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Day & Night vs Bryant vs Rheem

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13K views 24 replies 7 participants last post by  pecmsg  
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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
We have gotten bids on a new 4 ton heat pump and all 3 provide different brands. Would like some input; pros and cons of each. Prices range between ********
1) Day & Night 17 SEER2 two stage
2) Bryant 15 SEER 1 stage
3) RHEEM 14.3 SEER2 or RHEEM 15.2 SEER2 not sure about stage 1 or 2

Just trying to make a good decision without having much knowledge! Your input is appreciated!:.02:

Please do not add pricing to your posts as it is not allowed by forum rules - thanks.
 
#2 ·
Ask for the AHRI number from each Contractor to see if they are bidding matched systems then post here. If they don’t give you a number they are not bidding matching systems per AHRI. You can check the SEER2 and EER2 ratings of each bid with the number.

Here is the site.

https://www.ahridirectory.org/

What is the labor warranty they are bidding from each Contractor. Is one better/longer than the others?

If the Day Night is the ION series, chances it will have a better manufacturers warranty than the other brands. Such as either a five or ten year no hassle warranty on top of the standard warranty, meaning if the compressor or outdoor coil leaks in those periods you get a new outdoor unit, not a replacement compressor or coil.

Post model numbers of coil outdoor units and furnace if that’s the system.

You do know you don’t go by the outdoor unit “up to rating” to get your efficiency, if the Contractors are letting you believe that shame on them. It’s a combination of matching indoor selection to outdoor section.
 
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#4 · (Edited)
Then either research each model outdoor unit to see what the standard features are, as an example only, one or two models may have more standards features than the others, such as both a high and low pressure safety switch whereas one or two may only have a low pressure switch if that’s important to you.

Chances the Day Night may have a cheap chicken wire screen protector on the coil, while the others probably have a nice full louvered sheetmetal skin to protect the coil. Is any of what was mentioned important to you?

Is a better manufacturers warranty than another brand a plus?

The key to a long reliable life is the install and setup not the brand. Choose your Contractor wisely.

Again ask for the AHRI number to compare ratings. Certainly two stage is nice.

Are they all bidding the same tonnage, if not who is correct on the load calculation to prove they got it right?

What did they say about existing ductwork, it’s sized correctly, needs modifications? as thinking this is a replacement for an existing system.

Why wouldn’t you be sure if the Rheem is single or two stage, what do you want? If you want a two stage system get bids for them, it’s your money, your the boss not the Contractor. You should have model numbers on each bid/contract.
 
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#7 ·
Day & Night are both Carrier products. Obviously the Day & Night is a superior product in efficiency and the 2 stage compressor.

Both the new Rheem/Ruud 14 & 15 SEER 2 heat pumps are also 2 stage. We're just starting to put them out, saw a completed job yesterday. Rheem has the advantage over most Carrier heat pumps in that it has demand defrost that eliminates hundreds of unnecessary defrosts each winter.

Check dealer references, the install makes the difference.
 
#8 ·
Has a Manual J load calculation been performed to determine how many BTUs your home really needs? Oversizing equipment is common, but terrible when it comes to performance, comfort, and longevity.
 
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#10 ·
If there was a manual J load calculation completed, we weren’t informed about it. We have 2600 sqft, and 2 units that were installed in March of 2010. One is a 4 ton and the other is a 2.5. (We plan to replace the 4 ton now as the compressor is shot) Our summers are very hot and the units run 24/7.
 
#11 ·
You must live on the equator to have 6.5 tons for 2600 sq. ft.! Or perhaps the house is poorly sealed.
Where do you live? My locale has a normal high of 92°F in the summer, though it does get hotter for a few days. I downsized my 3 ton system to 2 tons a couple years ago and the comfort and performance are much improved.
The unit must be running to remove humidity. Oversized equipment can reach low temperatures indoors but short cycle, and that results in almost no dehumidification. Properly sized equipment should be running constinuously at design temperature.
 
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#12 · (Edited)
“the defrost capability really isn’t a benefit, right?”

Living in SW Arizona, that would be negligible IMO, would not be important in a decision making whether it’s a time defrost or demand, again IMO.

Is money in your pocket rebates from your state and the Federal Tax Credit important to you? If so then your system needs to be matched and meet minimum requirements from your state and for the Tax Credits and needs to be matched system, reason for asking about the AHRI number and all model numbers. Didn’t these Contractors mention these two benefits, if not ask them why they never mentioned it, see what they say.

Tax Credits

https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits

https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/air_source_heat_pumps

One source for money in your pocket rebates from your state

https://www.dsireusa.org/

Do not get local state rebates mixed up with the Tax Credits, they are two different programs.

Check with your local utility company for rebates on your Heat Pump also. These Contractors should be giving you these information as a selling point to deal with them.

Haven’t you asked for the AHRI numbers of each bid or model numbers they are bidding of each bid by now?
 
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#13 ·
Which name is on the box is not as important as who is installing it.

The best equipment on the planet if improperly sized and installed will provide an early demise with a lot of uncomfortable hours before hand. The worst equipment properly sized and installed will provide years of mostly care free comfort with some maintenance on a regular basis.

Do you want what's behind door #1 or Door #2?
 
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#19 ·
I have ben able to obtain the model number from one of the bidders. The Rheem model provided a model number for the condenser(RP15AZ48AJ2NA) and one for the air handler.(RH2TZ4817STANNJ) What confuses me is that the condenser shows up on the AHRI list for the tax credit, but not the handler.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Typically for rebates it’s a combination of both indoor to outdoor unit matched and not one for the outdoor and one for the indoor. In your case system will work, but if you wanted money in your pocket rebates and tax credits the Air Handler needs to be 21” wide, what you posted is 17” wide Air Handler.

AHRI number 211291750 gives a SEER2 15.2 EER2 11.7 and HSPF 8.1

Enter the number here to see ratings and the certificate

https://www.ahridirectory.org/

Use this site to enter model numbers to find matched systems as the 17” wide Air Handler did not show as a AHRI match, if homework was done correctly :grin2:. Again does not mean system won’t work, but you’re guessing at ratings and that combo will not get you rebates and the tax credits if it meets the minimum threshold.

The 21 after the 48 is the width of the Air Handler.

Go to Quick Search Criteria, do not enter the complete model numbers of the outdoor unit and Air Handler as it will kick it out. No need to enter brand then hit search.

You can do that with the other brands also.

Apparently this Rheem Contractor does not know how to match systems..

https://www.ahridirectory.org/Searc...uickSearch?category=8&searchTypeId=3&producttype=69&SubmenuId=3523&ProgramId=69

What is your states local electric utility minimum threshold ratings for rebate$.

Anyway you get the idea how AHRI works, choose your Contractor wisely as others have said.
 
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#22 ·
That’s a good start, should be saying Contractors, as in plural meaning all of them not Contractor, meaning one each :grin2:

Keeps them on their toes when they know they are dealing with informed HO

Keep us posted if you need more info/help..
 
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