Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
There are a lot of variables. But in my opinion, the least expensive way to go, both the initial cost and the life cycle cost, is to buy a single speed HVAC system vs a variable speed system. This may change over time because way more single stage units are sold today than variable speed systems. If variable speed systems become more popular, the cost will come down as it does for almost everything.
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So, one of the reasons why I posted this is because at a high level you are correct but right now and maybe until the end of 2025 a Carrier Infinity Greenspeed system for example is not that much more than a basic single stage unit.
Here are the details:
For a 4 ton heatpump (for a 2600sqft home here in the Villages), 23 Seer2, full install, everything new, Includes upgraded air filter cabinet and surge, over and under voltage protection.
1) Cost from Sunshine is about $17K which includes 10 year parts and labor.
2) You get $1,700 instant rebate from Carrier
3) You get, if it's on, $500 instant rebate from Sunshine (this will vary during the year)
4) $2,000 federal tax credit which ends in 2025.
5) If anything major fails in the outside condenser for the first 10 years they replace the condenser vs repairing it.
6) Heat pump will work down to -13 degrees so in our colder months when you do need some heat from time to time, this unit will work more efficiently and still save you money.
7) No UV light or any other accessary.
So your net is about $12,800. For a 3 ton system it's about $1K cheaper.
For a single stage Carrier system, for example you will be spending around $8,000 - $9000 and I don't believe that includes the 10 year labor and does not qualify for the Federal Tax credits. Let's say there is about a $4-5,000 difference right now, given you should save about 35% on your electric, you should recoup the difference in cost in about 4-5 years depending on your usage.
Note Munns and other's will be more expensive since Sunshine still does new installs for the Villages so their pricing will be cheaper than those companies who do less volume with Carrier. Also, the base price may vary slightly due to the time of year.
As far as variable speed units being "popular", the Carrier Infinity has been around for 15 years and over that time has evolved to what is offered now. There are a lot sold here in the Villages but I agree not as much as a single stage because most purchase the cheapest solution for whatever reason. Carrier did stop making the 5 speed system and only offers single stage, 2 stage and variable speed systems. Will these systems come down in price. Unknown since they have gone up in price about 5% each year and with the new tarriffs and the removal of the 25C Federal Tax credits at the end of 2025, even if the price were the same, next year the same unit would be $2,000 more. That's a lot of money. So while a variable speed system which is the same technology used in the mini splits everyone is installing is the better choice if you can afford it and justify replacement this year. The other factor is energy costs which are unpredictable and will most certainly increase over time so having a more efficient unit will save you money in energy costs over the long run.
Hope this all helps understand what most HVAC companies won't always tell you.