Appropriate American Std furnace & A/C?

10 years ago

We remodeled last year and the HVAC sub was supposed to install an American Std 5 ton, variable speed, dual stage 80% furnace. Instead, he installed a 4 ton furnace that otherwise met the above specs. I recently received quotes to install A/C and in the process realized the wrong furnace was installed last year. The original sub has agreed to replace it with the correct furnace, and I figure I have an opportunity to upgrade the furnace (at my cost) to a better one if needed now that I'm no longer in the haze and budget crunch of remodeling. I'd also like to confirm if the A/C unit being recommended is appropriate.

2 story, 2950 sq ft house in beach suburb of LA
We're 4 blocks from the beach so temps are generally very moderate, no colder than 40' and summer temps usually in the low 80's with 3 weeks/year in high 90's
Dual zone setup with Nest thermostats

Proposed replacement furnace: American Std AUD2C100B9V5VB, 80% 5 ton, variable speed, dual stage

A/C:

Bid 1: $6475

American Std 4A7A4060 (Silver 14), 5 ton, single stage, 14 SEER

Evap coil (no info given)

Freon line & cover

Bid 2: $10,400

American Std 4A7A7060 (Gold 17), 5 ton, multi-stage, 17 SEER

Evap coil (no info given)

Freon line & cover

220 wiring to panel

permits, HERS testing

Does the replacement furnace seem appropriate or should I upgrade to something else? And with the A/C, best I can tell the 2d unit is most appropriate but pricing seems high. Thoughts? Also because we live very close to our neighbors and the condensor will be outside, noise is an important consideration.

Thanks very much.

Featured Answer

weedmeister

10 years ago

So, what you're saying is that you got the furnace/blower unit a year ago but did not get the AC with it? And now you want to add AC to the existing (or upgraded) unit?

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Comments (7)

tigerdunes
10 years ago
what furnace Mdl was originally installed?...I would be concerned about correct sizing....an upgrade cost of nearly $4K from a 14 SEER single stage to a 17 SEER 2 stage condenser is absolutely absurd...I would want a pleated filter media cabinet like the Perfect Fit...and never use the NEST thermostat...and what do you mean by a dual zone setup?

IMO
stoveguyy
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
what was bill for 5 ton system u thought u got? What would bill be for real 4 ton system? That is what u overpaid? Who got the money? Contractor? Or sub?
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mike_home
10 years ago
A 100K BTU furnace is probably twice the size you need given the winter temperatures do not go below 40 degrees. I also question the 5 ton AC if the temperatures are normally in the low 80s. You need to find a contractor who will do a load calculation, or get the software for $49 and to it yourself.
nancyj
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the input. The original model was AUD2C080A9V4VA. . Regarding the dual zone, I mean that we have a thermostat upstairs and one downstairs, and they each control their own floor (via a damper). As for the difference in pricing between the 14 SEER and 17 SEER, it's really more reflective of the contractors themselves - the first bid is from my original sub and he's incredibly flaky and doesn't know how to run a business, whereas the second bid is from a somewhat slick full service sub. I suspect what I really need is someone in the middle - is reliable and does quality work but doesn't charge a premium for doing so.

The bill for the original furnace install with all ducting, registers, etc. was $4365. The sub got the overpayment, which is why he's agreed to swap out the wrong furnace for the one I paid for. He recently mentioned that if I agreed to keep the 4 ton system he would refund me the difference, which is a few hundred dollars.

I really appreciate the input. I've done a ton of reading about furnaces and A/C systems but in the end it's difficult to know what I'm really getting. I don't need the Mercedes of systems, but would like a solid Toyota.
nancyj
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, exactly.
tigerdunes
10 years ago
I would not remove that furnace without first having a load calculation for cooling performed...something you could do yourself...

IMO