Building a house and im looking at the HVAC stuff thats about to get installed. Original quoted stuff is 13 SEER and im definitely looking to increase that to 16. To go to just 16 was maybe a grand more. To go to a 16 system that was supposed to be more quiet (comfort vs performance series) among other things was like 2 grand more. To go to a 16 seer variable speed system is was more like 5k more. I dont have the quote in front of me to know exactly. I really dont want to go up 5k more on the price...but is variable speed hvac systems THAT much better?? The brand is Carrier...house has blown in cellulose in ceiling and exterior walls, silver heat shield stuff on the roof decking, and all low E 366 windows.

TIA

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Posted by pdubya76

Sw Ms

Member since Mar 2012

5979 posts

Posted on 2/25/14 at 10:42 am to NOLAGT

quote:
Building a house

We know.

I just built one too. The variable speed was rec if I went with spray foam so it would remove the humidity since the louse was sealed tight.My AC guy said the variable wasnt necessary since I went with batts and cellulose

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Posted by PurpleAndGoldFinger

Baton Rouge, La.

Member since Aug 2004

1245 posts

Posted on 2/25/14 at 10:44 am to NOLAGT

In the biz... New home, go 16 Seer or better.

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Posted by ATOlurker

Lafayette

Member since Sep 2005

289 posts

Posted on 2/25/14 at 10:45 am to NOLAGT

quote:
silver heat shield stuff on the roof decking

I don't know about the AC stuff, But I heard the heat shield stuff can significantly reduce your cell phone coverage in your home. Our builder said he has received multiple complaints and does not install it anymore. Not sure if true though.

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Posted by tigeraddict

Baton Rouge

Member since Mar 2007

11824 posts

Posted on 2/25/14 at 10:45 am to NOLAGT

Spend the extra money on better insulation and more energy efficient windows... best energy savings is when the unit does not run at all

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Posted by AndyCBR

Baton Rouge, LA

Member since Nov 2012

7556 posts

Posted on 2/25/14 at 10:53 am to NOLAGT

I would get single speed outside unit with a variable furnace/air handler. Use the savings to upgrade the insulation to spray foam.

You'll get enhanced dehumidification with the variable speed blower ramp up. The furnace running at single stage in our climate is good too as the furnaces are oversized for our climate.

True variable speed (indoor and outdoor) tend to have dehumidification problems. I had a Tech installing my system tell me he had to add a whole house dehumidifier to get the humidity down with his Trane xl20.

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Posted by BoostAddict