[jrref]

I had a Carrier Infinity Greenspeed HVAC sytem installed yesterday by Sunshine HVAC. As discussed in another thread last week, these systems should save you about 35% on your energy bill, provide exceptional temperature and humidity control, provide superior air filtration and are super quiet. Also, the heat pump will provide heat without the need for Auxillary heat strips all the way down to -13 degrees. So, while our existing systems are struggling at temps below 40 degrees, this system will be very efficient and be cheaper to run even when we need heat. This system uses the same heat pump technology as the mini splits everyone is installing to cool their lanai and garages.

I have a 4 ton system and after watching these techs work, knowing what I know from working with a HVAC contrator while working my way through college, I started to realize the difference in price between contractors for the same exact system may be related to their installation process. In my case eventhough I replaced my existing single stage 4 ton system with a new 4 ton system, the Infinity airhandler is 21 vs 24 inches so the lower plenum that the air handler sits on had to be replaced along with the plywood base. In addition, they replaced everything existing with new which included a new line set, condensate drain, all new duct work in the HVAC closet. They even crawled under the air handler platform once they opened it up to insulate the "cold" side of the line set all the way to where it goes to the outside wall and spray foamed it at that point. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Normally, they pull a new lineset and the pipe insulation goes on as best it can. Here they made sure there was no way that line was going to sweat and leak condensation and over time causing mold. Also, on the duct connections they used mastic along with the typical metal tape to seal the new to the old joints. Everything was caulked and painted as needed. In addition, outside by the condensor they installed a device which monitors the electric voiltage so if the voltage goes too high or too low during a power event, it disconnects the system. This "box" also includes a power surge protector.

Sunshine also has a person come to your home and do a follow-up to make sure everything was done to your satisfaction, to explain how to use the thermostat and to set up the App on your phones. I feel this is a nice touch.

All I can say is these techs did everything "by the book" based on my knowledge and it took about 7 1/2 hours to do the job. As mentioned, I can see how some HVAC contractors possibly could skip a lot of these steps and charge a cheaper price. And be prepared for the estimator to say "oh you don't need to change that" LOL. That said, when you get estimates, make sure you are comparing the same equipment and find out what they are replacing in order to do a valid comparison. My guess is given everything the same, there shouldn't be that much difference in price between reputable HVAC contractors here in the Villages.

One final comment. For those who say they are going to stick with the simple single stage units because they can get a replacement in a day, I asked and these new inverter systems are stocked like the basic units becasue they are installing many of them now and if they don't have it, there are two Carrier distributers close to the Villages where they can get a replacement in a day. They also said, sometimes the basic units may be out of stock and you need to wait so, these days the type of equipment shouldn't be a concern when thinking about a replacement scenaro in the middle of the summer.

Hope this helps those considering or needing a new system.

[Altavia]

Very interesting - congrats on the upgrade!

How much temperature drop do you see between input and output?

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Very interesting - congrats on the upgrade!

How much temperature drop do you see between input and output?

It's supposed to be around 20 degrees. I have to measure it.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Very interesting - congrats on the upgrade!

How much temperature drop do you see between input and output?

Just measured it, 20 degrees deltaT

[jrref]

The condenser from the factory has enough refrigerant charge for a 15 ft long line set. In my case, my line set was a little under 15 ft so all they did was evacuate the system to a very high vaccume then released the freon into the system. The system came up after a whole bunch of diagnostics and after about a half hour, all the pressures stablized. No tweaks needed. I checked everything today using the pressures and other readings available via the thermostat and it all looks good. I believe if the pressures, subcooling, superheat, etc, are not right you will get an error notification on the thermostat.

The system is pretty amazing. And I got the 10 years labor and parts so nothing to worry about if anything fails during that time. In fact, the unit I got if the compressor or any of the refrigerant parts in the condenser fail during the first 10 years, Carrier gives you a whole new condenser vs repairing.

[jrref]

Just some observations with my new system.
1) Super quiet
2) Exceptional humidity control. The system will go into a dehumidify cycle where the AC is on very low where you can't detect it to dehumidify. Very cool.
3) Even on 100%, "full blast", the new system draws less than half the amperage of the old system.
4) Superior room temperature equalization with only one zone.

[Michael G.]

Now, let's see if all this wonderful technology will last more then 5-8 years
before another latest and greatest unit comes along.

[barbara828]

I won't be here long enough to spend that much. Still using original 18 yr. old. Can't hear it even when hearing aids are in place.

[thevillages2013]

You failed to mention the COST!

[Cliff Fr]

Originally Posted by jrref

I had a Carrier Infinity Greenspeed HVAC sytem installed yesterday by Sunshine HVAC. As discussed in another thread last week, these systems should save you about 35% on your energy bill, provide exceptional temperature and humidity control, provide superior air filtration and are super quiet. Also, the heat pump will provide heat without the need for Auxillary heat strips all the way down to -13 degrees. So, while our existing systems are struggling at temps below 40 degrees, this system will be very efficient and be cheaper to run even when we need heat. This system uses the same heat pump technology as the mini splits everyone is installing to cool their lanai and garages.

