Just like asking what car is best, everyone has their own opinions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Read this

I call for a moment of silence...

Lindaabe, did you follow my link to more info?

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IMO:

Be careful of choosing high efficiency furnace if you system is located in a basement. Most high efficiency furnaces need a moisture drainage pipe that needs to descend a quarter-inch per foot length, or else the moisture (secondary exchanger runoff) will back up into the furnace and it will shut off.

I personally recommend a Trane XV80 or Bryant 80V variable-speed-fan 80% furnace (without that secondary exchanger and without all that extra maintenance), either one paired with a SEER15 Heat-Pump A\C condenser unit.

- The equivalent American Standard (same as Trane) or Carrier (same as Bryant) would be fine.
- Check your local BBB website for A+ rated dealer and ask around.
- Make sure your dealer does a "load calculation" before recommending how "big" of a system you need.
- Get at least 2 quotes, 3 if you can.

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Condensing/ high efficiency furnaces have long been the preferred furnace for most home owners. Condensing issues are few and far between, especially with regular maintenance. Installation is HUGE! Reputable dealer, reputable equipment = happy home owner. Get 3 quotes and I suggest Carrier, Trane, Lennox and that's it. Rheem ok, Amana...nice microwave, dishwasher, do they really need to make it all? Bryant ok but on it's way down, nowhere near as nice as a Carrier. Good luck.

* Posted by pko69 (My Page) on
Fri, Mar 20, 09 at 12:50

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"IMO:

Be careful of choosing high efficiency furnace if you system is located in a basement. Most high efficiency furnaces need a moisture drainage pipe that needs to descend a quarter-inch per foot length, or else the moisture (secondary exchanger runoff) will back up into the furnace and it will shut off."

What's wrong with a condensate pump? My basement furnace/a-c pumps vertically about 15 feet to a first floor laundry tub.

It's nice; I can monitor furnace/a-c operation without having to go outside (long walk), especially in the winter.

V

We received five estimates and I appreciate everybodys feedback. All five estimates are recommending something different so you can understand my frustration.

Are they all recommending different size furnaces? If so, something's wrong.

If some are recommending 95% furnaces, and some 80% furnaces, remember that you get a 30% tax credit against the cost of the 95% furnace, including installation, up to $1500. This is an actual tax credit, not a deduction.

You might post some model #s of what's being quoted and what is confusing you. Helps us tell you more. Also where you are and how your utility rates run.

We decided on the carrier infinity, just installed 3 days ago, the company we used were fantastic, and so far extremely happy, very quiet. It is unbelievable how many people we called and nobody called back, in today's economy it is pretty sad. I went onto Lennox website and they list the dealers that are close to you, called and they never called back.