Post all the model numbers of each piece of equipment these Contractors propose. All those brands mentioned have different tier levels in the same SEER ratings for the most part.

We will be able to tell if they are pretty much in the same tier level ( you know, an apples to apples quotes ) At the very least it can be shown if they are proposing matched systems.

What is the labor warranty they propose?

 

York LX TM8Y Furnace/YXT060 AC (Condensor/Furnace Option)

Carrier - Performance 16 25HCE436A003 (heat pump option)

Trane - XR16 heat pump

I like the furnace idea as gas is much cheaper than electricity in socal

All 3 offer 5 year labor warranties

 

York LX TM8Y Furnace/YXT060 AC (Condensor/Furnace Option)

Carrier - Performance 16 25HCE436A003 (heat pump option)

Trane - XR16 heat pump

I like the furnace idea as gas is much cheaper than electricity in socal

Those are vague quotes, you want to find the SEER, EER, and HSPF of each would need the ID coil numbers, OD model numbers, and furnace number.

What are the BTU rating of the furnaces of each, what’s the OD tonnage of each, what’s the model number of the ID coil of each.

You can’t go by what the OD unit is rated at as your SEER, it’s the ID selection along with the OD selection and tonnage that gives your numbers.

 

And to sort of hijack my own thread - both carrier and trane proposals are insisting on a fan coil in the attic while the york proposal is telling me I don't need anything in my attic - is this accurate for a zoned system?

 

That Carrier number you gave says it’s 14 SEER and a Comfort series, not a performance 16 SEER.

https://www.dcne.com/product/carrie...carrier-3-tons-14-15-5-seer-residential-heat-pump-208-230-v-r-410a-25hce436a003

Read under “ Description “

 

Worry more about the installer then the brand name.
Most use similar brands of components anyway.

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/difference-between-best-hvac-brands.htm

Get AHRI match numbers and insist on proper sizing and full commissioning once the installation is done.

 

Worry more about the installer then the brand name.
Most use similar brands of components anyway.

I can tell you that the guys proposing both Trane and Carrier had a salesman vibe about them - the guy proposing York felt very honest but comes from a mom and pop type of shop so doesn't have the reputation of the bigger guys.

All three are highly reviewed and recommended in my area.

I just don't know why York guy is telling me I don't need this fan coil in my attic so I'm wondering if he definitely knows his stuff

 

I'm just quoting the proposal I don't know if the model number or product name is incorrect but I can tell you that is the highest quote - but more importantly can you tell me about the upstairs fan coil issue?

I like the york guy but confused as to why he's the only one telling me I don't need any machinery in my attic

 

What air handler is currently in the attic? How old is it? What refrigerant does it use?

 

Currently the house is setup for 2 systems - one condensor/furnace for downstairs and a heat pump/fan coil in the attic...the system is completely hacked together and everyone that's come out to see it says it's a mess and needs to be replaced (the units are from the 80s anyway)

 

Your other thread says a 5 ton unit is being proposed. How was that size determined?

 

So since the house is 3162 sq feet - the options are to either do one 5 ton zoned system which would be slightly underpowered or do 2 systems at 3 tons each - I like the idea of 2 systems but that's considerably more expensive

 

So the York guy is proposing using the 1980s air handler with a brand new replacement outdoor unit?

 

No the york guy is proposing removing everything from the attic - the entire system is a furnace, condensor and evaporator coil - I'm confused as to why he's the only one saying nothing needs to live in the attic besides ducting

 

Then where will the air handler live?
What modifications will be made to the duct to accommodate zoning?

 

I do know there is some sort of duct work being done no matter which contractor I pick - no one has ever mentioned anything about an air handler - do I have to have one?

 

Furnace/air handler, has to be some sort of indoor unit.

 

Ok that would make sense because the york guy is the only one proposing a furnace while the two other guys are proposing heat pumps with fans in the attic...

The system would be a condenser outside and a furnace inside on the bottom floor and no equipment upstairs - does this sound like it would work?

 

Ok, so the York guy is proposing a heat pump hybrid using a gas furnace? Or just standard gas heating with an air conditioner?
The rest are proposing standard heat pumps?
Does this sound right?

 

I believe the york guy is proposing a standard condenser (not a heat pump) and a gas furnace - he also lists a condenser coil on his proposal. This is all the gear he's listing.

The other guys are both proposing standard heat pumps with no furnace.

If using the standard condenser and downstairs furnace with zoning equipment, would that eliminate the need for an air handler?

 

The furnace would be the air handler.

 

Got it - so the fan coil that the heat pump guys are proposing, is that only needed for a heat pump or am I totally good for 2 zone control with only the furnace and condensor?

 

Zoning can be done either way.
But this is why the contractor is so important. The equipment is basically a big puzzle that must be put together to all work right together.

 

All three guys are highly recommended but the york guy just seems to me to be the most honest and didn't try to upsell me on anything...

 

Ok,
How was sizing determined by the proposals? Will they properly commission the equipment after installation?
Are your utility rates better for gas then electricity?

 

There was no official measurement taken - they all used square footage at least in explaining it to me.
I can't say if it will be done properly but all three have solid reps on yelp and do say they will ensure everything is correctly working at the end of installation.

In my area, gas is probably half the price of electricity so furnace will save money.

 

https://www.loadcalc.net/

Yes a load cal would be great. Above one is free. There are many room by room load calculation online for a minimum fee also.

Yes a uncomplicated basic 80% furnace in your area would be the way to go if your considering a gas system.

Prestige in a brand ( you mentioning York lack off ) does not mean nothing IMO, there are many brands you probably never heard of out there, does not mean they are inferior units just because they are not so recognized. I think there are only around 5 ( give or take ) recognized major manufacturers that make all those lesser recognized brands.

Being in California registration of equipment is not required to receive the maximum manufacturers warranty. The other location is Quebec. All other areas need registration. I’m not 100% sure but I believe all new equipment installed in California needs to be a matched system.

 

I may have missed something here but It sounds to me that the York guy is going to tear out the equipment for upstairs, redo some ducting and adding a trunk to tie the upstairs duct and basement equipment together with a zone package. The other 2 appear to be leaving the main floor system alone and just replacing the upstairs system. If this is the case has he discussed where the duct will run between basement and attic?

 

BNM - Yes that's what he's doing - there's currently a complete hack job system installed now and he's ripping out everything in the house and proposing a 2 zoned system using a gas furnace and standard condenser with nothing in the attic (the other two guys are insisting that the furnace must be in the attic to control airflow)