I have a 4 ton system and after watching these techs work, knowing what I know from working with a HVAC contrator while working my way through college, I started to realize the difference in price between contractors for the same exact system may be related to their installation process. In my case eventhough I replaced my existing single stage 4 ton system with a new 4 ton system, the Infinity airhandler is 21 vs 24 inches so the lower plenum that the air handler sits on had to be replaced along with the plywood base. In addition, they replaced everything existing with new which included a new line set, condensate drain, all new duct work in the HVAC closet. They even crawled under the air handler platform once they opened it up to insulate the "cold" side of the line set all the way to where it goes to the outside wall and spray foamed it at that point. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Normally, they pull a new lineset and the pipe insulation goes on as best it can. Here they made sure there was no way that line was going to sweat and leak condensation and over time causing mold. Also, on the duct connections they used mastic along with the typical metal tape to seal the new to the old joints. Everything was caulked and painted as needed. In addition, outside by the condensor they installed a device which monitors the electric voiltage so if the voltage goes too high or too low during a power event, it disconnects the system. This "box" also includes a power surge protector.

Sunshine also has a person come to your home and do a follow-up to make sure everything was done to your satisfaction, to explain how to use the thermostat and to set up the App on your phones. I feel this is a nice touch.

All I can say is these techs did everything "by the book" based on my knowledge and it took about 7 1/2 hours to do the job. As mentioned, I can see how some HVAC contractors possibly could skip a lot of these steps and charge a cheaper price. And be prepared for the estimator to say "oh you don't need to change that" LOL. That said, when you get estimates, make sure you are comparing the same equipment and find out what they are replacing in order to do a valid comparison. My guess is given everything the same, there shouldn't be that much difference in price between reputable HVAC contractors here in the Villages.

One final comment. For those who say they are going to stick with the simple single stage units because they can get a replacement in a day, I asked and these new inverter systems are stocked like the basic units becasue they are installing many of them now and if they don't have it, there are two Carrier distributers close to the Villages where they can get a replacement in a day. They also said, sometimes the basic units may be out of stock and you need to wait so, these days the type of equipment shouldn't be a concern when thinking about a replacement scenaro in the middle of the summer.

Hope this helps those considering or needing a new system.

We installed an Airtemp central AC 4 years ago with a single stage scroll compressor heat pump and backup heat strips. It uses about half the energy of the Rheem it replaced. We hardly use any heat in the Winter so the heat strip aren't a factor. The scroll compressor is very efficient. The system is much less electronic and complicated.

[Rocksnap]

Originally Posted by thevillages2013

You failed to mention the COST!

After spending time in NEW TV built homes over the last several months, there is a HUGE difference in comfort between the single speed & variable speed systems.
Our village is all new. 5 of our neighbors went single speed basic, while I went with the mid level variable speed system. They all comment how our outdoor is HUGE compared to theirs.
After spending time in our 6 neighborhood homes, our variable speed system provides a far more comfortable environment to be in.
That is, you don’t get froze out every time the system turns on.
Right on que, just last night we were all in one of the neighbors house socializing at the dining table. When the system kicked on, it got overly cold real quick. To the point where several women were asking for blankets. Yes the thermostat was set to a reasonable temperature. That’s just how those single speed systems work. Bigger temperature swings each direction, and consequently poorer humidity control because of that.
When we are all in our variable speed system house, no one says a thing. Everyone, women especially, are just comfortable. It just plain works more efficiently. More stable temperature, better humidity control, all due to the VARIABLE speeds the system uses.
When we stayed a few days in a lifestyle visit single speed home for our design days, I couldn’t stand the uncomfortable temperature/humidity swings. Which spurred me to inquire about their available HVAC systems on new construction. There was no way I was installing their base system, or I would not be living here.
Yes there was a modest 5K price increase for our mid level system. Some of the best money spent on our build.
I put a big value on being comfortable. And an even bigger value on keeping my wife happy and comfortable. And therefore making my life better, no nagging “it’s to cold, it’s to humid”. That’s some serious value for the extra money spent.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by thevillages2013

You failed to mention the COST!

A typical single stage Heat pump system will cost about $8k-$9K. Maybe you can find a cheap system for a little less. Right now, with the $2,000 Federal tax credit and rebates from Carrier, Sunshine and if you have Duke energy there is another $1K rebate, the $17K Carrier Infinity Greenspeed system costed me $13K net and that includes 10 year parts and labor. With this system you should save about 35% on energy costs so the extra couple thousand dollars spent can be recouped in about 5 years or so.

Timing is everything and I don't know how long the Federal tax credits will remain in-place with the current administration.

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Now, let's see if all this wonderful technology will last more then 5-8 years
before another latest and greatest unit comes along.

The technology of variable speed units has been out for ten years. Where have you been? Do you still use leaded gas in your 1949 Chevrolet?

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

The technology of variable speed units has been out for ten years. Where have you been? Do you still use leaded gas in your 1949 Chevrolet?

Right and Carrier and others have refined the technology to meet the new efficiency guidelines. Carrier has had the Infinity line for the last 15 years recently they have Infinity Greenspeed.

[Nancy@Pinellas]

We have always been happy with Sunshine. They once came at 1 AM to fix out AC.