Central A/C

[Slapchop]

It's time to replace the central A/C system in my house. It's the original system that came with the home and as such its about 21 years old and has seen better days.

I'm looking to replace it but I really don't know much about these things other than I like for them to turn the house into an icebox. I really can't stand the heat too much.

So if there are any experts out there, what do you guys recommend to cool (really really COOL) a house that's about 3700 sq ft? I've been looking at units from Carrier, York, Amana, Ducane but it's all mish mosh to me.

Again, my main thing is that I want a unit that will chill the whole house. I also have forced air heat so I've given thought to getting a combo unit.

If anyone has any suggestions or words of wisdom, it would be appreciated.

 

[onechance]

Re: Central A/C

Trane 5 ton

 

[pwc001]

Re: Central A/C

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: onechance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trane 5 ton </div></div>

I do not think one 5 ton will be enough.

At 500-600 sqft a ton, maybe looking at two units.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Central A/C

Used to be 1 ton per 600 sq ft for residential. A really well insulated house and location, windows, doors, how many people, etc all can make a difference. Would think 6 ton for sure and 5 would work in the right house. Big thing with that size unit is making damn sure you can move enough air across it to keep from freezing up, especially an issue in high humidity areas.

SEER=Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating indicates energy useage. Higher the SEER rating the more efficient to run. You can compare SEER ratings between manufacturers to see if ton for ton who is the cheapest!

Been out of it for 12yrs but as mentioned Trane was always in the 'ole days' a contender along with Carrier. Also American Standard had well built and competitively priced units. Some of the cheap shit sold by Johnstone and the likes were low quality as far as build components such as frame etc. Kinda the 'you get what you pay for' deal.

Again, I been out of it for a long time so some things may have changed or are looked at differently nowdays?

 

[excaliber]

Re: Central A/C

I would have recommended Trane but there quality has changed. We just had a York installed.

 

[pwc001]

Re: Central A/C

I see you are in New York, the size you need could be very differant than here in Louisiana.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Central A/C

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Slapchop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's time to replace the central A/C system in my house. It's the original system that came with the home and as such its about 21 years old and has seen better days.

I'm looking to replace it but I really don't know much about these things other than I like for them to turn the house into an icebox. I really can't stand the heat too much.

So if there are any experts out there, what do you guys recommend to cool (really really COOL) a house that's about 3700 sq ft? I've been looking at units from Carrier, York, Amana, Ducane but it's all mish mosh to me.

Again, my main thing is that I want a unit that will chill the whole house. I also have forced air heat so I've given thought to getting a combo unit.

If anyone has any suggestions or words of wisdom, it would be appreciated. </div></div>

Only two names you need to know. Carrier and Trane. Sometimes you can get a really good deal on their off names...same components but not as pretty an outside box. Go with a relatively high seer rateing...14 or above is efficient. Make sure you watch for proper timing. If you catch them when they are slow its easier to get a 10 year all inclusive warranty. Make sure its a reputable installer.

 

[Queequeg]

Re: Central A/C

Not sure about how effective a heat pump is in the northern environments but there are a lot of things you can do when upgrading or replacing older central HVAC systems.

Here in my part of the sunny sunshine state we don't typically need to run the heat more than a total of perhaps 30 days a year as it rarely gets into the 30's. While that is cold for these parts, it's nothing to a rugged bastard like you

Heat pumps typically lose their effectiveness below 40 degrees and we have to kick on the emergency heat when it gets really chilly here. My folks have a furnace to drive forced hot air as well as their Central A/C unit up in Massachusetts.

Today's AC systems can include dehumidifying as well as advanced energy efficiency. If your ducts are in good shape, the replacement of your air handler and condensation units may be all you need to do with new refrigerant lines between them.

Now if you lived around here, I could connect you with at least 5 reputable HVAC outfits I know to be ethical and fair. But alas, you dislike the heat...

You know where your beloved Yankees winter right? Sorry, we've discussed this before.

I will probably be replacing my 4 ton unit (Heat Pump with dehumidification) in the next two years and have been told I'm looking at around $3500.00 to do so.

Good luck!

 

[steelman303]

Re: Central A/C

both carrier & trane have some proprietary technology although the end result is the same.
if you are looking to heat & cool, no bells & whistles, any of the brands will work fine.
it's all a chinese control board, copeland or danfoss compressor, marathon fan motor. No matter who's unit you get.
It just depends on how many bells & whistles you want.
also, it's always a good idea to get an engineer to come out & do a load evaluation when replacing an A/C unit.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: Central A/C

Trane or York, fuck Carrier. I always hated working on them. Avoid Goodman too. 14 SEER or higher gets you a nice low power bill, 12 was made the new standard a couple years ago. Also, do you have nat. gas, propane, electric??? A 95% HE furnace is nice too. In your area I am more partial to radiant heat, steam or hot water. Less bloody noses in the winter.

 

[Slapchop]

Re: Central A/C

Queequeg,

I thought anything below 65 you guys declared a state of emergency. Apocalyptic winter and such.

So it's looking like Trane, Carrier and York are the favorites.

Desert,

Why the hate for Carrier? Is it because they were difficult to work on or is the quality of the brand not that good?

 

[Queequeg]

Re: Central A/C

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Slapchop</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Queequeg,

I thought anything below 65 you guys declared a state of emergency. Apocalyptic winter and such.

</div></div>

We have to wait for the temps to go back up first so our frozen tears can thaw before we can count the toll the bitter sub 60's temps have taken on us. Brrrrrrrrr

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Central A/C

We sold alot of American Standard just before I had to quit work. They either own or are owned by Trane. Used to be Trane quit residential Heating/AC and only did commercial size equipment and American Standard did residential. May have changed but AS made quality equipment at that time! Never did sell or install Carrier but worked on a few commercial units in this area. York was just getting introduced around here about then.

Cooling wasn't much of our business, moreso heating. Too far 'Nort' so not alot of 'cooling days'.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Central A/C

Don't mess with trad, get the Unico small bore. Why go old school that's been around with large bore weak systems that have huge ducting when the Unico systems just plain kick major ass. It's more than worht the time it takes to read the page. When we get our system replaced in teh next five years or so, we are going with Unico due to the small bore size and benefits it has over trad stuff.

http://www.unicosystem.com/Homeowners/WhyUseUNICO/FeaturesandBenefits.aspx