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experience with Carrrier GFA furnaces

| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on May 6, 2002 12:35pm

Anybody have any ideas of the most reliable for the money GFA furnace?  I have been checking around to consumer sites and the Carrier Weathermaker with the variable speed fan seems to have the best reviews.  It surprised me that the Trane unit with the variable speed fan bid out to be higher priced.  There seems to be $5-700+ difference between various makes with the variable speed fan.  Anyone have any opinions?  Also, any ideas of the best type of humidifier unit to put on such a unit?

Thanks for any ideas,

CS

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  1. TLRice | May 06, 2002 03:12pm | #1

    CS,

    Heil is my particular favorite, but more so because of the exellent support I get from the local distrubuter (and their product is very good, as well). I have a Bryant in my house but when it is replaced, which will be this fall, I'm going with a Heil. The local Bryant rep is poor at best. Because of problems getting submittals, quotes and even jst a returned call, I will no longer spec, buy or recommend their product for any of my customers. Armstrong is a very good unit, as well. I have never had a problem with either Carrier or Trane. I deal with them mostly on commercial projects. I am not suprised that the Trane cost more, though. They make good stuff and they know it. Quality will cost you.

    You will not be able to find a new furnace that will last for 30 years like those made 40 or 50 years ago, but then they were in the 60-65% efficiency range.

    As far as a humidifier for a house, my favorite is the computer controlled, fan-powered Aprilaire. Model #768, I believe.

    1. User avater
      rjw | May 07, 2002 01:32am | #2

      Tim,

      What kind of life expectencies are you seeing for the 90+?

      1. TLRice | May 07, 2002 03:04pm | #3

        Bob,

        I don't know what manufacturers are claiming, but a good one will have a 10 year warranty on the SS heat exchanger. Beyond that, as a practical number, 15 years is a reasonable expectation. Most will see 20 years, but that is probably the limit. When my clients ask, I tell them to expect 15 years.

        I have a 92% Bryant that was installed in 1991. The mechanicals are still fine, but the controls are all circuit boards, relays and switches. It was originally setup poorly and saw 15 years of cycling in 5. I had to bypass a "timeout" feature to keep it going 3 months ago. I will replace it this fall. It could easily be repaired, but I want a 2 stage furnace.

        Tim

      2. TLRice | May 15, 2002 03:13pm | #4

        Bob,

        I have an update (I really need to follow something more closely) after egtting some new literature from my local Heil rep. Their 92% AFUE furnaces all have SS primary and secondary HX with LIFETIME warranties, 5 yr on parts, their 90%'ers have 20 years on the HX and 5 yrs on parts.

        Tim

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