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New residential HVAC

Posted on 6/11/24 at 9:21 pm
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/11/24 at 9:21 pm
Need help deciding on HVAC options ( 5 ton) for a new residence.
Option 1: 15 SEER single stage Lennox with 2 year parts warranty, 11.5k.
Option 2: 14 SEER Daikin two stage with 12 year parts and labor warranty, 18.5k.

Is the Daikin really worth the extra 7k plus the interest I’ll be paying on it? I really like their parts and labor warranty.
This post was edited on 6/11/24 at 9:35 pm
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
12134 posts
Posted on 6/11/24 at 9:31 pm to
Is the Daikin really worth the extra 7k plus the interest I’ll be paying on it? I really like their parts and labor warranty.
---

Hell you're paying $7k for that extended warranty on the Daikin.

I thought most systems offered one year labor and 10 year parts.
This post was edited on 6/11/24 at 9:48 pm
Posted by Beaued up
Member since Sep 2015
20 posts
Posted on 6/11/24 at 11:44 pm to
Rheem comes with 10 year parts. 1 year labor warranty. I can install a 5 ton for 14k in the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5690 posts
Posted on 6/11/24 at 11:55 pm to
quote:

Hell you're paying $7k for that extended warranty on the Daikin.

Certainly accounts for significant part of the additional cost, but 2 stage systems are typically $3 to 4K more expensive than single stage systems even without the extended warranty.

quote:

I thought most systems offered one year labor and 10 year parts.

Yeah, I think the OP mis-stated something, there is a 10 year parts on HVAC if registered with the manufacturer - 1 or 2 year labor warranty is common.

OP - for the two stage Daikan much of the cooling season you be operating at stage 1, or 3.5 ton cooling capacity saving $ on electrical cost. If you going to live in this house 12-15 years, it might be worth considering the 2 stage system to recoup the added cost, but if not, then go with the single stage. But one typically will obtain better overall comfort with two stage & multi-stage HVACs than single stage systems - usually longer run times, less short cycling that provides better overall comfort.

Are you replacing a 5-ton system with another 5-ton system? Because if you’re upsizing from a 4 ton to 5 ton without upsizing the ductwork, then you won’t get 5-tons of cooling capacity - ductwork size is every bit as important as the equipment.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 6:57 am to
Quote clearly reads 12 year parts and labor warranty on the Daikin.

This will be a new construction.
This post was edited on 6/12/24 at 8:50 am
Posted by ABucks11
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2012
1232 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 7:53 am to
quote:

thought most systems offered one year labor and 10 year parts.


The big companies have been pushing 10 year labor with parts now. Makes the buyer feel good and they mark it up $3-4k.
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
21268 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 7:56 am to
quote:

Is the Daikin really worth the extra 7k plus the interest I’ll be paying on it?


absolutely not. Just make sure the single stage system is sized correctly.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
46204 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 8:04 am to
quote:

Makes the buyer feel good and they mark it up $3-4k.
YEP
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
3347 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 8:16 am to
You spoke of financing, so I assume price matters. I’d get a nice Goodman combo online for $4-5k and contract an independent licensed installer. Might have to file for a permit, but it should be easy enough as long as your ventilation system is in decent shape and the old unit was up to code with a proper disconnect and what not. Made in Texas and used by every landlord. No reason a simple swap should cost more than $6-7k but you hear of people spending double that on the regular.
This post was edited on 6/12/24 at 8:45 am
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
21268 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 8:26 am to
being a new build, the OP probably doesn't have a choice in what HVAC installer they use.
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
3347 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 8:38 am to
quote:

being a new build, the OP probably doesn't have a choice in what HVAC installer they use.

Missed that. Go with best cost and efficiency possible. If you’re spending extra, do it on the ventilation. That’s what you don’t want to mess with on down the road. Swapping or repairing units is simple and cheap.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5690 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 9:27 am to
quote:

Quote clearly reads 12 year parts and labor warranty on the Daikin. This will be a new construction.

