Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

HVAC experts seer question

Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:34 pm
Posted by Arbengal
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2008
3012 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:34 pm
I am in the process of having to make a rather quick decision regarding my lower level HVAC. it's a 4 ton unit currently. Can anyone familiar with newer equipment provide me with some advice on the best seer level to get versus the best price point? The square footage is 1350 but it has 50% of that level exceeding 20 feet in height. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!
Posted by NYCAuburn
TD Platinum Membership/SECr Sheriff
Member since Feb 2011
57002 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:36 pm to
how long do you plan to own this property?
Posted by MoreOrLes
Member since Nov 2008
19472 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:40 pm to
quote:

Can anyone familiar with newer equipment provide me with some advice on the best seer level to get versus the best price point?


My guess is that would be 14 or 16

I just bought 2 top of the line Lennox up tp 25 seer. They are DC motor driven and that enables them to ramp up and down rather that kick on and off. Ridiculously quiet. Made a huge difference on the first electric bill.

However upfront cost was quite high.
Posted by Arbengal
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2008
3012 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:42 pm to
Quote is 5700 on 15 seer, 9800 in 17 seer with 2 stage compressor. 3 ton units. 17 seer has warranty for 10 years.
Posted by Arbengal
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2008
3012 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:43 pm to
Plan to be in it at least 20 years
Posted by NYCAuburn
TD Platinum Membership/SECr Sheriff
Member since Feb 2011
57002 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:45 pm to
quote:

Plan to be in it at least 20 years


Excellent, then you have room to invest. You wont see a crazy return on investment as you go up, but definitely get a 2 stage/multistage/variable/whatever that brand calls it unit.

Anything way up there is a bit of over kill unless you like to spend money
Posted by halleburton
Member since Dec 2009
1519 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:45 pm to
Do you not trust your AC guy?

Higher seer will be more energy efficient, but cost more up front. To get the most bang for your buck, go with 14 seer IMO. AC guys only pay about 10% more to go from 14 to 15, but will charge substantially more for what amounts to the exact same install.

eta: took forever to post, there were no replies when I started haha
This post was edited on 6/14/16 at 1:50 pm
Posted by Arbengal
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2008
3012 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 1:48 pm to
I don't know him and he is not providing much info. I did a quick search and it looks like it will save me about 1,000 in 10 years. Not worth spending on the higher seer I guess. I thank you all sincerely!
Posted by CORIMA
LAFAYETTE
Member since May 2014
523 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 2:13 pm to
If you have the means, I recommend the variable speed option. Quiet, efficient, great humidity control. I went with the Trane XV18. A good installer is critical to any choice. Check our these articles from Angies list:

LINK
This post was edited on 6/14/16 at 2:18 pm
Posted by tigerfann83
Member since Jul 2015
603 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 2:22 pm to
15
Posted by TexasTiger90
Rocky Mountain High
Member since Jul 2014
3576 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 3:00 pm to
quote:

My guess is that would be 14 or 16


7T adequately cools a 2,000 SF Office Building (2-3.5T, which run fine on a single-phase electrical service). I'm not sure if residential is much different (probably is) but that should give you an idea
Posted by Mariner
Mandeville, LA
Member since Jul 2009
1938 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 3:35 pm to
I own a variable speed 5 ton 16 SEER American Standard, which is the same as Trane.

I like it. My bill was reduced somewhat but I run it ragged and love seeing frost on the outside of the window.

I would consider this: a zoned damper system. I don't have one but when I finish out my sunroom I am going to get this, instead of adding another small unit to the house. It basically regulates the temperature of that room depending on the time of day to help eliminate being cold in one part of the house but warm in the other due to the sun. Perhaps with your setup it could be beneficial for you.



Posted by Givens
Member since May 2016
740 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 4:32 pm to
quote:

love seeing frost on the outside of the window


You need a new window.
Posted by KentuckyArcher
Slidell
Member since Aug 2012
159 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 4:57 pm to
IMO, get a cheapo 14 seer Goodman. All HVAC guys now want you to purchase High efficiency, variable speed systems. High cost and extremely high to repair. Usually parts have to be ordered. I know several Hvac techs and they all tell me keep it simple for long term.
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
17980 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 5:01 pm to
Did you get a manual J done? That is a lot of cooling for 1350, especially on a lower level.
Posted by VetteGuy
Member since Feb 2008
28164 posts
Posted on 6/14/16 at 5:10 pm to
20' ceilings.

OP should go with high SEER. He'll easily recoup the additional upfront cost in < 5 years.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram