resqguy
Original Author
16 years ago
After looking at my quote I noticed some things were different from what the rep told be verbally.

A 3.5 ton R-410a coil was actually included. (sorry I missed it)

The HP/AC unit (XL15i) is a 36K btu unit.(4TTX5036A1000A)

The deal about the gas line is that the HVAC contractor will be running gas line since there is no existing furnace or natural gas in the house. He will be pulling a permit.

I didn't get a straight answer about the rep about why I needed a 95% unit. There is no existing chimney or stack. My current setup (5 years old) is an air handler only. Can I run a horizontal vent with a lower efficiency furnace?

We also have a gas fireplace which is another reason for not needed a top end furnace.
tigerdunes
16 years ago
resqguy

what mdl number coil? do not accept third party coil.

what size home?

I would drop down to the next size XV95 furnace. This is a 95% eff furnace and of course you will get tax credit. where will furnace be located? A horizontal line vent through an outside wall at least two ft above ground away from a window is preferred.

you should consider a good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet for IAQ and protection of evap coil and blower motor.

IMO
Good Luck!