[hvacakc]

We have a 17 year old home in Northern Cal - valley area. It has never had an AC. We plan to install a new unit. Our contractor has given us two options for the same price. which one should I go with?

Carrier
Model #: 24ABB360W003
13 Seer

Day and Night
Model #: nxa660gka
16 Seer

Both will be 5 ton units for a 2 story 2600 sqft house.

We are not heavy users of AC. Unless it gets into the mid nineties we rarely turn on the AC. My wife prefers the fresh air. We do get abt 10-15 days in the summer where it gets above 100s and we definetly need an AC for those days

What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[tigerdunes]

For such low usage, I would think a good quality 13 SEER AC condenser with matching coil would be your best choice.

However, how was the 5 ton size determined?

Tell us about your furnace-brand, age, size, mdl, efficiency, blower rating, etc.

IMO

 

[BaldLoonie]

The Carrier is a deluxe model with cabinet, compressor cover and most importantly compressor pressure switches.

The Day & Night is a builder model, no frills, no cabinet, no pressure switches. While it is capable of 16 SEER, it will probably get 13.50 to 14 SEER tops unless a matching indoor blower with high efficiency motor is installed. So with your existing furnace or blower, you are paying for efficiency you will not get.

The Carrier would be the best bet for the extras you get.

 

[hvacakc]

For such low usage, I would think a good quality 13 SEER AC condenser with matching coil would be your best choice.

However, how was the 5 ton size determined?

Tell us about your furnace-brand, age, size, mdl, efficiency, blower rating, etc.

IMO

Thanks for the quick response. Not sure how the 5 ton size was determined. But most contractors that gave an estimate said 5 ton.

The furnace is carrier from 1997 located in the attic. That's all I know

 

[tigerdunes]

Sorry, if you want good advice, you have to do your part.

I would want to know how 5 ton size was determined.

And you need to get the requested info on the furnace. This is something you should know and if not then find out.

IMO

 

[lkapigian]

I am in CA and a 5 ton if the home was built in 97 will do over 3000 square feet in climate zone 13 which is dessert conditions if you are on the coast closer to 4000 so my guess is you are way overr sized. You are probable dual pane metal frame windows R19 attic r 11 walls with 1 inch board siding for a minimum

 

[RyanHughes]

The Carrier is a deluxe model with cabinet, compressor cover and most importantly compressor pressure switches.

The Day & Night is a builder model, no frills, no cabinet, no pressure switches. While it is capable of 16 SEER, it will probably get 13.50 to 14 SEER tops unless a matching indoor blower with high efficiency motor is installed. So with your existing furnace or blower, you are paying for efficiency you will not get.

The Carrier would be the best bet for the extras you get.

My information actually shows that the 24ABB3 Comfort series (formerly "Base" series) condenser has none of the above features. The compressor blanket and high/low pressure switches are optional accessories on this model. The 24ACB3 Performance series condenser does however include these features as standard and would be my recommendation. It also has a louvered cabinet to protect the outdoor coil.

 

[tigerdunes]

Agree with Ryan. In fact Carrier should hang their head in shame with these new model designations. Reminds me of smoke and mirrors. OP should upgrade to the Performance 13. Better value, especially if sized correctly and with best matching ALA Carrier evap coil.

IMO

 

[BaldLoonie]

Yup, you boys are right of course. I hate the Carrier letters these days. Gotta correct my website. So simple in the old days. I can tell you easily what a 38GR was and a 38GS. So the Carrier and the ICP are essentially the same except the Day & Night COULD get 16 SEER with a new high efficiency blower.