I'm strongly considering replacing my aging HVAC system that has been repaired quite a bit, including some leaks now to keep it on R410A and avoid all of the trials, errors, and price increases - and maybe a little concern with flammability - associated with going to the new refrigerant over the next few years. I have one quote for a 4 ton 17 SEER single stage Armstrong including furnace, etc. below $10k with the same company that installed a similar unit this past Spring. For what it's worth, Armstrong was rated #1 by Consumer Reports partially for their good warranty. From my research, it sounds like Armstrong comes off the same production lines as Lennox.
The last unit was for my upstairs. This is for my downstairs, where we spend almost all of our time. I do have some humidity and temperature concerns and am willing to spend a bit more. But I don't want to break the bank as my last child is a junior in high school and we plan to move elsewhere after we understand their college and afterward plans. The house is a 1999 build in Pearland (south of Houston so even more humid) with tons of single pane glass windows and the humidity does creep up a bit in the shoulder months - even some during the mornings in the summer. My indoor thermometer shows 63% humidity at 75 degrees, which feels OK to me ... maybe slightly high. So, I'm guessing 50-55% would be the target. The company quoted me an additional $2k for variable speed and/or $3k for a 120 pint dehumidifier. I don't know the SEER, etc. ... that was verbal. They recommend the dehumidifier route.
Another company came out this morning that was very competitive on the Armstrong unit this past spring. They favor variable speed over dehumidifiers, stating that the variable speeds have a dehumidification mode. They also mentioned going with different zones - likely 3 for the main living area, the master bedroom and bath, and my office - where I work from home a fair amount. No quote yet, but I expect it to be close.
I have done some research on variable speed vs dehumidifiers the last few days and I'm confused how variable speed would remove moisture when they're not running - when outside temp is near inside temp. On the other hand, they don't add heat to the system and would likely save some on electric bills ... and I could solve some of the issues with temperature control between bedroom, office, and living area.
I would appreciate any thoughts on any of this.
The last unit was for my upstairs. This is for my downstairs, where we spend almost all of our time. I do have some humidity and temperature concerns and am willing to spend a bit more. But I don't want to break the bank as my last child is a junior in high school and we plan to move elsewhere after we understand their college and afterward plans. The house is a 1999 build in Pearland (south of Houston so even more humid) with tons of single pane glass windows and the humidity does creep up a bit in the shoulder months - even some during the mornings in the summer. My indoor thermometer shows 63% humidity at 75 degrees, which feels OK to me ... maybe slightly high. So, I'm guessing 50-55% would be the target. The company quoted me an additional $2k for variable speed and/or $3k for a 120 pint dehumidifier. I don't know the SEER, etc. ... that was verbal. They recommend the dehumidifier route.
Another company came out this morning that was very competitive on the Armstrong unit this past spring. They favor variable speed over dehumidifiers, stating that the variable speeds have a dehumidification mode. They also mentioned going with different zones - likely 3 for the main living area, the master bedroom and bath, and my office - where I work from home a fair amount. No quote yet, but I expect it to be close.
I have done some research on variable speed vs dehumidifiers the last few days and I'm confused how variable speed would remove moisture when they're not running - when outside temp is near inside temp. On the other hand, they don't add heat to the system and would likely save some on electric bills ... and I could solve some of the issues with temperature control between bedroom, office, and living area.
I would appreciate any thoughts on any of this.
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