Would appreciate help with HVAC quotes

10 years ago

Hello All,

I am in the process of replacing HVAC. It is my first time and I'm somewhat lost, despite the resources available on the internet. Would very much appreciate help and ideas.

So, I have a 2000 sq ft 2-st. house, in the St Louis area. Summers here can get hot, like 100 degrees, winters range from 10-40.

I have three quotes, all different brands.

1) Amana, cost after rebates $6431.
Furnace: 100K BTU, 80% AFUE, 2-stage, variable speed, Model GMVC81005CN
AC: 4-ton, 16 SEER, Model ASXC16048
Coil: "matchin a-coil"

2) Carrier, cost after rebates $8022.
Furnace: 110K BTU, 80% AFUE, 2-stage, variable speed, Model 58CVA110*20
AC: 4-ton, 17 SEER, Model 24ANB748A003
Coil: CNPVP4821ALA
Thermostat: Carrier Infinity SYSTXCCU1TN01

3) American Standard, cost after rebates $7370.
Furnace: 80% AFUE, 2-stage, variable speed, Model AUD2C100A9V5V. A little unclear if it is 79K or 100K BTU.
AC: 4-ton, 16 SEER, Model 4A76048
Coil: 4TXCC049
Thermostat: Honeywell High Definition

It seems to me that parameter-wise the systems are comparable. The companies, based on various reviews, are also all pretty good. I would appreciate any thoughts from experts and non-experts alike.

Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

tigerdunes
10 years ago
If your home has even reasonable insulation qualities, you definitely don't need 100-110 KBTU furnaces even at 80% efficiency.

I would also be reasonably certain that the AC condensers at 4 ton are oversized as well but probably OK since they are two stage models.

One would have to ask why 80% eff furnaces and not 95%+ models? That would be the way to go. 80 K size either 95% or 80%.

While the Amana price is compelling, I just don't have confidence in the brand.

Any specific comfort problems? Any hot/cold spots in home?

What size is current HVAC both furnace and condenser?

Post back.

IMO
George.123
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, tigerdunes.

The present system is similar, i.e., 100K BTU and 3.5 ton, single-stage. I am being told that temperature control upstairs will be improved by the two-stage system.

The reason for going with 80% efficiency is to avoid having to install additional vents and pipes.
Related Professionals
Attleboro Solar Energy Systems · Chino Hills Solar Energy Systems · Fontana Solar Energy Systems · Fort Lee Solar Energy Systems · Peabody Solar Energy Systems · Rehoboth Solar Energy Systems · Richmond Solar Energy Systems · Tustin Solar Energy Systems · Hull Home Automation & Home Media · Lakeway Home Automation & Home Media · Massapequa Home Automation & Home Media · Sun Lakes Home Automation & Home Media · Tacoma Home Automation & Home Media · Shawnee Fireplaces · Kirkwood Fireplaces
George.123
Original Author
10 years ago
Tigerdunes,

May I ask why the lack of confidence in Amana? I know that Consumer Reports places Amana close to the bottom, but in furnacecompare(com) Amana is one of the best.
tigerdunes
10 years ago
First of all, if furnace is to be placed in an area close to an external wall, then the necessary venting should not be a big deal or very expensive. I think an 80% eff furnace for St. Louis is very shortsighted. And keep in mind the appeal of your home with an 80% at time of selling.

Amana is a licensed name purchased by Goodman. Goodman uses the Amana brand as their upper end line, although the low end models are close if not identical to Goodman. Goodman has had a very rocky road in the perception of their quality. Many people attribute their issues more to poor installers rather than quality of the equipment. I am not convinced. You can use Google and this site's search function to read more about the brands.

IMO
mike_home
10 years ago
I second the opinion about spending the extra money on a 95%+ efficiency furnace. If you calculate how much you spend on heating your home you should be able to figure the return on investment for the upgrade.