countryboy

is this a 2 1/2 or 3 ton system?

pls recheck your mdl numbers for both inside and outside units.

you definitely want a system that qualifies for the fed govt tax credit of $1500.

IMO

Get an AHRI Reference number and check SEER/EER/HSPF and btu output.

15 SEER and 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF (all 3 must be met) for Fed Tax Credit.

A good install is critical.

What shape are your ducts in?

The old system is a 3.5 ton and the proposed is a 3 ton. I have spent countless hours rebuilding the duct system after having the supply and return registers checked with a cfm hood along with an energy audit. I have had a thermal imaging scan also. The installer wants to blower door test before all is done. He gave me quotes on repairing and sealing the ductwork along with other places in the house but also freely gave me tips on how to do it myself and encouraged me to do it. The infrared scan and cfm checks were done at no charge 6 or so months ago.

Here are the model numbers

UPQL-036JEZ

RHLLHM3617-JA

RXDH17A10J

I am still trying to find it in AHRI.

RHLL-HM3617 = not a variable speed indoor air handler, if that's what you're being told. The RHKL-HM3617 is variable speed and also qualifies for the tax credit with outstanding numbers: 13 EER, 15.5 SEER, 10 HSPF

I will have a quiz him because I specifically stated I want a variable speed and he said it was and that it is nearly impossible to qualify for the credit without one anyway.

Here is what I found looking for the numbers.

Here is a link that might be useful: AHRI info

The RHLL has an ECM motor like the motor in the RHKL, but does not use variable speed logic to vary motor RPM to maintain a set CFM value. You need the variable speed motor in the RHKL air handler to make use of the IAQ's dehumidify on demand (hopefully he knows how to configure the t-stat to do this as well).

So would this be a good setup with the same outdoor unit and RHKL air handler?

Yes, if installed properly, I would think so.

The reason for quoting the RHLL is that it is a really good unit and qualifies for the tax credit without the cost of the true variable speed blower. I was told that the RHKL would be approx 300 more but also has a better coil. He recommended an electronic air filter $1,000.00 or go to a 4ton air handler if using the 20z25x4 filter. I would really like to go with the electronic A/F but I also keep thinking about how many filters I can buy for $1k.

With RHKL and no electronic A/F I am going to be right around $7,000 without figuring the upcharge to a 4t handler, possibly 7,200.00 or so. With the filter 8K.

I would like to ask to drop the upcharge on the RHKL and go with the purifier.. that would set me at 7,600.00 but is probably unreasonable.

I really like the numbers on both systems efficiency wise but am unsure about where the best bang for my buck is.

I welcome all opinions.

I need to make a decision by Saturday afternoon, please help me with your opinion!

I'm not sure why you need to go to a 4 ton air handler. Rheem doesn't approve the 3 ton UPQL outdoor unit with a 4 ton air handler, and it shouldn't be necessary. The variable speed air handler can adjust its RPM to maintain proper CFM if necessary. Rheem seems to keep it 3 ton/3 ton with most match-ups, and so on for other sizes. Just the way they design the systems.

I need to make a decision by Saturday afternoon, please help me with your opinion!

Thanks Ryan, that will help save me some money right there. I questioned that theory myself.

Thanks to everyone who posted, greatly appreciated!

Bob

countryboy

Rheem and sister company Rudd are probably one of the most overlooked and underrated brands in the residential HVAC market. They make solid equipment, have reasonable pricing, and little advertising compared to the big three.

Here are the numbers which are basically the same.

with VS air handler
3245900 Active Systems RUUD UPQL SERIES RUUD AIR CONDITIONING DIVISION UPQL-036JEZ RHKL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617A* 36800 13.00 15.50 37200 10.00 24200

with high eff air handler(non var speed)
3245902 Active Systems RUUD UPQL SERIES RUUD AIR CONDITIONING DIVISION UPQL-036JEZ RHLL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617A* 36200 13.00 15.50 37000 10.00 24000

if the best dehumidification along with the "dehumidify on demand" feature (with HW VP IAQ stat) is important, then go with VS air handler configuration. I would ask that the backup heat strip be staged.I am not a fan of EACs due to maintenance/cleaning issues and suggest a good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet like AprilAire or Honeywell that is more than adequate for most homeowners. I will assume you are comfortable going down in size from a 3 1/2 to a 3 ton system.

IMO
Good Luck!

Tiger,
I living in Missouri (MISERY) with our humidity think the variable speed A/H makes good sense dollar wise and comfort wise. I am having a tough time swallowing $1,000.00 for an air cleaner that will need maintenance other than changing filters. I already run a 20x25x4 pleated and have no problem paying the money for the quality filters. He told me that the 4" version would cause more static pressure than a 1" filter of the same rating. That is about the only thing I have been told that I have my doubts about. There is so much more filter surface area, I know there are many things about hvac that are the reverse of what seems to make sense, maybe this is one of them. I think I am going to opt for the VS A/H and opt out of the electronic air filter.

Now for a systems update! It looks like all systems go for the RUUD system without the electronic air cleaner. Install date will be next week sometime, I am waiting to hear from the tech. I will let everyone know how the install goes.

Thanks to everyone that provided input.

countryboy

you are going with VS air handler?

and going down in size to a three ton that you are comfortable with?

post back following install.

IMO
Good Luck!