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aprilmack

I'm confused now! Please help me to decide before my heat dies!!!

aprilmack
12 years ago

Hello all,

I'm back, again, and I have to ask for more help. I had a fourth, and final, contractor come in provide a quote for a new HVAC system.

It looks like I'll go with a Carrier system but here are my big questions:

1. What's the difference between a Carrier Armour Coil and a Tin Plated Copper Coil? Is one better than the other?

2. How do I know if I'll need a 3 ton or 4 ton air conditioner?

My home is located in Michigan in the metropolitan Detroit area. I have a 2,400 sq. ft., 2 story, Colonial. My current furnace is an American Standard about 60% efficient, and about 120,000btu. (The serviceman told me the tag was gone and he estimated the system at 120,000btu).

Both contractors have quoted a combination of Comfort, Performance and Infinity systems.

Contractor 1:

Option 1:

Carrier Performance 58UVB, 100,000btu, 95% efficiency, variable speed, 2 stage heat + Carrier Comfort Series 24ACB3, 13 SEER, 4 ton. Total cost $7390

Option 2:

Carrier Performance 58UVB, 100,000btu, 95% efficiency, variable speed, 2 stage heat + Carrier Performance Series 24APA7, 17 SEER, 4 ton. Total cost $8490

Option 3:

Carrier Infinity 58MVC + Infinity Control, 100,000btu, 95% efficiency, variable speed, 3 stage heat + Carrier Infinity Series 24ANA1, 21 SEER, 4 ton. Total cost $9689. This system is eligible for a $1000 mail-in rebate from Carrier.

Both the second and third options would be eligible for a $500 tax credit and a $450 rebate from my utility company. The first option would not be be eligible for the utility rebate.

Contractor 2:

Option 1:

Carrier Performance 58UVB 100-20, 100,000btu, 95% efficiency, variable speed, 2 stage heat + Carrier Comfort Series 24ABO636, 16 SEER, 3 ton. Total cost $7520

Option 2:

Carrier Infinity 58MVC 100-20 + Infinity Control, 100,000btu, 95% efficiency, variable speed, 3 stage heat + Carrier Infinity Series 24ANB736, 16 SEER, 3 ton. Total cost $9381. This system is eligible for a $1000 instant rebate from Carrier. Out the door cost would be $8391.

This contractor, just as you guys did, told me that the Infinity air conditioner was overkill for this area. However, he stated that if I wanted the Infinity furnace and the $1000 instant rebate it might be worth my while. Both of the systems he quoted would be eligible for a $500 tax credit and a $450 rebate from my utility company.

How do I decide which system is best for me? Also, I've never used either of these contractors before. How do I ensure they have good practices? Both are NATE certified.

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