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Coondog36

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm in the process of buying a home and the builder is about to start the AC install so I decided to enquire the unit since I've ran into a builder's grade nightmare at my present home that needs repair constantly......
When asked, all the builder stated is it's Tempstar NXH536gka, FXM4X3600AL and a EHK10akn. So my question to everyone here is....Is this considered a "builder's grade" or is this a good set-up? Also, I've never really heard of Tempstar, so how's the brand itself and finally would you consider this a basic or mid-level system?
I should add they are planning to install 2 of these units since this is going to be installed in a 3100 sq ft. home that has spray foam installation in the roof
Thanks everyone for your expertise
 
#2 ·
Yes, it's "Builders Grade".
I would be more concerned about proper sizing than brand.
Ask for a manual J.
 
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#3 ·
That A/C is essentially a Carrier 24ABC6.

The TXA6 is the deluxe version, more features, compressor protection, sound deadening, 5 year replacement warranty if the compressor dies. Then mate it with a FVM4X variable speed air handler, you'll have a nice system.

6 tons for 3100 sq ft foamed sounds excessive. Before they do anything, someone with knowledge of highly insulated homes better size it carefully. And Teddy Bear will be along and say be sure you get a whole house ventilating dehumidifier to keep it dry and clean. New homes off-gas a lot of nasty stuff.
 
#5 ·
I live in the hot and humid northeast, in a 3150 sq ft house with less insulation then you, and 5 tons is oversized.
Make sure you make sure a load calculation is done.
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks everyone for the great advice.....When it comes to the foam insulation, I was thinking 6 tons seem to be an overkill but was advised this is a dual unit so it will not run like a traditional one unit 6 ton units but rather (2) 3 tons that will be operating independently to compliment each other so they run less....(That's his words)
I live in South Georgia, where we experience temperatures over a 100 with high humidity during the summer months....
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Do you happen to know the price difference between the system he quoted me and the one you described?

The whole house is not going to be foam. They are using spray foam on the roof only. The exterior walls are going to be traditional fiberglass and house wrap....I was told that the house would not need a fresh air intake because of that.

BaldLoonie said:
That A/C is essentially a Carrier 24ABC6.

The TXA6 is the deluxe version, more features, compressor protection, sound deadening, 5 year replacement warranty if the compressor dies. Then mate it with a FVM4X variable speed air handler, you'll have a nice system.

6 tons for 3100 sq ft foamed sounds excessive. Before they do anything, someone with knowledge of highly insulated homes better size it carefully. And Teddy Bear will be along and say be sure you get a whole house ventilating dehumidifier to keep it dry and clean. New homes off-gas a lot of nasty stuff.
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
I understand...I'm not wondering the actual prices of the 2 system. I'm just wondering about differences in price in general 2 systems in general....Basically if it's a couple hundred or even thousands or if any at all...
 
#12 ·
Coondog36 said:
Do you happen to know the price difference between the system he quoted me and the one you described?

The whole house is not going to be foam. They are using spray foam on the roof only. The exterior walls are going to be traditional fiberglass and house wrap....I was told that the house would not need a fresh air intake because of that.
Click to expand...
If it's built right with a sf roof deck it will need fresh air ventilation. I would definitely recommend a whole house dehumidifier for that in Georgia.

Any Pricing or price discussions are not allowed. It varies drastically from company to company, state to state, city to city.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Thank you so much for the great advice.....
I understand about the pricing...I was just mainly curious because I did not want to possibly insult the A/C guy or the builder and possibly ruining them working with me on by mentioning a system that is 1000's of dollars difference when my budget will not allow that(if that makes sense)


jtrammel said:
If it's built right with a sf roof deck it will need fresh air ventilation. I would definitely recommend a whole house dehumidifier for that in Georgia.

Any Pricing or price discussions are not allowed. It varies drastically from company to company, state to state, city to city.
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
So, I spoke to the builder this morning and inquired about the manualJ due to what seems like an overkill on the A/C units. He stated that he's been in the business for 40+ years and he typically does not need to do a manual J because he can look at a house's blue prints to know what is needed. I asked him I hung up the phone and immediately called the builder with my concern and he advised thais guy's been doing his work for years and if there's a problem he will solve it. He then assured me that if I needed a manualJ he would get me one. So my question is...How will I know what one is and what should I be looking for on it?
Also, is this builders grade unit considered the bottom or medium???



2old2rock said:
Yes, it's "Builders Grade".
I would be more concerned about proper sizing than brand.
Ask for a manual J.
Click to expand...
 
#15 ·
Coondog36 said:
So, I spoke to the builder this morning and inquired about the manualJ due to what seems like an overkill on the A/C units. He stated that he's been in the business for 40+ years and he typically does not need to do a manual J because he can look at a house's blue prints to know what is needed. I asked him I hung up the phone and immediately called the builder with my concern and he advised thais guy's been doing his work for years and if there's a problem he will solve it. He then assured me that if I needed a manualJ he would get me one. So my question is...How will I know what one is and what should I be looking for on it?
Also, is this builders grade unit considered the bottom or medium???
Click to expand...
I would pay for a 3rd party load calculation. A manual J is only as good as the inputs you enter, like any formula calculation. If someone wants it to come out to 6 tons then it's not hard to make it come out to 6 tons.

I guarantee your builders contractor is using the 500sqft/ton rule of thumb which is probably correct for a 100 year old poorly sealed and insulated house. A far cry from a 2015/2016 built home with a spray foamed roof deck.
 
#17 ·
Just ask to see a copy of the load calculation. If he says he doesn't have one, ask how he sized your home.
Experiance doesn't equal quality
 
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#18 ·
Coondog36 said:
So, I spoke to the builder this morning and inquired about the manualJ due to what seems like an overkill on the A/C units. He stated that he's been in the business for 40+ years and he typically does not need to do a manual J because he can look at a house's blue prints to know what is needed. I asked him I hung up the phone and immediately called the builder with my concern and he advised thais guy's been doing his work for years and if there's a problem he will solve it. He then assured me that if I needed a manualJ he would get me one. So my question is...How will I know what one is and what should I be looking for on it?
Also, is this builders grade unit considered the bottom or medium???
Click to expand...
Yeah. 40+ years of doing it wrong and regularly oversizing.

Without a load calculation he's guessing. We regularly replace existing 4 ton equipment with 2.5 ton equipment and the homeowners tell us that their house is now more comfortable than it has ever been.
 
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Discussion starter · #20 ·
Thanks everyone for the great replies....I mentioned to the builder again about wanting to see a manualJ and he assured me I would see one. He then mentioned the HVAC guy told him that even if the unit is "slightly" larger it will just more efficient because the HCAV will cool/heat quicker and not run as long. I 've been looking over my house plans and just wish I was more knowledgable using manualJ calculator so I could at least have an idea to give to my builder.
Oh, one more thing question to everyone....what is the negative effects of an oversized unit?
 
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Coondog36
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