I'm soon to be building a new home here in Maine and am trying to figure out the best A/C system to install (no heat pump.) The home is a bit unconventional. It's an 1096 sq ft loft and 704 sq ft finished attic above a 1,303 sq ft garage. I'll have a total of 1,800 sq ft of living space (all with 9'0" ceilings) for which I'll need A/C. The structure will be a heavily insulated (R-53 walls and R-81 roof) SIP construction that will require an ERV for a set of lungs, therefore I'll need to have duct work regardless of the A/C system I choose.
I'm looking at two options and would really appreciate feedback as to which system would be the most energy-efficient, cost-effective and least likely to present headaches over the long haul, assuming it's installed and runs exactly as it should. The two options I'm considering are as follows:
Option 1: A 2-ton Carrier Infinity 17 Series 2-Stage A/C System (17 SEER)
Option 2: A 2-ton Sanyo 4-Zone Cool-Only Flexi Multi Split (16.2 SEER)
Would a few of you knowledgeable HVAC folks spell out for me the pluses and minuses of each? My top priorities are energy efficiency, overall cost of of system (including installation) and reliability. Given the choice between just these two options, which would you go with and why?
Any/all feedback MUCH appreciated.
John
I'm looking at two options and would really appreciate feedback as to which system would be the most energy-efficient, cost-effective and least likely to present headaches over the long haul, assuming it's installed and runs exactly as it should. The two options I'm considering are as follows:
Option 1: A 2-ton Carrier Infinity 17 Series 2-Stage A/C System (17 SEER)
Option 2: A 2-ton Sanyo 4-Zone Cool-Only Flexi Multi Split (16.2 SEER)
Would a few of you knowledgeable HVAC folks spell out for me the pluses and minuses of each? My top priorities are energy efficiency, overall cost of of system (including installation) and reliability. Given the choice between just these two options, which would you go with and why?
Any/all feedback MUCH appreciated.
John
