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sandbagger44

1st time buying a furnace

Sandbagger44
11 years ago

I just moved into a new house (2300 sq ft ranch with finished basement, in Wisconsin) with the original Carrier furnace that is 18 years old. I received a letter indicating that the secondary heat exchanger could be faulty and replaced free of charge or the money applied to a new furnace. I will definitely go for a new furnace. I have one quote for a carrier infinity 59TN6-100, 96% AFUE, 100,000 BTU, Pro 6000 Honeywell thermostat and a Carrier Performance LBP humidifier for $4,100 all labor included. Same company quoted the Carrier infinity 59MN7-100, infinity touch screen intelligent thermostat, same humidifier for $5,350. How do these furnaces compare to the competition? Are these good prices? Is it worth spending the extra money on the higher end furnace? Thank you.

Comments (7)

  • mike_home
    11 years ago

    Who sent you the letter? How much credit are you getting for not replacing the heat exchanger? Does the replacement include labor charges?

  • tigerdunes
    11 years ago

    Bagger

    You are being oversized and you never want to purchase an Infinity furnace without the matching Infinity controller.

    Both big mistakes!

    As far as furnaces go, the TN6 is a two stage furnace, the more expensive
    MN7 is a modulating furnace which is where the top end furnaces are moving in the marketplace. I see nothing wrong with the TN6 as long as it is sized correctly and includes the Infinity controller.

    Nothing to be done about AC?

    Any hot/cold spots in your home? Now is the time for dealer to address these issues which would be due to ductwork sizing/design issues.

    IMO

    Here is a link that might be useful: Carrier Gas Furnaces

    This post was edited by tigerdunes on Thu, Feb 21, 13 at 7:53

  • Sandbagger44
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    The letter was sent by the company that installed the furnace. If I choose not to replace the furnace they will install a new heat exchanger (labor included) at no cost to me. There is $800 deduction with 59TN6 and a $900 deduction with 59MN7. The price I quoted above is without deductions. Labor and parts were included in both quotes. As far as the A/C goes, it is also the original unit but still works as of now. The far end of the house and the basement are the coolest by far. As far as BTU's go, does it matter that the basement was finished after house was built. The basement is a walk out with a 2 patio doors. As far as the main level goes there are 3 patio doors. Does the amount of glass have an impact on size of furnace? Thanks for any help. I am still learning.

  • tigerdunes
    11 years ago

    Most homeowner's are not aware that finished basements at or partially below grade with reasonable insulation properties carry small heatingand cooling loads.

    I would say your cold spots are more about poor ductwork sizing than BTU output capacity of furnace. Ask dealer for suggestions to improve.

    What is size and efficiency of current furnace?

    I would not go with a 100 K BTU furnace without a load calculation for heating to support that size.

    IMO

  • mike_home
    11 years ago

    Carrier has had a problems with heat exchangers in the past, but I am not sure if they cover the parts and labor charges for a replacement to the second owner of the furnace. I am suspicious this is a sales tactic to get you to buy a new furnace. It would be interesting to see the reaction if you told the contractor you would like the free heat exchanger replacement.

    The furnaces you were quoted are the two best furnaces Carrier sells and compete with the best products from other manufacturers. The modulating furnace is very nice. It will be quiet and provide comfort. The 2-stage is also very good.

    Carrier usually offers rebates starting in March. You would also need to purchase an AC unit in order to qualify for the maximum rebate. For the Infinity model it has been $1100. You may also qualify for local utility rebates.

    All exterior glass will add to the heating and cooling load. You want a properly sized furnace and AC. The winters in Wisconsin are cold, but your house would probably do fine with an 80K BTU furnace. Bigger is not better when it comes to HVAC.

  • Sandbagger44
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Thank you for expertise. Your help isgreatly appreciated.

  • shw001
    11 years ago

    About a year ago, my Bryant furnace (made by Carrier and essentially the same unit as a carrier) was diagnosed with a bad secondary heat exchanger. I learned there was a class action lawsuit for defective secondary heat exchangers, which entitles the owner to a free replacement. My HVAC service company made me a deal I could not refuse. They replaced both secondary and primary heat exchangers for a pretty low price and took care of all the rebate paperwork. I now have a practically new furnace, which would probably cost in the area of $4,000.

    I don't remember what I paid but I believe it was in the $500-800 range. You need to pay attention to deadlines in the settlement. I am not sure if they have past. Your dealer should know the specifics, but not all of them do. Also, in my case, the technician did not know anything about it, but the service manager did.

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