[DTM333]

I have quotes for Rheem and Carrier furnace plus AC. With credits, rebates etc. both setups are the same bottom line price. After reading tons of posts, I can't tell which brand really has more issues. BTW, both combos are with different but very competent installers in town. The Rheem is a 95% 2 stage variable furnace and a prestige AC 14.4 seer JEZ series. The Carrier is a 95% 3 stage furnace and Air is 24ACB3 Comfort series. Both quoted Honeywell thermostats. The AC won't get used that much, I live in the cool northeast. So is the Carrier furnace a step up from the Rheem and are the AC's comparable/adequate for reliability, function etc.? Help appreciated.

 

[mrbenz7]

Since both of these units will have R-410A refrigerant, I would go with the Rheem. My experience with Carrier is that these have had more problems where leaks are concerned than Rheem. :callpro:

 

[seatonheating]

No difference.


Have the contractors arm-wrestle for your business.

 

[tedkidd]

If you go with rheem, get the mod. It's rated 93%, but appears to be far, far, far superior to the 2 stage.

I would be inclined to find another carrier dealer if you go with that. Anyone recommending the infinity furnace without the infinity thermostat either doesn't know what he's doing or doesn't care about you.

 

[BaldLoonie]

Agreed on the Infinity control!

 

[DTM333]

Thx for the early replies. I have read in several places that I should get the Infinity thermostat with Carrier. Can it be that much more expensive that they didn't include it? This is a big reputable dealer. On the suggestion for the Rheem MOD at 93%, I assume it's not tax credit eligible? That's a big chunk if so. So the general opinion is that the Carrier 3 stage is not really an upgrade to the Rheem Classic 2 stage (as the dealer suggests due to lower electric use, lower gas at lowest stage etc.)?

 

[tedkidd]

Some would argue carrier is better than the mod.

Rheem 2 stage doesn't belong in this comparison. You are comparing two types of quality steak to hamburger.

 

[commerce48]

I have quotes for Rheem and Carrier furnace plus AC. With credits, rebates etc. both setups are the same bottom line price. After reading tons of posts, I can't tell which brand really has more issues. BTW, both combos are with different but very competent installers in town. The Rheem is a 95% 2 stage variable furnace and a prestige AC 14.4 seer JEZ series. The Carrier is a 95% 3 stage furnace and Air is 24ACB3 Comfort series. Both quoted Honeywell thermostats. The AC won't get used that much, I live in the cool northeast. So is the Carrier furnace a step up from the Rheem and are the AC's comparable/adequate for reliability, function etc.? Help appreciated.

The Carrier model furnace is a HUGE step up. Yes, get it with the controller. Yes, you will be surprised at the cost. Dealers often quote without it to bring the price down, especially if they get a clue from you that it has to be low to compete.

It sounds like the Carrier with the controller will be less than the Rheem mod, especially when you factor in the tax credit. Not much to think about here assuming that these respected dealers both did a heat load and duct evaluation.

 

[mike_home]

Thx for the early replies. I have read in several places that I should get the Infinity thermostat with Carrier. Can it be that much more expensive that they didn't include it? This is a big reputable dealer. On the suggestion for the Rheem MOD at 93%, I assume it's not tax credit eligible? That's a big chunk if so. So the general opinion is that the Carrier 3 stage is not really an upgrade to the Rheem Classic 2 stage (as the dealer suggests due to lower electric use, lower gas at lowest stage etc.)?

I would be suspicious of a contractor who gives a quote for a Carrier Infinity furnance and does not recommend the Infinity controller. It is not a lot of company compared to what you will be spending on the whole system.

Does this contractor offer the Carrier rebate? You must buy the Infinity controller to qualify for the highest rebate. If he does offer the rebate, then get a quote on the Performance condenser. I found the price between the Comfort and Performance seriers was very small after the rebate. You may also achieve a higher SEER/EER rating which may qualify you for local utility rebates.

 

[DTM333]

Good question on the Carrier rebate. It wasn't mentioned, maybe doesn't apply to what was quoted but other models only? In addition to the tax credit, I get another 10% through a state program so the whole package is really 40% off to me. If there are other rebates that step me up with little added cost, I'd think about it although the price is in my comfort zone right now. I'll ask about the Infinity controller. If it's a couple hundred, not a big deal. I figured the Carrier was a better heat unit. Not sensing any issue about lack of stainless steel heat exchangers on it. The Carrier web site is vague about rebates, I hate 'secret stuff' left to the dealer. And they may have to kick in to participate? Like buying a car I guess.

 

[commerce48]

I'll ask about the Infinity controller. If it's a couple hundred, not a big deal.

You are in the right ballpark. Add another 50% or so.

The Carrier web site is vague about rebates, I hate 'secret stuff' left to the dealer. And they may have to kick in to participate? Like buying a car I guess.

Exactly right. And you may find out that the installed cost is no different from a rebate participating dealer, and a non-participating dealer. Lots of other factors, which often makes it difficult to compare quotes fairly from different dealers.

You've only received two quotes. Try getting a couple more, you may learn about something else that needs doing, like duct revision for cold rooms (it is worth reading random threads here for an hour or two to get some ideas and questions to ask dealers). And you may find a dealer in the process that is hands above the rest with a fair price and decision over.

