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Yea, I requested another quote leveraging a 1.5 ton unit. Not sure if there is any real difference in price between the two.
My current unit, though old and probably not functioning at proper capacity, still manages to keep the condo cool (we keep it at 72.) Even during the last couple days where we broke 100, it was still able to reach the proper temp (72-74 during the day when we are home) but it does take some time (about an hr or two when going from 76 (day) to 72 (night).) I'm sure my place isn't extremely efficient, but we are working on replacing windows and doors to help with our overall efficiency (we recently insulated our registers and can already feel a noticeable difference in output.)
We have three other companies stopping by the next couple days for estimates.
Not sure if there is any real difference in price between the two.
There won't be.
The issue is operating efficiency.
The LOWER power unit will stay on longer (per cycle) but have fewer cycles per day.
This costs less that the stop & start cycling that the higher power unit will have.
"Not sure if there is any real difference in price between the two."
Unwrap your head from around the "$" sign-
It's this- "The issue is operating efficiency.
The LOWER power unit will stay on longer (per cycle) but have fewer cycles per day.
This costs less that the stop & start cycling that the higher power unit will have."
And with a higher SEER rating you will actually be saving $$$ in the long run!
The calculation you gave was a very simple form for EER and it's just a snap shot that doesn't take in to account all the various temperatures inside and outside that occur. SEER tries to calculate and average with weighted scales on your GPS location. In the HVACR field it's sort of contraversial because AHRI is using averages of averages to get averages for your average efficiency.
I know, it sounds silly seeing as how climate is forever "changing."
I spoke with my neighbors for recommendations on a HVAC company (most of them recommended the same company.) The tech came out this morning, and gave a look over my system. He seemed a lot more knowledgeable as he has been servicing and replacing the units in our community for the last 20 years. He also recommended going 1.5 ton since our existing (and mostly likely under performing) unit is still capable of cooling our place (we have been in triple digits the last couple days.)
Anyways here are the quotes he provided (with model numbers):
GOOD - $3800
13 SEER
8.0 HSPF
Carrier 25HCD318A003
-Comfort Series
-Heat Pump Condenser
Carrier FB4CNF018T00
-Single Speed Air Handler
Carrier FC-0501N05
Electric Heater
BETTER - $5000 (includes state and fed tax credits/rebates)
15.5 SEER
8.2 HSPF
Carrier 25HCC518A003
-Performance Series
-Scroll Compressor
-Steel Louvered Guard
Carrier FV4CNF002T00
-Variable Speed
Carrier FC-0501N05
Electric Heater
Sounds like pretty good estimates and he has excellent ratings and reviews. I'm curious how big the difference is between SEER 13 and 15. In either case, going from 10 to 13, should provide a noticeable difference. The higher SEER models look to have more features, but it may not be cost effective given how long we are planning to stay (another 3-5 years.)
Last edited by Randmness; 06-28-2013 at 08:57 AM..
I spoke with my neighbors for recommendations on a HVAC company (most of them recommended the same company.) The tech came out this morning, and gave a look over my system. He seemed a lot more knowledgeable as he has been servicing and replacing the units in our community for the last 20 years. He also recommended going 1.5 ton since our existing (and mostly likely under performing) unit is still capable of cooling our place (we have been in triple digits the last couple days.)
Anyways here are the quotes he provided (with model numbers):
GOOD - $3800
13 SEER
8.0 HSPF
Carrier 25HCD318A003
-Comfort Series
-Heat Pump Condenser
Carrier FB4CNF018T00
-Single Speed Air Handler
Carrier FC-0501N05
Electric Heater
BETTER - $5000 (includes state and fed tax credits/rebates)
15.5 SEER
8.2 HSPF
Carrier 25HCC518A003
-Performance Series
-Scroll Compressor
-Steel Louvered Guard
Carrier FV4CNF002T00
-Variable Speed
Carrier FC-0501N05
Electric Heater
Sounds like pretty good estimates and he has excellent ratings and reviews. I'm curious how big the difference is between SEER 13 and 15. In either case, going from 10 to 13, should provide a noticeable difference. The higher SEER models look to have more features, but it may not be cost effective given how long we are planning to stay (another 3-5 years.)
Going from 10 SEER to 13 SEER is a 30% increase in efficiency. So going from 10 to 15 would be a 50% increase in efficiency. Going with the higher SEER could be a good selling point too.
Decisions decisions.
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