I was referring to Option 1 for the singe stage Lennox in which you stated 2 years part warranty. I think it is federal law that it is 5 years parts warranty if not registered with the manufacturer, but all manufacturers offer 10 or 12 years parts warranty if registered. The HVAC installer will usually register the HVAC for you and send you the registration paperwork but you need to ask.

I did a change out of my unit last year, I seriously considered a 2-stage unit which was several thousand more than the single stage - I opted for the single stage as there was a very good chance I would not remain in the house the 10 years plus years required to recoup the added cost from utility savings.

You just have to run the numbers to see what makes sense for you. But with new construction I assume the HVAC cost will be amortized over 15 or 30 years unless you are paying cash. The experts state that the avg life span of a properly installed HVAC in the Deep South is 13 to 15 years.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 10:04 am to
I'll be sure to check with the installer to ensure the unit is registered for the best warranty.

This will be our forever home therefore the most efficient HVAC unit is being considered. The cost will be amortized into the home's loan.

My parents got 31 years out of their Trane unit before they opted to replace it last year. It had a slow refrigerant leak but was still running and cooling. They obviously don't make appliances and utilities like they use to, that's why I'm almost tempted to go with the Daikin due to their warranty. But I'm stuck deciding on the cost savings with he Daikin and the unknown costs of potential break downs on the Lennox.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 10:07 am to
The only choice I have is it use the builder's HVAC installer or be credited 11.5k and handle the HVAC install myself. The only option I have seeked out so far is a local HVAC installer that I trust, and they install Daikin units.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
16232 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 10:29 am to
I need one soon also and the installer I trust installs Goodman. Searching and asking which brand is best to anyone or any website results in no help whatsoever. I guess they all suck.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 10:53 am to
Kinda all depends on who you talk to. Of course your local installer will tell you that the brand that they install are the best. But warranty, efficiency, service, etc, all factors in when selecting the brand and model.

TBH i see alot of Goodman's installed on rental homes and apartments.
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
3347 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 10:59 am to
quote:

TBH i see alot of Goodman's installed on rental homes and apartments.


These are the people that actually run the numbers on install and maintenance costs over time rather than consulting sales people.

Goodman also does not restrict direct sales, so it is easy to find out if you’re paying too much. Most other brands are only available through contracts.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5690 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 1:38 pm to
quote:

This will be our forever home therefore the most efficient HVAC unit is being considered. The cost will be amortized into the home's loan. My parents got 31 years out of their Trane unit before they opted to replace it last year. It had a slow refrigerant leak but was still running and cooling. They obviously don't make appliances and utilities like they use to, that's why I'm almost tempted to go with the Daikin due to their warranty. But I'm stuck deciding on the cost savings with he Daikin and the unknown costs of potential break downs on the Lennox.

I think the $7K price difference breaks down roughly as follows: $4K for two-stage vs single (that was my experience with Trane) + $3K for the 12 year extended warranty. As with anything there are pros & cons to each.

Daikan is the largest manufacturer of residential units in the USA - manufacturing plant in Houston as I recall. Daikan manufactures Goodman & Amana. Replacement parts are easy to get. Since it’s your forever home, I’d consider the two-stage unit, not suggesting you go with it, just seriously consider it - good probability you’ll recoup the added cost in a decade or so from the added efficiency and better than average chance you’ll be using that extended warranty for parts & labor. Plus you might get somewhat better overall comfort with the two stage system. But of course there are no guarantees……..
This post was edited on 6/12/24 at 7:20 pm
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 1:50 pm to
I wonder if they factor in a utility bill when they run their numbers. So the cheapest least efficient option makes sense for them if they don't.
Posted by SmokinBurger
Bayou Self
Member since Sep 2021
493 posts
Posted on 6/12/24 at 1:52 pm to
Great explanation, I'll definitely consider these points when I make the final decision.
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