I see alot of rheems in my area. They seem to run plenty long time. They are a reputable brand. Going from 8 seer to 15 seer may almost cut your bills in half. Now is the time. Time is running out to take advantage of the tax credit.

With that labor and parts warranty you should be fine. If there were any problems they should be worked out in the first year.

It sounds like you have about the highest efficiency single stage unit. Thats what I recommend. If the backup heat is staged just verify that the thermostat can handle that so it doesn't engage all 15kw at once.

Most parts are manufactured by the same company's. The compressor is a copeland scroll I think. THose are good. I would say you are all good ifyou have a reputable installer.

What is the bid costing?

The bid is about 5500.00. It includes adding 2 new ducts and enlarging one,along with new linesets and new emergency drain pan along with some other small stuff.I have had Rheem in the past and was happy with it.Comparing it to the Trane 15 on paper, it seems more efficent and about 2k less.....Farmer Steve

farmer,

Rheem makes good HVAC including their HPs. I would change the air handler to the var speed model. I also would have the backup heat strips staged in 5KW increments.

best stat would be HW VP IAQ.

4 tons seems oversized for 2000 sq ft.

new system qualifies for tax credit?

IMO
Good Luck!

New system does qualify for the tax credit. It was my understanding that this WAS a VS airhandler.This is why I love this site and the Pros on it.You just don't know how much ya'll help us out here! I will verify with the contractor about the air handler. Do you think that this combo was the only way to get the tax credit with the 4 ton unit? And if it was the only way, would it be better to get the VS airhandler even if it dosn't meet the requirements? And Tiger, as I said above,the system is a little oversized. I asked for it to be sized for 72 degrees inside the house if its 100+ outside,and I don't have any trees shading my house here on the farm although I am pretty well insulated.Thanks in advance for your input....Steve

farmer

while the RHLL air handler is high efficient, it is not var speed.

this is the system configuration I would want.

3429753 Active Systems RHEEM RPQL SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY RPQL-048JEZ RHKL-HM4821+RCSL-H*4821 46000 13.00 15.00 45500 9.00 29400

note the JEZ suffix on HP condenser mdl number. mighty important. and yes, meets the tax credit qualification.

you are on your own as far as sizing.

I would want the heat strips staged and the HW VP IAQ stat.

IMO
Good Luck!

Tiger,I will ask about the unit numbers you suggested above.About how much extra should I expect this setup you suggest to add to my bid? Also,I didn't mention it before, but the air handler is in my attic with limited room due to the location of the unit and a 10/12 pitch roof.Is there a size difference in the air handlers that maybe the VS won't fit where the one he has quoted me will? Are the units you suggest more efficient than my bid combo (since I don't know what my bid combo numbers are)? And again, there were three separate manual J's done,and two said 3 3/4 tons the other said 3 1/2 tons. Thanks again....Steve

Sizing sounds right too me. You would probably be OK with 3.5 tons too but if you were happy with 4 then just stick with that.

You will like your new unit.

Thanks for all the info Tiger and Neohioheatpump.I would up grade to the 16 seer Tiger, but I'm afraid of the electronics on the Prestige units. I have had lightning problems in the past and I know that the electronics help performance and efficiency, but even on my new tractors, they are not reliable enough for me. Tiger,the contractor claims that the air handler offered in the bid is a VS unit, please verify if you can. Also, what are the performance numbers with the units together in the bid? And BTW,I do heat with an efficient wood stove most of the time. I have wood readily available since the Co OP has a hard time keeping the lites on during winter storms.Thanks again in advance....Steve

Steve

homeowners come on this site wanting help and advice. And that's what I try to do. You can lead them to water but you can't make them drink it.

The RKLL air handler has a high efficient blower motor but it is not var speed. The RHKL model as I listed in previous post is the variable speed model. If your dealer tells you otherwise, he is either ignorant or simply not stating the truth. What verification do you want? Go to the Rheem site and look under air handlers. It will only take a few minutes.

I personally would want the VS model. However more important is that you get the JEZ model. That would be a shame and a bigger mistake if you fail to do that.

Get that heat strip element staged. Yes, this will cost more money but you are getting superb pricing anyway. Do it right and correct.

IMO

I too am looking at the Rheem RPQL-JEZ and variable air handler. As a second home at the beach, does not qualify for $1500. Older home was enlarged fron 1700 to 1900 sq. ft, tin roof, bad ductwork and currently has equiv. of 10 seer unit which is still running but overworking at an ave. summer cost of $500/month. It is time to replace.

Current quote from long time reputable local Rheem dealer is $8425 which includes, RPQL 3.5 ton 15 seer HP and RHKL Variable AH with all new ductwork. Includes 1 yr. svc contract, prog. tstat,all new R-8 insulated ductwork sealed w/mastic, new return air plenum sealed w/ mastic, drain pan, zinc ball, flushing drain lines, electrical and permits and taxes.

Haven't asked him to break quote down into new ducts and ductwork labor, HVAC labor and equipment. I have found same Rheem unit online $3265 with no labor, ductwork, permits, etc. Another was $2695 but was the RHLL air handler...shipping is included with each of these. Also looking at $300 charge for Microguard www.adsil.com to help with rust and corrosion.
Any suggestions on ways to get cost dow?

you might want to just get some more quotes. You have more than just a regular install.

Breakdown of labor, parts, etc. Does it all look about right?
Equipment: $3,600

Over head & profit: $900

Ductwork & removal of materials: $2,900

Labor$600

Platform, zinc ball, enlarging access, line flush, torches, vacuum pump: $825
Permits; $150

Electrical hook ups: $300

nettersmith,
recently recieved quote on same unit for over 8000.00 and work did not include all new ducting. so for my area of fl. I would think price is pretty good.