Pricing Carrier Infinity 21

19 years ago

Just wanted to post an FYI on our system that is on day 3 of 4 for the install. Changed over from way undersized 2 x 2.5T Goodman heat pumps (1995, maybe 10 SEER) downstairs to 1 x 5T Carrier Infinity 21 heat pump, duel fuel (propane). Upstairs, changing from 1 x 3.5T Goodman to another 5T Infinity.

Each system now has 4 sub-zones w/ dampers & the Infinity controls, Infinity electronic air cleaner & humidifier.

I found a co. that will install way cheaper than others here in North Dallas Plano. About $5K less per unit than others! Most contractors here really seem to raise the price A LOT based on how fancy a neighborhood you live in. It pays to look around. Send out bid specs w/o an onsite visit so you can compare more bids if possible.

Lots of duct changes since we went to 2 units vs. 3 & did 10 zones total (main thermostat area does not use dampers thus 5 zones per unit). Installed was about $9K/ea. + zoning $1K /ea. + humidifier $300/ea. + Infinity air cleaner $1000/ea. + extra duct changes $500/ea. This does not include adding a gas pipe for the new duel fuel system vs. electric heat strip for backup. Total bill should be under $24K which is a lot of cash but it is a lot better than $34K.

FYI this is on 4800 sf. & summer energy use 5000-6000 kWh/month which includes our base usage of 2000 kWh/mo due to pumps. Will be interesting to see what our energy use will be next year with these 21 systems. Also be sure to get the 'N' coil which is bigger than std. to get the full 21 SEER on a heat pump application.

Also FYI. 7/8' x 3/8' copper line set works fine for these per local Carrier office. 1-1/8' is recommended but Puron is denser & this issue is less of a factor vs. R-22. We had one 1/2' line set replaced, the other was 7/8' already.

I wanted the 1-1/8' until I saw what the price was; about $400 per 25'. We would need 7 sets so that adds up fast, about $1400/unit. Online I found 50' (vs. 25') 1-1/8' set for under $400 so you may want to pre-order copper you supply for the job.

Here is a link that might be useful: CM Services

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Comments (6)

ckmb5150
19 years ago
duel fuel in Dallas? kinda overkill imo. I'm 90 miles south of you and have never quoted a duel fuel system in my area. One or the other usually works fine. hope your new install works out for you.
keithtx
Original Author
19 years ago
Yeah, LOL, it just makes me feel better about using less electric but you get a propane bill. I think it may save about $250/yr. Not much, but I don't think I paid much more vs. going back w/electric heat strips. I went from 3 heat pumps to 2 so I had an extra 3/4" copper run to the units. The gas guy was out and said that could be used since it is brazed. This way I can use more heat when it is 20F out and not worry about the electric meter spinning. My peak heat bill w/electric in Jan very nearly reaches my peak AC use, about 6000 kwh for 4800 sq.ft. I already had propane. Natural gas would be way cheaper but I don't have that. It is out on the street, but the bid to go under the road (through rock) 200-ft. to the house was $4000. $2000 and I would have done it.
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tigerdunes
19 years ago
keith

10 tons for 4800 sq ft? hummm....

heat pump w/ propane backup? hummm...

oversize/overkill ?

best operating efficiency?

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Calculator
keithtx
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the fuel calculator. That is showing that it is not much of a savings, about 12%. I wanted to have both electric and gas so I could have a choice based on cost but I don't think the controller handle that?

The house has big windows, 10' ceilings & large 22' open area through the whole central area including entry, stairs, tied to an open family room. 8-1/2 tons was not cutting it at all. Had to run way into the night just to get to the set point. If you over-cool at night you could keep it to 80F. I'm here all day & don't like not having control of what the temperature is. Undersized & you have no options. With the Infinity you have variable speed & 2 compressor output ratings to work with so I don't think it is oversized. Throw a party w/30 people, doors opening, & it is 100F out, I will be glad to have this!

So hummm means you think it is over-sized?

Zoning seems to be overkill since the new system can in fact cool the house. Not as much of an issue now. My office is now 77F at 4pm vs. 84F prior.
eths
19 years ago
keithtx,
I have found that being "oversized" is more of an opinion than an an absolute fact. 5 tons in one person's 2,000 square foot house may be just what they need to be comfortable, while another person may only need 3 tons in the same house.

You mention "not having control of what the temperature is..." and "undersized & you have no options." I could not agree more. Especially if you can afford a 4,800 square foot house, why not make sure you are comfortable. Prepare to see/hear the whole "oversized" and "not remove humidity" stance from those who prefer to undersize (IMO). I believe in finding the tonnage that will get you to the temps you require on the hottest and coldest days and working backward from there regarding supply/return duct design.

You mention "Throw a party w/30 people, doors opening, & it is 100F out...". Examples that come to mind in Florida are retail stores at Disney or malls that leave their doors wide open for customers during the summer. They can maintain the temps they want (with doors left open), so why not design a system for your home that can do the same? Wasteful? Maybe. Politically correct? No, but you have control over the temps in your house. I know that some of those examples are on chiller systems, but some are conventional split or packaged units, too. Seems like $ well spent to me, but I do not work in the field and am no expert.
User
19 years ago
I think you need to get an energy consultant to verify the
insulation values of the ductwork and ceiling and make sure
all the glazing is double or triple pane. Seal plumbing, ducts and
electrical penetrations. Repair any old or damaged weather
striping so that the heat gain/loss is minimized in addition to
adding cooling. This seems to always get overlooked in older
homes and added or remodeled rooms.
Your local utility may provide this service free or at a nominal
charge. Or they may provide a list of certified contractors.