 

[DTM333]

Good advice on getting additional estimates. I'm adding Trane to the mix and have an estimate appt. You said the Carrier was a huge step up so I'm leaning that way unless the Trane dealer blows me away. I'll ask for the Carrier controller if I choose that but additionally, I see several posts about asking for tin plated coils on the AC? Would that apply to the carrier 24AC3B? I'm not that familiar with the components so not sure exactly what to ask for / check or if it applies.

 

[commerce48]

Good advice on getting additional estimates. I'm adding Trane to the mix and have an estimate appt. You said the Carrier was a huge step up so I'm leaning that way unless the Trane dealer blows me away. I'll ask for the Carrier controller if I choose that but additionally, I see several posts about asking for tin plated coils on the AC? Would that apply to the carrier 24AC3B? I'm not that familiar with the components so not sure exactly what to ask for / check or if it applies.

I believe those options for coil coatings are only important near the ocean. They tend to reduce efficiency and increase cost so unless you are near the ocean, it is unlikely to come up.

I don't know very much about the Trane. The communicating modulating one sounds like it has a similar level of sophistication as the Infinity, just with more stages (which is better). My one experience with a Trane dealer was an annoying pitch for their electronic filter (additional cost, little benefit). Trane has a huge AC reputation, along with a reputation for being costly. While prices are not allowed here, I'd be interested in hearing if the furnace quote is comparable to the Infinity.

While I have my own strong feature preferences, the installer will probably make more of a difference to your satisfaction than the brand. So evaluate them just as carefully. Are they offering to do a heat load for proper sizing, or recommend duct revisions? Do they offer references and allow you to visit homes they have installed systems in? Warranty and service support? Some dealers offer 1 year satisfaction guarantees or they will remove and refund. Lots of stuff to consider besides brand. Depends on your tolerance for due diligence, but remember your quoting sales person may not be the one installing your system. Sometimes it won't even be the company's employees, but a subcontractor who has no future interest in how well your system works.

 

[Stamas]

I believe those options for coil coatings are only important near the ocean. They tend to reduce efficiency and increase cost so unless you are near the ocean, it is unlikely to come up.

I don't know very much about the Trane. The communicating modulating one sounds like it has a similar level of sophistication as the Infinity, just with more stages (which is better). My one experience with a Trane dealer was an annoying pitch for their electronic filter (additional cost, little benefit). Trane has a huge AC reputation, along with a reputation for being costly. While prices are not allowed here, I'd be interested in hearing if the furnace quote is comparable to the Infinity.

While I have my own strong feature preferences, the installer will probably make more of a difference to your satisfaction than the brand. So evaluate them just as carefully. Are they offering to do a heat load for proper sizing, or recommend duct revisions? Do they offer references and allow you to visit homes they have installed systems in? Warranty and service support? Some dealers offer 1 year satisfaction guarantees or they will remove and refund. Lots of stuff to consider besides brand. Depends on your tolerance for due diligence, but remember your quoting sales person may not be the one installing your system. Sometimes it won't even be the company's employees, but a subcontractor who has no future interest in how well your system works.

Trane equipment is priced in line with other brands, in similar models , from all that I've seen. As for reputation, I'd think the dealer's rep is more important than the equipment.

 

[MarciaFL]

I see language in this post that there's an expectaton of a Fed. Tax credit, but it's my understanding that to qualify for the credit, a split system has to have a minimum efficiency of 16 SEER, 13 EER. This posting identified the RHEEM system as a 14.4 Seer (and doesn't say what the Carrier is).

I've received a couple of quotes myself where the contractor claimed the quoted system will get me the credit -- but with further investigation and conversation, turned out they were wrong --- and that, of course, made a big difference in the quote. Can that Rheem really get a tax credit?

 

[DTM333]

I'm sure someone will exlpain the seer rating but I'm just the consumer trying to keep it straight. The Rheem model quoted is RAPM-JEZ. The Rheem web site and my quote list it at 14.5 seer. A link from the web site shows the tax credit form ... all variations/sizes/combinations of furnace/coil show 16 seer on that form. Must be some magic involved with fed calcs vs actual by model? I did hear two salesmen say something like 'I can get xx seer out of this unit by ......' I don't recall the detail though or understand that.

I now have 3 quotes and I'll list the furnace/ac combinations.
Rheem:RGRM 2stage furnace / RAPM-JEZ AC
Carrier: Infinity ICS 95% 3stage furnace / 24ACB3 AC
Trane: XV95 2stage furnace / XB14 AC

Pricing is very close among the three so I will focus on the installer. Didn't like the Rheem salesman. The Carrier guy was ok and the Trane salesman took the most time/measurements/detail. I think it's between Carrier and Trane ... prob Trane unless someone can tell me the Carrier system gives me a lot more. Decision Monday. Getting cold here in Mass.

 

[tinner73]

i'm pretty sure that the Carrier evap coils are made in Mexico..if that matters to you.

 

[tedkidd]

i'm pretty sure that the Carrier evap coils are made in Mexico..if that matters to you.

My new TDI Sportwagen too! Put 150 miles on it today! Good stuff!