[elias2117]

Hello, everyone I'm new to this forum and a new home owner. The house that I'm buying needs a complete new HVAC unit. My home inspector found that the unit had a lot of problems so the seller has agreed to give me a $2500 allowance. Being new to this picking the best brand and type of unit is very difficult. I would like some input to as what would be the best choices(ie) two stage or not and seer that would be the best without breaking the bank. The house is 1634 Sq Ft ranch and the present unit is a 2.5 ton tempstar. Thanks for your replys.
Oh I almost forgot I live in Georgia which is quite hot in the summer.

Best Regards
John

[geo fan]

This is almost the perfect situation , GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP. spend the money up front and save for years. the operate at 50% the cost of other systems of cooling your house and use it to heat your water. and heat your house (although im sure thats about 3 weeks) with the heat stored in the ground . They are expensive about 13-16k for a system that size. there are less expensive set ups but none better.With straight up ac's maytag has the longest warrantees and most eff. The oldest systems I see on a regular basis is carrier

[elias2117]

Geo, thanks for the reply. I don't have a maytag dealer even close and the geo-thermal is far to much money not to mention I don't have enough room in the back yard for it. I'm looking at lennox( xc16 two stage ac and the g60v variable speed fan furnace for around $7500) That price is install, taxes and new duct on the furnace due to the original was to small also the hc 16 air cleaner and the 500 series thermostat. This is my first quote, I'm looking at Lennox, Trane, Carrier and American Standard. If you have any suggestion then that would be great and thanks again for your input. John

[geo fan]

Tranes are a good deal more money then other manufactures, and in my experiance I havent seen justification for that ( except name recognition) American standard is a budget brand and there low prices come with an expected cheap product. Carrier has impressed me (even though I dont install them) because those dang things dont die . But the biggest factor in all this is the comfort level you have with the company installing it. A great product with a poor installation is no good. Service is key , wait for a hot weekend and give the company a call If a real local rep answers or calls you right back that may be the company you want to do buisness with.
Im up in CT and around here that price would be a steal , but im sure thats apples and oranges

[elias2117]

Geo, thanks again. I will look into carrier the only problem is the local dealer seems a bit on the shady side my only other option is Sears which who knows who you'll get. You didn't mention about Lennox, also is it worth the extra money to go two stage Ac and variable speed furnace or is it just smoke and mirrors.Keep in mind the temp in the summer is quite hot and the winters are short but still cold enough. So many choices, now I can see why people are taken to the cleaners if you don't do your research. Thanks again.John

[geo fan]

especially if the house is heavily occupied (most of the day the system is on) variable speed fans are good to they allow you to keep the fan on all the time (to filter and even out temps) at basically the cost of having a light bulb on . The down side to both cost upfront and potential part replacement down the line . adjusting the thermostat frequently will negate the benefit of 2 stage condensers- the 2nd stage will kick on and is as good as a single stage . The benefits include energy savings (notable) and increased comfort lower indoor humidity

not smoke- nothing realy good or bad to say about lennox
go with the guy you can trust , make sure the company is as well quilifiyed as the salesman

[elias2117]

Geo, thanks. I most likely will go with a 15 seer ac single stage scroll unit paired with the variable furnace. Is it true that the Efficiency Ac unit will be enhanced using the variable speed furnace, at least that's what I have heard. Best Regards.

[geo fan]

the furnace fan is used with the ac as well the same ac without the variable speed would probubly be rated at 14 or 13 seer