Air Condition

[tightfit]

I am purchasing a new air condition for my 3000 sq .ft bungalo.
what should I be getting? I have talked to a few guys and they tell me
I should go with a 10 seer over a 13 seer because they effectively do the same thing and i'll save 400 bucks...any help here? thanks

 

[Pedro Sanchez]

Don't cheap out. Saving $400 now may cost you a lot more over the lifetime of the unit.

Lennox and Carrier are both good. Get a 3 quotes.

13 SEER is better in the long run and will save you the $400 over 2 - 3 years. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit. I just had a Lennox 2.5ton SEER 13 installed in my 2700sq/ft house cost me $2400.

Also make sure you get the newer gas, because the older gas will be discontinued as of 2010 and completely gone by 2015 - 2020. It is only about a $100 difference. Rather then having them reinstall the piping change in the future to accomodate the new gas if you require it.

Good luck

 

[C Dick]

Consider a heat pump, ground source if you have some property. They can be installed in relatively small suburban lots, and they are much more efficient. They cost more to buy, but if your belief is that electricity prices will continue to rise, it is worth it.

 

[goodtime]

For tips, see Consumer Reports. Their advice, right-size your A/C. Too high SEER, easy to burn out the fan motor as unit cycle on & off too often.

There's a breakeven point with the higher SEER being more efficient.

For energy saving, as Toronto Hydro suggests, turn A/C temp. down 2 degrees, use fan(s) to circulate the cool air. Ceiling fans help with summer & winter energy saving.

Bryant & Armstrong are generic version of Lennox & Carrier (order may be reverse). You save between $800 to $2,000 on identical unit, without the big Advertising dollar behind it.

And, No. I haven't stay at a Holiday Inn Express yet.

Cool!

 

[oldjones]

You could buy last year's model car too, and save big over this year's model. But if this year's model has better gas-mileage and you intend to keep the car for awhile you'll piss away the up front savings in extra running costs. Same w/ AC. Gonna turn over the house for a quick profit? Buy cheap, 'cause the next owner will be paying running costs. Staying indefinitely, efficiency, proper sizing and quality construction will still pay off long after you made up the extra cost. You don't think hydro's going down do yo?

A unit that burn out from cycling too often, as mentioned above, is too big for the job, has too sensitive a thermostat, is in a house that needs better insulation and sealing. Or was just plain low quality. Has nothing to do with getting the job done using lowest energy. That's efficiency, which is what SEER is supposed to quantify as a number.

Unfortunately, there's no such rating for HVAC salesmen who's only concern is moving product. Subbing out to installers who make their buck by cutting corners doesn't help. Researching the company is the best time you'll spend.