Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Heat pump problems/replacement
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XLCR
03-15-06, 03:11 PM
Hello and some questions from a homeowner. I have a 10-11 y/o Lennox heat pump with electric back-up heat; condenser m/n HP25-461-29 with an air handler m/n CB-19-41-3P-TXV. The compressor has shorted internally and I'm considering the options.
As far as I can tell by reading Lennox numbering, the condenser is a 3.5 ton, and the air handler is a 3 ton. Q1 - What problems will that cause?
The house is a typical two-story 4-bedroom colonial, built in 1987, 2300 sq. ft, 4 bedroom, finished basement, decent windows, r-13 walls and r-19 ceiling. The second floor has never been as comfortable (hot or cold) as the first floor, and air velocity (output and return) seems real low. Q2 - Is the system sized properly?
The outfit that installed the existing system for the previous homeowner has quoted me a new $4200 Lennox HP13 3.5 ton condenser, no mention of replacing the coil, no questions on how the system worked prior to this problem. Q3 - How efficient is the 13 SSER 3.5ton condenser with a 10 y/o 3 ton coil?
I wasn't real impressed with service tech’s approach, so I'm here looking for input. Thanks in advance.
As far as I can tell by reading Lennox numbering, the condenser is a 3.5 ton, and the air handler is a 3 ton. Q1 - What problems will that cause?
The house is a typical two-story 4-bedroom colonial, built in 1987, 2300 sq. ft, 4 bedroom, finished basement, decent windows, r-13 walls and r-19 ceiling. The second floor has never been as comfortable (hot or cold) as the first floor, and air velocity (output and return) seems real low. Q2 - Is the system sized properly?
The outfit that installed the existing system for the previous homeowner has quoted me a new $4200 Lennox HP13 3.5 ton condenser, no mention of replacing the coil, no questions on how the system worked prior to this problem. Q3 - How efficient is the 13 SSER 3.5ton condenser with a 10 y/o 3 ton coil?
I wasn't real impressed with service tech’s approach, so I'm here looking for input. Thanks in advance.
TigerDunes
03-16-06, 06:15 AM
XLCR
1.Have a Manual J heat/cool load calculation performed for correctly sizing equipment.
2.Make a list of all concerns you have with old system and give to quoting dealers. Perhaps installing dealer can give you some suggestions/options on increasing air flow to problem areas on 2nd floor. I like the var speed blowers. You really would have better results with two systems-one for each floor.
3.Get your ductwork inspected as to overall condition, size, supplies and returns, insulation, etc.
I personally think Trane and Am Std have the best line of heat pumps. Get 3-4 quotes. You cannot pair a larger condenser with a smaller air handler-just asking for trouble. I expect that your warranty would be voided. You should have a matched system both in size, SEER, brand,etc to achieve your efficiency and comfort expectations.
Depending on your location, I would want a system with a minimum of 13 SEER and 9+ HSPF for the size determined.
My Opinion.
1.Have a Manual J heat/cool load calculation performed for correctly sizing equipment.
2.Make a list of all concerns you have with old system and give to quoting dealers. Perhaps installing dealer can give you some suggestions/options on increasing air flow to problem areas on 2nd floor. I like the var speed blowers. You really would have better results with two systems-one for each floor.
3.Get your ductwork inspected as to overall condition, size, supplies and returns, insulation, etc.
I personally think Trane and Am Std have the best line of heat pumps. Get 3-4 quotes. You cannot pair a larger condenser with a smaller air handler-just asking for trouble. I expect that your warranty would be voided. You should have a matched system both in size, SEER, brand,etc to achieve your efficiency and comfort expectations.
Depending on your location, I would want a system with a minimum of 13 SEER and 9+ HSPF for the size determined.
My Opinion.