Okay, lots of things to consider with this new installation:

A. Was a load calculation performed to determine sizing properly? A load calculation doesn't select the equipment as some common sense and other factors are involved, but it's important to determine the BTU's you require. Okay--I see you mentioned this later on.

B. What type of ductwork is proposed? Personally I prefer metal trunk lines (insulated or lined) and flex connectors.

C. You want a lot of control over your IAQ--this is good. In this case, you'd benefit from the Infinity system from Carrier. I don't have anything against the other two condensers proposed (though I'd like to see a louvered coil guard in the 24ABA rather than the wire guard), but the 24ANA7 would complement the Infinity system well with its two stage cooling (good for dehumidification if sized properly).

D. Nothing wrong with the comparable Lennox system with the IAQ control, though right now I think Carrier has the best product offerings.

E. If you go with the Carrier system, do yourself a favor in getting the tin-plated copper coil with a 10-year warranty. These have an "ATA" at the end of the model number, so CNPVP3017ATA.

You're very right in wanting to have it done right the FIRST TIME and avoid problems down the road.

As far as pricing goes, typical builder markup unfortunately.

ryanhughes wrote:

>>Okay, lots of things to consider with this new installation:

So I'm learning ;-)

>> B. What type of ductwork is proposed? Personally I prefer metal trunk lines (insulated or lined) and flex connectors.

I've e-mailed the HVAC contractor, asking if what you mention can be installed. Though I know little-to-nothing about it, it sounds robust and effective!

>>D. Nothing wrong with the comparable Lennox system with the IAQ control, though right now I think Carrier has the best product offerings.

Thank you. I'm sure each has their supporters, but ... for whatever reason ... I keep gravitating toward that Carrier line, myself.

>>E. If you go with the Carrier system, do yourself a favor in getting the tin-plated copper coil with a 10-year warranty. These have an "ATA" at the end of the model number, so CNPVP3017ATA.

Excellent. Many thanks. I've added that to the RFP. Is an A coil unit inherently better, or more efficient, than an N coil unit, or is each designed for a different application??

>>You're very right in wanting to have it done right the FIRST TIME and avoid problems down the road.

Perfect.

>>As far as pricing goes, typical builder markup unfortunately.

Sigh. I'm trying not to think too much about that ....

Again, many thanks for the input.

I mostly see quotes using N coils from Carrier, so that's the direction I'd lean unless your contractor specifies an A-coil for some reason. The CNPVP is a cased N-coil.

If IAQ is as important as you say I am not sure why we are talking about size before load and ductwork calcs have been done seems a bit premature but yes it is going to be a good bit cheaper to do this during construction, also I am not familiar with Colorado pricing but I would shop around

Thanks again, ryanhughes.

Mike,

Interesting website! Many thanks for your input.

Hopefully, I'm NOT talking about sizing before duct and load calcs were done. That's why I've asked the builder's HVAC guy whether he has done, and can provide me with, the Manual J and Manual D calcs.

Unfortunately, I simply have no idea what has and has not been done, to this point.

The builder's HVAC guy IS the builder's HVAC guy. I don't have the right to choose another, and -- even if I did -- the builder would still add 18% profit/overhead TO those costs. It's semi-custom home, and I'm not the GC. Not much opportunity to price shop. I either take the deal or leave it.

Thanks again.

Had a long talk with the builder's HVAC contractor.

I plan to go with:

- Carrier 58MVC080F114 furnace

- Carrier 24ANA1036 a/c - most likely with N-coil, tin-plated fan coil

- Honeywell HM509H8908 steam humidifier

- Lennox Healthy Climate HEPA-40 air cleaner

- Infinity thermostat

But here's my question: I've asked him to price a two and a three-zone setup:

2 zones:

- main level (it's a 1,900sf ranch with full basement),

- basement

3 zones:

- main level living/dining/kitchen

- main level bedrooms, bathrooms

- basement

The prices I got (in addition to all equipment) are:

- 2-zone: $3,888

- 3-zone: $4,714

I can't imagine I, or the system, will EVER live long enough to see an ROI for this $$, so my questions are:

- Given that the builder has already told me he adds 18% to HIS vendor's prices ... any comment on these numbers??

- Given that it's new construction, upgraded insulation, tight house, UNfinished basement:

- I assume that energy savings of changing settings for unused rooms will NEVER return a payback, unless energy costs REALLY soar;

- can anybody give me any help in figuring out how I evaluate the value of zoning, for this house?

In other words: do the numbers seem reasonable, and would any right-minded human being ever consider paying this much money to put two or three-zone zoning into their home??

We're not wealthy, but I firmly believe this will be the home my wife and I (no others) live in for decades ... and understand that much of the big-ticket items, in this scenario, have -- at best -- about an 18yr service life. I also tend to think that energy costs WILL continue to climb....

Incidentally, the HVAC contractor seemed to know an awful lot about how zoning affects static pressures, and how duct sizing may need to be modified for a proper install ... at least ... to my totally uneducated ears ;-)

Many thanks ... again!