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wet_dog_soup

Replacing R4 flexduct for VS Airhandler?

Wet_dog_soup
9 years ago

In process of replacing 2.5 ton 26 year old 8 seer a/c and furnace in coastal Carolinas (air handler and duct work is all in unconditioned attic).

Current duct system is R4 flexduct for the 2 returns and branches with a duct board (fiber duct) main trunk. Short of possibly needing to be resealed around connections, all ducting is in good shape.

Would like to replace system with a VS airhandler (humidity control and comfort) and a 17 seer 2 - stage 2 ton H/P.

My contractor is concerned the VS with slower air movement (ie, colder air?) will potentially cause condensation to form on the R4 duct work and recommends upgrading all ducts to R8.

Or else drop back to a lower seer unit with a multi speed a/h and save a couple grand over the VS and new ducts.

So what it comes down to is there any chance a 17 seer 2 stage unit with new ducts will come close to making up a $1800 difference over a 13 seer unit with old ducts in say, 10 years?

This post was edited by Wet_dog_soup on Thu, Oct 2, 14 at 21:49

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