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rcouret

critique my final (?) choice

17 years ago

My area is New Orleans. Was going to go with the norm here..split system a/c with natural gas furnace. But after reading many of comments and advice here on the forum the final(?)choice is:

American Standard

Heritage Model 15 HP 4 Ton 4A6H5048*1000* W/Matched System

Air Handler/Variable Speed Model 4TEE3DA49*1000* W/Vortica Advanced Airflow System

ACONT803AS32DA Thermostat with Humidity sensors and controls.

All new ducting, return grille, and registers.

Did did not see the need for the HW VisionPRO IQA if Iwas not going to humidify.

Also (2) Manual D and J's done with the same results.

One last time to change my thinking!

Comments (17)

  • 17 years ago

    Good system. What kind of ductwork system? Metal trunklines with flexible duct to registers would be my preference if not all metal. The IAQ DOES do a better job with dehumidification which should be important for you. The ACONT803 only overcools to dehumidify; the IAQ actually has the ability to control blower speed. And the 4TEE3D49 does not have the Vortica blower, just so you are aware (no big deal). It does have the CleanEffects air cleaner built in (note the D).

  • 17 years ago

    May or may not matter much to you, but the system unfortunately does not qualify for the 30% tax credit. Falls short on EER and SEER by less than 1 point.

  • 17 years ago

    rcouret

    I personally would not leave the $1500 tax credit lying on the table due to Trane/AmStd shortcomings in performance/eff numbers.

    Get a quote on either Carrier's Performance 15 "H" model or Bryant's Preferred 15 "H" model with appropriate var speed air handler. Both qualify for the tax credit. Ask for the "T" tin plated coil for air handler.

    IMO

  • 17 years ago

    ryanhughes
    By bad on that number, quote reads 4TEE3F48*100O* W/Vortica Advanced Airflow System. Going abit number crazy with all the varied qoutes.

    Also where do I miss the tax credit by 1 point.

    Also every (4) American Standard a/c contractors that gave me a qoute saying the 803 with do the same as the IAQ as it applies to dehumidifing.What exactly and how does IAQ operate differently then the 803. What specifics/questions/argument can I tell/ask them to convince them its not the same.
    Its sad not one knows the diffence. And these companies have been aroud a long time. Also it scares me that they may not know how to properly wire the IAQ.

  • 17 years ago

    That's even worse, because the 4TEE3F48 is not even approved by Trane to be used with the 4A6H5048. I really wish more dealers paid attention to using the proper matching units rather than just going by the "48" in the model number.

    The 4TEE3F49 with that heat pump would give you 11.8 EER, 14.25 SEER, 8.7 HSPF. You need 12.5 EER, 15 SEER, 8.5 HSPF for the tax credit.

    The 803 cannot be wired to control blower speed in the 4TEE air handler. The IAQ has an interface module mounted near the unit that is wired to send a dehumidification signal, 80% of cooling speed, to remove more humidity. They certainly are not the same thermostat.

  • 17 years ago

    Crap, 3 of the contractors use the 4A6H5048 as the matching unit. So is the 4TEE3F49 the right match. And 2 qouted using the 803 with them.

    Ok what if I went with the Bryant's Preferred 15 "H"
    would I still want the IAQ or do they have a thermostat that works the same. And whats the matching air handler.

    I feel like I'm a square one.

  • 17 years ago

    265ANH048 (or if H model unavailable, 265ANA048)
    FV4BNB006T00
    I believe they have a thermidistat that takes care of humidity, but you could still use the IAQ.

    I'd also give Lennox a strong look (this setup is very quiet and qualifies for the tax credit):
    XP15-048-230
    CBX32MV-060-230
    They have a good thermostat selection but would still recommend the IAQ.

    You aren't back at square one--you just stopped yourself from potentially getting an uncertified system and a company that has no idea how to properly match their own equipment.

  • 17 years ago

    What the difference between the 265ANH048 and 265ANA048

    Does the Bryant *thermidistat* send a dehumidification signal, 80% of cooling speed, to remove more humidity as does the IAQ. or any thing close?

    And I assume the FV4BNB006T00 is variable speed.

  • 17 years ago

    "What the difference between the 265ANH048 and 265ANA048"

    The "H" model is enhanced for a little more heating efficiency, but if I remember correctly with the 006 air handler (and yes it's variable speed) it's only about a .3 HSPF increase so may not even be worth the upgrade cost. In some sizes and matchups it does make more of a difference, though.

    I can tell you the IAQ controls the blower speed for dehumidification, and I want to say (95% sure, you could ask your dealer or I could look it up) the thermidistats Carrier/Bryant uses do as well on a DHUM call.

  • 17 years ago

    recouret

    I generally agree with Ryan.

    going down your list.

    "What the difference between the 265ANH048 and 265ANA048"

    Improved HSPF heating efficiency with the "H" mdl. Not a big deal for the NO area. However if the price difference is small or inconsequential, I would go with the H" mdl. I just like the better efficiency and potential savings with the electric utility.

    "Does the Bryant *thermidistat* send a dehumidification signal, 80% of cooling speed, to remove more humidity as does the IAQ. or any thing close?"

    for Carrier/Bryant, their thermidistat is similar to the IAQ and the preferred control. I will have a separate comment on this subject below.

