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mrmichaeljmoore

Amana Furnace and A/C combo -- Opinions please..

mrmichaeljmoore
15 years ago

Looking to replace my old Carrier Air Conditioner. It is about 15 years old and has a refrigirant leak.

About a year and a half ago, I had an Amana AMH95 furnace installed. (Model # AMH950703BX)

The contractor who did the Amana furnace recommended the following Amana A/C unit: ASX14 (2 ton)

So, is this a good combo?: AMH95 and ASX14

The ASX14 is 14 SEER. The contractor stated for the furnace I have (the AMH95) it is not advisable to go to a higher SEER unit..... something to do with the blowers in the furnace.....not sure why. But, is that true?

The current Carrier unit is a 2 ton unit. He advises using the same size. Over sizing he says will not allow for proper dehumidification. For the last 5 years that I have been in the house, the A/C seems to have been fine.... But how do I know, other than by my experiences with it over the last 5 years, if the 2 ton size is the right size? The house is a 3 bedroom ranch with a basement (basement is half finished), approx 1500 sq ft living space.

As far as the inside coil, is there anything I should be aware of? type? size? etc....

Thanks for the help.

Comments (14)

  • ryanhughes
    15 years ago

    "The ASX14 is 14 SEER. The contractor stated for the furnace I have (the AMH95) it is not advisable to go to a higher SEER unit..... something to do with the blowers in the furnace.....not sure why. But, is that true?"

    Yes, without a variable-speed blower, it's hard to get higher than 14 SEER. I certainly wouldn't go with a dual-stage unit.

    "But how do I know, other than by my experiences with it over the last 5 years, if the 2 ton size is the right size?"

    It's hard to tell without a load calculation. That's the right way to size the unit. Did the unit have good cycle times (not short), keep up with your temperature settings, and maintain a comfortable humidity level inside the home? If it did, then that's a fair indication that it's sized correctly or pretty close.

    "As far as the inside coil, is there anything I should be aware of? type? size? etc...."

    You'll want one that's flush with the furnace. Going up in size (3 ton coil) may give you more efficiency. Go with one with a TXV.

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Thanks for the responses, ryanhughes....

    couple of follow up questions:

    1. what do you mean by TXV?

    2. Does $3,200 installed sound like a fair price? (I'm in Fairfield County, Connecticut)

    Thanks.

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    So.....does anyone think $3,200 installed is a fair price?

  • ryanhughes
    15 years ago

    Sorry, must've missed your follow up. A TXV (thermal expansion valve) meters the refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil. $3200 for a new ASX14 and coil with all materials and labor included seems fair. Are they going to flush (or replace) the lineset to switch to R410a refrigerant?

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Not sure about the flushing or replacing.....Is this critical to a good installation?
    I'll have to check with the installer...

    The lineset, I assume, is the copper line that runs from the condenser unit outside to my furnace inside, right?

    The only issue with that is that it runs through the ceiling of my finished basement. Unfortunately, it is not a drop ceiling. So not sure what the options are there....but I'll check with him.

    thanks.

  • ryanhughes
    15 years ago

    Correct. Sometimes it's not a feasible option to replace it, so it is flushed. I don't know of a manufacturer that mandates that the lineset is replaced, but it's not bad practice. It's not uncommon to flush the lineset, and if it's done right, I think you'll be okay. I sure hope that the contractor has some planes of purging the lines with nitrogen or flushing them with RX-11 at least. The refrigerants don't mix well together.

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Thanks for the help, Ryan.....

    My installer is coming Thursday to do the job.
    He did my Amana propnae furnace last year. He seems to know what he is doing. The furnace runs fine. He was recommended to me by a good friend at work.

    But, just to be on the safe side, is there anything else I should be aware for my install?

    Thanks again for the help.

  • ryanhughes
    15 years ago

    It sounds like you're comfortable with your contractor and he does a good job. I would make sure he purges/flushes the lineset to remove any remaining oil from the R22 refrigerant so that it doesn't mix with the R410A refrigerant. This is pretty common practice with R410A replacements, so I'd be surprised if he didn't do it (in other words, I'm sure he's aware of the proper procedures, but I'd make sure).

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    ok...thanks Ryan.

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    ok...thanks Ryan.

  • radiantman08
    15 years ago

    hes lines are already contaminated with 22 so just stay with 22. worry about it in anouther 10 to 15 years when you have to replace again.

  • mrmichaeljmoore
    Original Author
    15 years ago

    Radiantman08 --

    so you are saying I should buy a R-22 unit??

    That seems to contradict all of the advice I've gotten so far....

    why do you say that?

  • ryanhughes
    15 years ago

    Radiantman08,

    While I agree that 22 and 410a don't mix well, there is absolutely no reason that he can't go with a 410a system if the lines are properly flushed or replaced. Many, many systems have been installed with flushing the lines with no problems. I talked to someone who has installed thousands of Puron systems with just doing a nitrogen purge and full evacuation of the lines with no issues. No mfg. that I know of mandates a lineset replacement. Going with a 22 unit at this point in time is senseless to me.

  • ct_joe
    15 years ago

    mrmichaeljmoore,

    You mentioned that you're in Fairfield, CT. I'm looking to install an Amana ASX14 split system with an AEPF air handler in New Haven, CT (just the AC system, not the furnace) to replace a 30-year old Carrier system that finally died. First, can you tell me your contractor's name and phone number? I have a company quoting me $6,760 (before electric company rebates) on a 1.5-ton system and would love to see what your contractor says.

    FYI, cooling area for our two-story brick house has been measured by various contractors to be between 960 and 1050 square feet and required BTUs in the range of 18,000-21,000. I've spoken with contractors in other states (NY and OH) who have told me that the prices I'm getting from CT area contractors are outrageous...double what they should be (according to them). I've received quotes on similar systems (both economy and mid-level models in the 13-15 SEER range) for Carrier, Trane, Bryant, Lennox, and Goodman from contractors who are highly recommended by their respective manufacturers. All of the systems come in between $6,600 (for the low end Goodman) to $11,000 (for a Carrier Infinity). These prices include compressor, air handler, materials, new electrical disconnect, new copper lineset (the current one is 35 years old), removal of old equipment, basic digital thermostat, and new pad for outside unit.

    Amana seems to have the best efficiency and warranty for the buck, but I wonder if a) the quotes are really outrageous and b) if I have any true recourse in Connecticut. Curious what others might think about these quotes and if there is any advice for me.

    Thanks very much!

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