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FINALLY-load calc results...

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walnuttree

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
The Heil contractor called me with the load calc results....
My home calls for 31,600 BTU's of heat and 24,600 BTU's of cooling.
He is suggesting the single stage DLX80 80% furance, 50,000 BTU's. He says
that is the smallest BTU Heil offers and its not really that oversized for what
I need. The question is should I go with a small furnace still? Like Amana's
single stage AMS8 45,000 BTU?
Trane, A/S Carrier, Lennnox are all out of my budget.

My current furnace is a 40,000 BTU single stage, so im wondering if I go
with a 45, or 50BTU will that actually be LESS efficient that my current
furnace and I would not even be saving any money on my bills??
 
#2 ·
So, he took the time to run the calcs, and then call you with them, and you want to still explore other options? Don't do that to him.

See if he offers any other brands that will fit within the calcs. Goodman has a 95% 45,000 BTU 2 stage variable furnace that would be perfect for your application. Make sure that he thoroughly inspects your ductwork first though, as shoddy ductwork will ruin the efficiency.
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
yes

Seaton....Yes, i completely understand what you are saying. Hiel is the
ONLY brand he sells.
Its very interesting....so if a contractor does not carry the brand that
best matches my home, he will just tell you that the smallest BTU size
he CARRIES is the best fit, even though it really isnt, because he
wants my business!

I guess no contractor would be say.."Im sorry, I can offer you the
size you really need."

Now, that would be HONESTY!
 
#5 ·
walnuttree said:
Seaton....Yes, i completely understand what you are saying. Hiel is the
ONLY brand he sells.
Its very interesting....so if a contractor does not carry the brand that
best matches my home, he will just tell you that the smallest BTU size
he CARRIES is the best fit, even though it really isnt, because he
wants my business!

I guess no contractor would be say.."Im sorry, I can offer you the
size you really need."

Now, that would be HONESTY!
Click to expand...
If you have a contractor that won't budge from "their" brand then maybe he isn't as good as I thought.

I always tell customers that I will install any brand. The determining factor is what brand suits their needs the best based on price/size/efficiency/etc.
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
yes

Yes seaton, thats what I was thinking...

So, the whole idea is to get a furnace that comes the closet to the BTU's
of what the load cal found to truely get the most efficiency?
The contractor was nice enough to talk the time to run the figures and
call me back, so would the 50,000BTU Heil be WAY oversized for my home?
 
#8 ·
walnuttree said:
Yes seaton, thats what I was thinking...

So, the whole idea is to get a furnace that comes the closet to the BTU's
of what the load cal found to truely get the most efficiency?
The contractor was nice enough to talk the time to run the figures and
call me back, so would the 50,000BTU Heil be WAY oversized for my home?
Click to expand...
80% or 90%, that will make a difference.
 
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#9 ·
seatonheating said:
If you have a contractor that won't budge from "their" brand then maybe he isn't as good as I thought.

I always tell customers that I will install any brand. The determining factor is what brand suits their needs the best based on price/size/efficiency/etc.
Click to expand...
That's a great philosophy. Unfortunately, in trying to 'settle' on a brand (yes, I know---the installation), talking to reps, many reply, "I can get any brand you want." After following this and other HVAC forums for a couple of months, I have learned that several top brands (we're talking ~95% efficient) have their idiosyncracies and require specific product expertise to set up properly, making for a "great install".

Frankly, I don't think I would want that tech to do mine.

AM
 
#10 ·
walnuttree said:
Seaton....Yes, i completely understand what you are saying. Hiel is the
ONLY brand he sells.
Its very interesting....so if a contractor does not carry the brand that
best matches my home, he will just tell you that the smallest BTU size
he CARRIES is the best fit, even though it really isnt, because he
wants my business!

I guess no contractor would be say.."Im sorry, I can offer you the
size you really need."

Now, that would be HONESTY!
Click to expand...
I think it depends on business philosphy.

A lot of dealers will go one size up because it is considered a reasonable trade off.

But in a home like yours I would go to the same size you have now regardless of who's brand name I hang my hat on.

Check with Frigidaire or Westinghouse. They both have a 40k furnace and the warranty is btter than Heil.

I am a Heil dealer and that is what i would do.
 
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Discussion starter · #12 ·
ok

Thanks HVACLOVER.....so you think the Heil 50,000 BTU would be grossly
oversized if the load calc says I nedd 31,500 BTU's?
Maybe the Heil's 2 stage 50,000 BTU would be just right since it would
fire on low mostly at the lower btu?
 
#13 ·
walnuttree said:
Thanks HVACLOVER.....so you think the Heil 50,000 BTU would be grossly
oversized if the load calc says I nedd 31,500 BTU's?
Maybe the Heil's 2 stage 50,000 BTU would be just right since it would
fire on low mostly at the lower btu?
Click to expand...

I think 10k btu extra is just money up the chimney.

I would not buy a bigger two stage furnace with the expectation that it will run on the first stage mostly. Defeats the purpose.

Get a furnace in the 40k btu range.
 
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#14 ·
walnuttree said:
Thanks HVACLOVER.....so you think the Heil 50,000 BTU would be grossly
oversized if the load calc says I nedd 31,500 BTU's?
Click to expand...
50k btu 80% furnace is approx 40k BTU. If the load calcs are accurate it is aprox 30% oversized. I would ask about something smaller or go with a 2 stg. You will see energy savings and increased comfort.

What is the efficiency of the current 40K furnace and how comfortable does it keep the house?
 
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#15 ·
Your Heil dealer did all the legwork getting your size and all, give him a call. I am sure if you ask him he will be happy to obtain a differnt brand.

Most contractors want to do the best they can for you but might be a little tunnel visioned on the brand issue.

Can'tt to ask.
 
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#16 ·
I am not sure what area of the country you are in but in our area we can not purchase any brand. Brands in this area are very protected. Where are you guys that you can get any brand you want? Even Goodman is protected around here. The big 3 are impossible to get unless your there dealer. We sell Lennox and Maytag and have no option to buy alot of other brands.
 
#17 ·
This is the number three furnace state in the country.

The competition is so stiff we have wholesaler on wholesalers and everybody wants YOU to be a customer.

For lennox ect. u need to be a dealer, but everybody else will sell u their furnace but just not at the same price as their regular dealers.
 
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