Replacing system: opinions on quotes

16 years ago

Here is where we are at:

Company A : only company to do Manual J calc; Trane; prices include repairing and sealing existing metal duct work; adding 3 supplies and 3 returns; reinsulating all ductwork to R6;

XB14 4TWB4042E / 4TEE3F65B 8,300

XR15 4TWR5042E / 4TEE3F65B 8,730

XL15I 4TWX5042A /4TEE3F65B 9,490

add $170 for IAQ upgrade

is it worth $170 for the thermostat upgrade?

Company B: American Standard; completely replace ducts with flex and add 2 supplies; no additional returns;

4A6H5042E1000A / 4TEE3F65B1000A 10,062

Company C: Carrier; completely replace ducts with flex and add 3 supplies; no additional returns;

2HCB348A003 / FV4CNF005T00 10,055

25HPA648A003 / FE4ANF005T00 11,845

All quotes include new copper, drain. etc. Anny advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. johnnymac

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Comments (3)

tigerdunes
16 years ago
johnny

what is your location?

insulation is relatively cheap and has good payback. go with R8 over R6.

I find the pricing on high side. Ductwork changes/modificationa are not too expensive as long as good accessibility.

I like the XR15.

Backup heat strip should be staged. what size was quoted?

The Carrier quotes are 4 ton, while the Trane and AS are 3 1/2 ton systems.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching VS air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem,Carrier/Bryant.

IMO
Good Luck!
johnnymac01
Original Author
16 years ago
Tiger,
We are on the west coast of Florida across the bay from Tampa. Accessability to the ductwork is bad. Very tight up in the attc. 3/12 pitch, about 3' tall at the peak. Duct work takes up most of the room. I am definitely leaning towards company A and the XR15. They are a Trane dealer, the only company who did a Manual J calc to size the unit and they have been very responsive to any questions. Not sure what size heat strip. Maybe 7.5kW? What is a staged heat strip? Also, is it worth the $170 for the upgraded IAQ T-stat? I will ask if they can upgrade insulation to R8 instead of R6. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. johnnymac
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tigerdunes
16 years ago
johnny

R6 insulation will be fine for Tampa area location.

7.5KW heat strip would be fine.

I would go with HW VP IAQ stat for its DOD feature-dehumidify on demand.

IMO
Good Luck!