This group says don’t be shy, so here goes.
I’m building (having built for me actually) a top quality house. The walls are insulated concrete forms and the roof structure is a custom timber frame with SIP’s, Loewen windows, hardwood floors, soapstone freestanding fireplace, etc. I’m not a builder by trade (my real job allows me to afford such a house) and therefore my question to you.
HVAC system as it currently stands is a Rheem air conditioner (12 SEER) and a Polaris water heater hooked into a First Company air handler.
I would like some feedback regarding the quality of these units, especially the air conditioner and air handler. No offense intended to anyone but are these tract home or apartment units?
Any recommendations?
Climate here is very hot Summers (100 plus), maybe the occasional freeze in the Winter, mostly 30’s & 40’s at night.
Thanks.
Replies
Rheem A/C units have a good track record. The 12 SEER is a minimum by todays standards. You say that temperatures will be around 100 and that you can afford quality. Go for a higher SEER and consider it an invetment that will pay off in lower power bills. The price of the really efficient units is still a little unreasonable, but the 13 and 14 SEER units have come down enough to get a reasonable payback.
Polaris makes snowmobiles, don't they? Never heard of First Company and Rheem is, depending on installation and options, as good as any similar products by other major manufacturers.
I have to disagree with John, SEER ratings are not real efficiency of the unit. Spending money for anything over a 12 is a complete waste, unless you live in or near Death Valley, then its marginal. For most of the country, 10 SEER is all that can be paid back before it dies. The reasons are beyond the scope of this discussion, but how manufacturers get SEERs up is interesting.
I take it that this an AC/air handler with a hot water coil for heat? If this is the way it is set-up, why bother, unless you have a boiler/water heater for radiant heat. Is this "as propsoed" or is it installed?
Much more important than whose name plate is on the equipment is:
Is it sized correctly? (Ask to see the sizing calculation).
Is the ductwork sized, sealed and insulated properly?
The installer/contractor should provide you with a "no questions asked-1 year from start-up" warranty, over and above any equipment warranty. If this is not available, look for someone else.
The ACCU should have high and low pressure switches, compressor crankcase heater, low ambient lockout, line dryer and sight glass, anti-short cycling timer. These are typical on "deluxe" units, don't come on the cheapo's.
The contractor should be able to provide you with a list of references. Unless you know this contractor personally, check out past customers.
Do you have reason to believe that your builder is supplying you with inferior HVAC equipment?
Edited 10/17/2002 8:05:15 AM ET by Tim
Polaris is a model name. It is made by American Water Heater
http://www.americanwaterheater.com/proline/WHBrowser/gas/polaris50.htm
It is one the units suggested by the DIY radiant heat outfit (Radiant Tech??).
When I first saw that I thought maybe he had mixed radiant heat system, but no mention of it.
Sounds like you're a top of the line kind of guy. Try this site for a very high efficiency unit with NO OUTSIDE UNIT to make noise when you're trying to enjoy your back yard.
http://www.ecrtech.com/content/