Return to the Heating & Air Conditioning Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
Posted by carrolljd (My Page) on Wed, Jan 6, 10 at 11:53
| I've been in furnace hell for the last year and I'm ready to buy a new one. I asked my current company for a quote for the cheapest system that would suit my needs and would take advantage of the $1500 rebate. They quoted me as follows:
Carrier 21 SEER Air Conditioner Model 24ANA124A003
Carrier 80% AFUE Variable Speed Gas Furnace 58CVA90-16
Carrier Evaporator Coil CNPVP2417ATA
Carrier Infinity Thermostat Control
The price is around $8500 but I think I can get them down to $8000, and the rebate would take it down to $6500. Then I read on the internet that Infinity costs twice what other systems do. Which way should I go? I definitely want Carrier because that's what all of the alternative companies sell. I usually wouldn't buy the cheapest of anything, but is this overkill? My house is only 750 sf plus a heated basement.
Thanks for any advice.
Jane
|
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| jane what is your location? how long do you plan to be in this home? my first observation is you need a load calculation in writing. it is difficult for me to believe that the furnace size quoted is correct. No doubt the Infinity equipment is top of line and one of the best systems on the market. I personally think that Infinity 21 AC condenser is overkill for a small home and not necessary. You might look at the Performance 15 or Performance 16 models to save some bucks. IMO |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| I am in the DC area. I will request a load calculation from the salesman since I think he did it when he first came out last year. I think I will go back to him and ask specifically if this is overkill; that is exactly what I was asking. Company did say this was the cheapest system that would qualify for the rebate. I'm okay with the price, but if the Performance models are a few thousand less than the net cost of the Infinity, I would definitely go with them. Is my information correct that only the Infinity qualifies for the rebate? Thanks for your response. Jane |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| Jane I think an 80% furnace for DC area is a dinosaur. I would either change AC condenser to a heat pump or go to Carrier's MVC 95% eff furnace. And BTW, the Performance 15 and 16 models both AC and HP condensers will qualify for the tax credit if configured correctly. IMO
Good Luck! |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| Requirements to qualify for the $1500 max Fed Tax Credit: Gas furnace: 95% AFUE
Heat pump: 15 SEER and 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF (all 3 must be met)
A/C: 16 SEER and 13 EER (both must be met). $1500 max, not each. www.EnergyStar.gov I live in MD. Good luck. |
21 seer?
| | |
"Carrier 21 SEER Air Conditioner Model 24ANA124A003
Carrier 80% AFUE Variable Speed Gas Furnace 58CVA90-16
Carrier Evaporator Coil CNPVP2417ATA" Infinity 21 is actually the Model Series#, not the actual SEER#. That system is AHRI Reference# 1249966.
25,200 btu cooling, 13.6 EER, 18.5 SEER
Those are solid performance numbers.
That system does indeed qualify for the Fed Tax Credit (based on the a/c). Take care. |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| Thank you all for your responses. I am still completely confused. I don't understand why all of the prices are hidden from me. I plan on being in the house 10-13 years, and I do not want to replace anything before then. My biggest problem is that I have a basement and two stories. By the time the tempurature is okay on the second floor, it is freezing on the first floor. In addition, barely any air at all comes out of of the second floor registers. I know that I would be better off with a zoned system, but that seems ridiculously expensive for my house. Some say the variable speed on the Infinity will help this, but others say not. My house is 66 years old. I have two guys coming out this week to give me Carrier/Bryant estimates and I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks, Jane |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| I'm right in your area (not a pro though), and personally think they're oversizing the furnace; I don't care how many stages it is. There are a group of good dealers in our area (I'm in Mont. County), but I don't know where you received this quote from. So, I would definitely go through with asking about a load calculation. 750 square feet is not a large space to heat. I don't like how they're telling you that's the cheapest qualifying system when I don't believe it is (haven't checked 2 ton ratings in a while however). |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| Ryan, if you wouldn't mind emailing me from my page I will let you know who is giving me these quotes. Thanks. |
RE: Carrier-Do I really need Infinity?
| | |
| I created a new post entitled Another Bryant quote. Thanks, Jane |
|
|
|
|
