[dcraighead]

We are installing a complete new system including ductwork for our 2100 sq single level house in middle Tennessee. Our decision is between the Carrier Performance and the Rheem Pestige.

*Carrier Perormance 3.5 ton heat pump system
*Performance Condenser: 25HPA542H31
*Performance Air Handler: FV4BN(B,F)005T00
*15kw Heat Kit with Breakers
*Carrier Edge Thermidistat: TP-PRH
*Sound Rating: 69 db
42000 13.00 15.00 42000 9.00 26600
ARI Reference # (Did not look it up)
OR
*Rheem Pestige 3.5 heat pump system
*Prestige Model: RPQL-042JEZ
*Prestige Coil: RHKL-HM4821+RCSL-H*4821A
*Honeywell IAQ Thermostat
*Sound Rating: 74 db
12.50 15.00 9.50
ARI Reference #3245573

I think both qualify for the $1500 tax credit and both have the ever so important variable speed ECM motor. Both are single stage units. Which system is the best?

 

[deux]

Carrier Rocks!

Always did me well over the years.

 

[deux]

I have a Carrier, all my friends and family get Carrier products from me.

 

[commerce48]

The outside units both strike me as being significantly louder than better units. I'd bet any two stage unit would not only be quieter and detract less from your outside enjoyment (and your neighbors), but also pay for itself in reduced energy costs, better control of humidity, and general inside comfort.

Even if the upgrade doesn't pay for itself with lower energy use, look at the cost spread over 15 to 20 years and ask yourself if the luxury of better comfort is worth the small annual cost of the better units.

Personally, I would pay a premium just for lower noise.

 

[dcraighead]

What do you consider a premium unit? The Rheem does not have a 2-stage in the 3 1/2 ton size and I would have to step up to the Infinity series in the Carrier to get a 2-stage. What do you recommend?

 

[ga-hvac-tech]

As noted above, 2 stage is worth the $$$ for the comfort it provides (humidity reduction in the cooling season is a wonderful thing!!!).

The systems you have noted are 'residential grade'... above builder grade, yet below premium grade (regardless of what the manufacturer calls them).

If you look at true premium grade (2 stage, etc), you will find lower noise, more features, and most of all, more comfort. Remember that this is the most expensive and most energy usage appliance you will purchase. Better to get something comfortable than skimp and regret it.

 

[dcraighead]

I have looked and Rheem has a Rheem 2-stage unit in the 3 ton series. Our house is very energy efficient, 2x6 walls, triple pane windows, etc so the 3 ton variable speed should be o.k.

The unit model is: RPRL-036JEZ, but which air handler would be the best?
RHPL-HM3621+RCSM-H*3621A* 12.75 16.50 8.70
OR
RHPL-HM3621+RCSM-H*3621C* 12.75 16.50 8.70

I don't know which has the variable speed ECM Motor.

Thanks for you help.

 

[ga-hvac-tech]

Be careful when you go to 'high end' equipment...

This is a tricky subject... not all HVAC contractors understand how to size, install, set up (configure), and service the high end equipment. I have 'cleaned up' a few installs. Choose your contractor carefully.

Having said that, the equipment is not that difficult; you just need someone that has done the classes with the manufacturer to understand what they are fiddling with.

Let us know how it works out!

PS--Rheem/RUUD (same product, different name) received the highest rating from Consumer Reports last summer for reliability.

 

[tigerdunes]

craig

I don't know of any high end two stage HP systems that are available in 1/2 ton increments.

Be aware that Carrier has recently introduced their two stg Performance 16 HP that has excellent numbers.

see below.

3495710 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA636A30 FV4CN(B,F)005 35200 13.00 16.00 37200 9.30

3495978 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA648A30 FV4CNB006 48000 12.90 16.50 48000 9.65 29800

both the three ton and four ton system qualify for the tax credit.

Good Luck!

 

[dcraighead]

Is this considered a premium unit that you were talking about? If so what air handler is the best match for this unit?

The contractor I have chosen is very knowledgeable and has about 20 years experience in the business so I feel comfortable using him.

 

[tigerdunes]

craig

I consider the Performance 15 "H" mdl and Performance 16 model to be high end premium HPs but not top of line.

