HVAC system selection help (furnaces, AC, installing, insulation)
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Hey there, working with an installer experienced in installing carrier, heil, and goodman systems.
I'm looking at a 3.5ton furnace and AC installation for a 2440sq ft split level ranch to replace a system that I suspect was installed when I started elementary school and is just way underpowered anyway.
the heil will run me 5500 total
the carrier 6100 total
the goodman 5200 total
So not much of a price deviation between them, but I want to stick with what he's used to installing; anyone recommend any of the makes or discourage any based on personal experience?
I can only assume the option of "none of the above" fits here. Goodman is cheap crap and that's a compliment. I've had nothing but issues with Carrier units, in particular, fan motors on the air handler and condenser. I don't have Heil in my area. We use primarily Ruud and Trane.
Unless you are in an area of not having a need for any amount of A/C, 3.5 tons for 2400 sq ft is stretching it. A 4 ton unit as absolute smallest around here and that includes an energy package of R30 insulation, radiant barrier, and low E windows.
Are the SEER ratings on the three AC units the same? Are the AFUE ratings on the furnaces the same?
When buying a Goodman system, I normally recommend doing research on the contractor first, since Goodman has a very open sales policy that almost anyone can buy and install their units. Carrier, on the other hand, only sells its units to its authorized dealers, and the training required for contractors to become an authorized Carrier dealer isn't easy. However, since you appear to be using a single contractor, the decision is a bit hard without knowing the efficiencies of the systems.
Goodman is fine if the efficiency of the system is comparable to the other two.
Heil is manufactured by Carrier subsidiary International Comfort Products, who also makes a few other low cost off-brands as well as the Kenmore units sold at Sears.
Installing the best equipment poorly or incompatible with the load/ductwork will give ANY manufacturer a black eye.
A Manual J load calculation will determine the capacity required to keep the space comfortable. If your contractor can't provide a manual J, don't accept any excuses...you're working with the wrong guy. Equipment capacity declines if the indoor temp is kept below 80° or the outdoor temp is above 95° and needs to be accounted for when sizing equipment. If you increase capacity, and you're ductwork isn't already undersized, it probably will be...undermining capacity/efficiency and shortening the equipment's lifespan. Duct leakage and undersized filters are other items commonly seen that can significantly impact capacity, efficiency, and performance negatively that should be corrected.
Though I'm of the belief that all Mfgs do a lot right and a little wrong, I prefer Carrier to all other brands. Why? it installs well, few warranty calls on new equipment, holds up well, and repairs down the road will be easy (affordable).
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