My levelized power bill for my 2000 sqft SFH is $75/mon. And my thermostat is currently set at 77 while it hit 95 today and will hover near 100 the next few days.
"Levelized plan" is the key word in your statement. At the end of your contract you may get a refund, or may owe money. I presume winter is gas heat, not electric as we have in FL. You can't really compare apples with oranges. But good try. There is a generic formula that establishes a bottom line for the HVAC size. Other factors, as you correctly suggested, can correct it. I am willing to bet that an older home in FL that is 2,750 will require a 5T system. Or do you suggest a different size?
OK, how's this? And you are in FL while I am in GA. Talk about irony in your statement. So now you are backing off your blanket statement? I cannot suggest a size. Not enough input to make an accurate assessment. But spend your money the way you want and I'll do the same.
Rick, I am not sure what made you feel that I am backing off my original statement. In fact, I am willing to bet that a $2,750sqf home in FL will need a 5T system, as I originally stated. Is your winter heat gas - you failed to answer that question? I am willing to bet that you are comparing apples with oranges. As far as spending money, you are absolutely correct, lets spend as we wish. My electric bill has been reduced in half after upgrading a 5T Trane to a 5T Carrier Infinity. Fact.
I'm guessing 4 ton is minimum and to get the benefit of the variable speed a 5 ton would probably be better since you don't have the same concerns about short cycling. I honestly have no idea how I'm using this much electricity but I looked at my usage in Dec with the lowest AC/heat hours and July which is usually the same as August and taking the diff in kwh x my rate says my AC is really only $125 of my bill. I'm sure the pool pump is 35 plus and the old water heater is another 30. That explains 250 ish but not 500 plus. Granted I work from home so the home office runs full tilt and the fridge gets opened 100 times a day
Let me start with a disclaimer - I am in property management business, not a HVAC installer. Carrier Infinity is the best of the best and are rather expensive, so if there is no urgency just shop around and find some sort of end of season deal. Full price, they are hard to justify unless noise is a factor, or you plan to live at the home for a number of years. But trust me, they are the best. My outside unit is about 3 feet from my home office, and as I am typing this I can barely hear it run. Again, I have no dog in this fight, and I am not associated in any way with Carrier, or other companies. Just projecting how impressed I am with these systems.
Please get a few additional bids. I am 99% certain that you need a 5T system. I did all my research when updating my old 5T unit. Friend owns HVAC company, two neighbors are owners of HVAC companies, and I work with a huge HVAC warehouse for my rentals. I did my due diligence.
My guess is Trane, Carrier, American Standard, Goodman, Lennox are gonna be your top US brands. ( 4 ton 2 zone) Lennox guy was smoking Crack $21k for single stage Trane $15-18k for variable speed Goodman....not sure American Standard...5-10% lower than Trane Carrier...local company shows up Tuesday am
I am not sure if the ship has already sailed, but in 2025 regulations have changed from R-410A gas to a lower-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants - R-454B or R-32. If you can still get a hold of the older refrigerant unit, then go for it. Newer stuff is more sensors, and more expensive (under extreme temptetures newer gas becomes flammable). Worst part, if newer system detects a minor leak the whole thing shuts down. No topping off gas to keep your home cool until you fix the leak, and if I recall correctly welding the system is not as easy. Just a FYI.
Yep, in order to avoid R454B you'd have to probably install a mini split. I guess there could be a 2024 R410 unit hiding in a wharehouse storage in Minot South Dakota but I doubt it Purchasing a new central heat pump is gonna be R454 from every single mfg/installer.
Years ago I had a dead builder grade unit that I replace with an American Standard with decent SEER. The change in comfort was huge, the electric bill not so great. I swapped the water heater out to a hybrid, about 30 a month in savings. I hate to say it but listen to Kenny. Check the house for leaks and things to improve before you chase SEER.
