[3dward3]

I recently had a new Coleman HVAC system installed. The customer booklet for each unit stated the following. The "Outdoor Split-System Air Conditioner" is model #TCJF36S41S3A, and rated at 14.5 SEER. The "Residential Gas furnace" is model #TM8X100C16MP11A, with a "Single Stage Multi-position / Low NOx with High-Efficiency Motor.

So far, I've only had a chance to use the AC, and the unit seems to be working fine, but I do have a concern. On the invoice I received, it stated I was purchasing a 80% Coleman furnace and a 16.25 SEER Condensing Unit with Cased Coil, but the booklet is saying it's a 14.5 SEER unit. Is there something that the installer could have done that would raised the 14.5 SEER rating to a 16.25 SEER rating???

 

[motoguy128]

14.5 might have been the "standard" rating for that outdoor unit. If you have a high effeciency blower motor on yoru furnace and its' that right size and configuration, it could raise the rating of the competl esyste mto 16.25.

A AC system actual rating is determined by how all the components interact. Specifically how much total energy does it take ot move the air and compress the refrigerant compared to the amount of heat removed form the home.

Look at it like a car engine. Virtually the same 4 cylinder engine is used in a Honda CR-V and Honda Accord. But they have very different fuel economy ratings.

Similarly, you can slap a "2 ton 20 SEER" Carrier Infinity Condensor on a builder grade 40kBTU furnace and you'll rpobably only get to 15.5SEER. Now install that same coondensor on a Inifinity furnace and you'll be around 18 SEER. You'll only get 20 SEER on Infinity air handler.

 

[3dward3]

Thanks for the info motoguy128. Maybe I did get what I paid for. But, based on what you said, how does a consumer get an “AHRI certificate” to file for an Energy Tax Credit, contact the distributor? Also, does the AHRI consider all (3) components; the condenser, evaporator, and furnace, and give you an overall SEER rating to qualify? And finally, How can I find out the SEER rating of my evaporator coil (Model # FC48C3XN1H)?

 

[2old2rock]

Your installing contractor should provide the AHRI cert.

 

[beenthere]

Evaporator coils don't have a SEER rating. They are matched to a condenser, and then the system has a SEER rating.

You can search the AHRI site yourself. Takes a bit of practice.

 

[HeyBob]

ARI Ref # 3580736 is a 16.5 SEER match, what indoor coil do you have. I am completely unfamiliar with Coleman, but I did find that doing a quick search.

Also qualifies for a tax credit.

It must be a three way match, furnace, indoor coil, outdoor unit to qualify.

We need your indoor coil #

 

[HeyBob]

You can search the AHRI site yourself. Takes a bit of practice.

Yep, can be a PITA if you are unfamiliar with the equipment. The Coleman stuff has so many *&^%$# and whatnot in the AHRI search criteria it's a PITA.

 

[3dward3]

Thanks HeyBob. I relatively new to forums and posting threads. I'm not 100% sure your response was for me, because I didn't give the ARI Ref # 3580736 that you referenced. But here is the model number for all (3) components:
The indoor coil number is (FC48C3XN1H)
The outdoor coil number is (TCJF36S41S3A)
The furnace number is TM8X100C16MP11A
Would this combo qualify?

 

[HeyBob]

Thanks HeyBob. I relatively new to forums and posting threads. I'm not 100% sure your response was for me, because I didn't give the ARI Ref # 3580736 that you referenced. But here is the model number for all (3) components:
The indoor coil number is (FC48C3XN1H)
The outdoor coil number is (TCJF36S41S3A)
The furnace number is TM8X100C16MP11A
Would this combo qualify?

I am not an expert on Coleman, someone correct me if I am wrong, but if I am correctly reading everything then yes. It must have a TXV also.

Click Here and search.

 

[beenthere]

Yep, must be a TXV.

 

[3dward3]

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately my access privileges won't let me open the AHRI attached file.

 

[3dward3]

Thanks again to you HeyBob. Will check with the installer for an AHRI cert. Don't all evaporators use a TXV or similar device?

 

[beenthere]

Go to AHRI, and enter ref number 3580765.