The BEST HVAC system for your home, hands down

[Sigarms]

None of them are great, just good.

I don't disagree with you. My only point is pretty much every brand line out there is "good". The difference? The people who want to sell the line, install it and stand behind it.

Again, a HVAC system isn't a "plug and play" system. Lots of variables go into the install, let alone the existing ductwork if that isn't being changed out on a retrofit.

 

[BnRidge]

The best HVAC system in our house is no system at all. Wood heat, via stand alone wood stove, and two small window air units, provide the perfect heating and cooling system here. Two story, with windows facing south, and enough overhang from the soffit to provide shading in the summer, good sealing and insulation, living areas where there is radiant heat. The "HVAC" system here over the last decade has seen little use, and is used as backup only. We're very comfortable -40f to 100f. 2500sqft. One thing is - HVAC is usually considered as being a forced air system, yet with passive heating and cooling, air flow rates can exceed those of an active system. This is also in Wisconsin, where the summers are mild, and the winters can be brutal. We're situated for maintaining winter heat, with summer cooling as secondary.

 

[Pixguy]

We ended putting in a 16seer Bryant system replacing its 15yo Carrier sister in Florida. The line set leaked under slab so we had to go all new. $7k. Done in 4hrs by a company with very good rep.

 

[Sigarms]

We ended putting in a 16seer Bryant system replacing its 15yo Carrier sister in Florida. The line set leaked under slab so we had to go all new. $7k. Done in 4hrs by a company with very good rep.

Just out of curiosity, did you get your AHRI certificate verifying rating between outdoor unit and indoor unit?

Generally it's given in my neck of the woods if people are with Duke power , as the utility rebate is 15 SEER, 8.5 HSPF 12.5 EER.

A pet peeve is of mine is how manufacturers will list a "SEER" per a model, but only 2 or 3 models hit that actual SEER rating.

 

[Pixguy]

Just out of curiosity, did you get your AHRI certificate verifying rating between outdoor unit and indoor unit?

Generally it's given in my neck of the woods if people are with Duke power , as the utility rebate is 15 SEER, 8.5 HSPF 12.5 EER.

A pet peeve is of mine is how manufacturers will list a "SEER" per a model, but only 2 or 3 models hit that actual SEER rating.

No

 

[tradosaurus]

I keep my home warranty current and don't worry about the HVAC system.

 

[Sigarms]

I keep my home warranty current and don't worry about the HVAC system.

I love it when insurance companies tell you what you can and can't do when it comes to repairs or replacing

 

[Sigarms]

No

I've found most good companies will provide the AHRI certificate for verification for anything over the minimum standards in your area. It's just a good practice IMO as it keeps everything above board and you know exactly what you're getting.

AHRI Certification Directory

At the end of the day, to some extent I think ratings can be a joke as if you're dealing with 20 plus year old ductwork, God only knows what you're actually getting. The ratings are also based on a .1 static pressure which is very unrealistic IMO, and at least they are changing that to a .5 static pressure in 2023, which is a more realistic expectation IMO.

 

[Roric]

Contracted for a Bryant 24000btu/h mini-split to replace a through-the-wall unit that is well past its
prime. The Bryant specs say SEER:20.5, EER:13.0. Much better than the old one.
Specs say it will heat down to -13 below F. (at a reduced efficiency.)

Has anyone had any experience with getting heat from these units at sub-zero temperatures?

We won't be depending on this for whole house heat unless the main heat wasn't working.

 

[Sigarms]

Contracted for a Bryant 24000btu/h mini-split to replace a through-the-wall unit that is well past its
prime. The Bryant specs say SEER:20.5, EER:13.0. Much better than the old one.
Specs say it will heat down to -13 below F. (at a reduced efficiency.)

Has anyone had any experience with getting heat from these units at sub-zero temperatures?

We won't be depending on this for whole house heat unless the main heat wasn't working.

Bryant = Carrier.

Carrier, like ICP uses Media for their mini splits.

Thus, I go back to brand name recognition and why people buy "brand" names.