    "And I assume the FV4BNB006T00 is variable speed."

    Correct with the "T" tin plated coil.

    Here are the AHRI Directory numbers.

    1258754 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANA048-A FE4ANB006+UI 48000 13.00 15.50 47000 8.70 29400 1
    909157 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANA048-A FV4BNB006 48000 13.00 15.50 47000 8.70 29400

    1125974 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH048-A FE4ANB006+UI 48000 13.00 15.50 48000 9.00 30000 1
    1125976 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH048-A FV4BNB006 48000 13.00 15.50 48000 9.00 30000

    Keep in mind that Bryant's Preferred 15 can be supported by the Evolution air handler and controller. That is the reason I have included those two configurations. The Infinity(Evolution is the same) is simply the best on the residential market. Nice to have,can be pricey, but not necessary.

    920191 Active Systems XP15 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP15-048-230* CBX32MV-060+TDR+ 48000 12.50 15.50 48000 8.50 29800

    While the Lennox qualifies for the tax credit, I would expect it to be more expensive and my preference would be the Bryant system.

    IMO

  • 17 years ago

    recouret

    you do want a new refrigerant lineset properly sized. I would also consider a 4-5" pleated media air filter cabinet rather than 1" standard filters. how large is your home? how many returns were discussed?

    IMO

  • 17 years ago

    tigerdunes

    You said, "for Carrier/Bryant, their thermidistat is similar to the IAQ and the preferred control. I will have a separate comment on this subject below."

    Can you comment?

    Yes, I will go with the 4" air filter.

    House has 1728 sq,ft. but 27(3x5)windows and 6 window transom lites. All dbl insl. low e , argonne gas.
    As mention had (2) Manual d and J's with the same results.

    Returns: one said 25x25 the other said 25x30.

    It appears all of your recommended systems meet tax credit requirements, over 12.5 eeer/ 15 seer/ 8.5 hspf Is that correct.

    If you had to pick just one of your listed packages where
    you were to try to meet a happy medium between cost and efficiency . Which one?

    thanks

  • 17 years ago

    Rcouret if you're having a 4 ton system come in you should have more than just one return, even if it is 25x25. I have a 3.5 ton system with two 20x20 returns and one 12x12.

  • 17 years ago

    rcouret

    do you mind sharing the results of the two Man J load calculations? What were the design temperatures used both inside and outside? you have this in writing on the Man J software worksheet?

    Ryan is correct. you should have at least two returns properly sized. keep in mind, you must have ductwork both supply and return sized for min 400 CFMs/ton of conditioned air. I would not accept one return. Two returns properly located will offer better airflow and comfort plus dampen down noise. Keep in mind ductwork is relatively cheap. Not certain what code is for NO but suggest R8 insulation both supplies and returns.

    Obviously based on your area/climate, cooling and excellent dehumidification is more important than heating.
    New Orleans area has an average winter temp of about 50 degrees and average days below 40 degree is zero.

    I would prefer the "H" model Preferred 15 only if available and cost difference was negligible or inconsequential. If not, the "A" model would be fine. BTUs both cooling and heating are the same and HSPF of 8.7 is good.

    Bryant's Programmable Preferred Series stat is fine. The point I wanted to make you aware of was the pairing of the Preferred 15 HP condenser with the Evolution air handler and controller. None better but not necessary if budget/cost is a concern. See link. The Preferred series air handler FV4BNB006T in system 2 and 4 is certainly acceptable.

    I would recommend Bryant's 9KW staged prewired backup heat strip. Discuss with dealer.

    And as said above, you do want new lineset and I recommend a 4-5" pleated media filter air cabinet. Filter changeout is up to one year and very easy. I do not care for EACs.

    IMO

    Here is a link that might be useful: Bryant Preferred Series Stats

  • 17 years ago

    "do you mind sharing the results of the two Man J load calculations? What were the design temperatures used both inside and outside? you have this in writing on the Man J software worksheet?"

    Since I was not paying for the reports they did not offer
    to leave them with me. I surely understand that. But from the quotes it reads "0.4% outdoor design temperature of 94f and 80wb and an indoor temperature of 72f.: But it goes on to say"the size of the model and price may change up or down slightly as the engineering process concludes from the model listed in this quote."

    This was included on varies quotes of different models quoted. Model configurations naturally changed as some contractors quoted up to four different models.

    All quotes included new lineset.
    Quotes did vary with duct options between R6 and R8

    no one mentioned more that one return but it would not be a phyical problem to have to and meet the 400 CFMs/ton.

  • 17 years ago

    rcouret

    I would not sign on the dotted line or provide any DP until I had a written copy of the Man J software worksheet in my hand.

    Insist on R8 insulation both supply and return.

    I would add another return.

    And finally request the 9K staged prewired backup heat strip kit.
    IMO

  • 17 years ago

    thanks tigerdunes,

    yes I agree and will do that.

    I will meet with the Bryant dealer in 1 hour.

    Will have him qoute me on the Preferred 15 with the matching air handler and also the Evolution air handler.
    with 15 kw back up strip with 2 returns and R8 ducts.

    will report back.