It has been suggested that the new Performance 16 will replace the Infinity 16. I can not verify that.

Both the Performance 15 and 16 are Infinity air handler/Infinity control compatible but of course that comes with a price. Both models also accept the VS Preformance air handler with Edge thermidistat. You have a choice depending on comfort, control, and your budget.

see link.
http://www.docs.hvacpartners.com/idc/groups/public/documents/marketing/01-825-029-25.pdf

Good Luck!

 

[BaldLoonie]

The Rheem RHPL-3621 is the correct air handler for the RPRL-036. The JA is the standard model, the JC is the communicating model to interface with the -JEC heat pump if you want that feature.

The -JEZ has the deluxe diagnosing board but the -JEC is communicating to a touch screen stat or a new new high def stat so you have features similar to the Infinity control. From what I understand, the Infinity might do a little more but the Rheem system has more diagnostics for the tech. Looked pretty slick to me when I went to a class on it.

Isn't Carrier replacing the TS compressor model with a 16 SEER 2 stage scroll instead?

 

[dcraighead]

Do both the A & C have the variable speed ECM motor? Also, I currently have a Honeywell 8321 programmable thermostat. If I got the JEZ model would you upgrade to the Honeywell IAQ? If I get the JEC, I would want the new communicating thermostat from Rheem.

 

[BaldLoonie]

Both have VS motors. With the JEZ, 8321 is fine. Only reason to upgrade to IAQ is using dehumidify on demand, slowing the blower if humidity is high.

Yes, if you got the JEC, that new hi def stat is slick. But all these bells & whistles add bucks!

 

[dcraighead]

I am going to get a price from my contractor for each of these systems. Please let me know if I have matched them up correctly.

1. *RPRL-036JEC - Model Number
*RCSM-H-3621C - Coil ID
*RHPL-HM3621JC - Air Mover ID
*RHC-TST501CMMS - 500 Series Communicating Thermostat
ARI Reference #3335753
12.75 16.50 9.40

OR

2. *RPRL-036JEZ - Model Number
*RCSM-H*3621A - Coil ID
*RHPL-HM3621JA - Air Mover ID
*Honeywell 8321 Programmable Thermostat (Already Have)
ARI Reference #1277247
12.75 16.50 8.70

I just want to make sure this is correct before I ask for his pricing. Thanks for your helpful, informative advice.

 

[ga-hvac-tech]

Depending on your lifestyle, the dehum cycle might be something to think about. Here in Atlanta, especially if one uses the set back feature of a high end T-stat, dehum is a good thing.

I personally like the IAQ, and spec it in all systems that have VS blowers.

I personally think one can get caught up in details and forget the comfort experience of the system... it is easy to think of a couple hundred $$$ and forget how the air in one's home feels for the next 15-20 years.

On the other hand, if one is not going to be in the house for long (less than 5 years), sometimes the extra bucks may not be justifiable.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[dcraighead]

We plan on staying in this house for many, many years that is why I am trying to get the right system. Hopefully, the JEC system will be in my reach and that has the HD Stat for superior humidity control. Is all of the model numbers that I have listed correct for the best JEC set-up?

 

[sktn77a]

I can't speak for the Carrier but the additional diagnostics and ease of use of the communicating Rheem systems (RPRL-JEC) over their non-communicating systems (RPRL-JEZ) is nice to have if you can stretch that far. I'd go with the Rheem thermostats for either of these systems.

 

[sktn77a]

Oh, and before I forget - spend as much time now investigating ductwork options as you have with the equipment - this will make or break a good system (stay away from flex for trunk lines, only use high quality flex for branch lines and keep them as short as possible).

 

[dcraighead]

That was what I was going to next. I didn't realize that flex was ever used as a trunk line. We will use flex duct for our branches. The main trunk line will be in the center of the house so the branches should be close to equal in length. Are there a certain brand/type I should ask for? I want very good quality. I will let him make recommendations, but I want to be as knowledgeable as possible so I can ask the right questions. He did say he would probably use 4 x 12 registers and recommended putting the bathroom vent under my vanity due to limited space. Is this a good idea?