Hi /r/hvac
I've been taking bids for complete redo of my HVAC system (HVAC unit + ductwork + insulation). I had several bids and have narrowed it down to two different contractors who I like. The ductwork/insulation proposals between them are identical. But I've got a bit of analysis paralysis on the actual HVAC unit. Here are my options:
Contractor A -- an energy efficiency company that specializes in ductwork design, and subs out their HVAC installation (though they've been using the same HVAC installer for years)
Option 1:TRANE XR17 -10 year manufacturer's warranty on major parts. 1 year warranty on labor. XV80 variable speed furnace $7550.00 - XR17 - 3.0 TONS, 17.0 SEER, 12.50 EER. DUAL STAGE COOLING. VARIABLE SPEED XV80 FURNACE. Keep NEST Thermostat
Option 2:AMANA OPTIONS - Lifetime manufacturer's warranty on compressor. 10 year mfg's warranty on other major parts. 1 year warranty on labor. $6850.00 - ASXC18 - 3.0 TONS, 18.0 SEER, 13.70 EER. DUAL STAGE COOLING. VARIABLE SPEED AMVC FURNACE. includes CTK04 COMMUNICATING THERMOSTAT
Contractor B -- this is a company that does it all (their AC business is quite large and well known and respected in my area, and does their own A/C servicing).
Option 3: Carrier Performance 17 17 SEEER / 13 EER two-stage cooling + Infinity 80, 90K variable furnace. includes Carrier *Cor Thermostat*
Option 2 and 3 are about the same price (roughly), option 1 is about $500 more, once I've factored in all rebates and tax credits.
From what I can tell, the main differences are that the Amana has a lifetime warranty on the compressor and is a "communicating" unit. The Trane and Carrier are not communicating, but do have humidity controls (i.e. can slow down fan if target temp reached before humidity has dropped).
I don't care if I keep the Nest, but Wi-Fi / remote control is a must for us.
Do any of these options stand out in any way above (or below) the others, based on what I've written above? From what I can tell, the Amana is a more sophisticated "communicating" system for the same price as the others (would cost $$ more to get Trane/Carrier communicating system), but Amana doesn't seem to have the same reputation. Lifetime warranty on compressor is interesting, though. Is the "communicating" system worth it?
I'd be grateful for opinions or experience with any of these specific units.
FWIW I live in central texas and it gets HOT in the summer. I'm looking at 3 ton units for an 1850 sq ft single level house. We are doing a complete tear out / replacement of ductwork so airflow situation should be optimal.
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