Air Conditioning - oversized A-coil

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umniy
06-04-06, 09:28 AM
I am taking bids for replacing my 18-year old 3 ton York condensor unit. It is matched with the original York gas furnace with a flat coil.
Obviously, I am getting multiple bids and all dealers are swearing by their product. One guy is suggesting a 3-ton Westinghouse, R22 Freon (he does not trust new R410A) and an oversized 3.5 A-coil. He seems very knowledgable, in mid-60s and has run his company forever. He tried to explain the oversized A-coil benefits, but I was not for sure.
The other guy suggested to get a lineset replaced base on the too small size; others were happy with the lineset.
My question: is oversizing an A-coil a good idea? What is a right lineset size, is it different with different brands? And what do you think of Westinghouse AC made by Nordyne. Seems that this brand does not get too many questions on this Forum. The dealer swears by it and the price is lower than some others. And I am not going to ask your opinion about R22 vs. R410A; from what I understand, there is no consensus yet.
Regards.


jim-connor
06-04-06, 10:10 AM
Oversizing the coil by a half ton is fine and does have efficiency benefits.

As far as equipment brands, I'll leave that for others to answer. Everyone has their favorite brands and can be quite emotional about it, just like cars.

Ed Imeduc
06-04-06, 12:32 PM
Ill go with the over size coil also. But a lot on the size of the coil is in where you are and what is the main load cool or humidity.
As for R 22 you can get it till 2030 For the new R410a we try to stay far far away from it . Its a mix of 2 freon's. So like if you have a leak in the system you might have to pull the rest of it out and put in a whole new charge. Ill just say the bill can be very very HIGH
As for the right line size what does the book say for the new coil line size and how far away is the compressor. That also counts for size.

ED;)


umniy
06-04-06, 04:34 PM
Thank you for replies, I will consider coil oversizing. Still, I am not asking for the best brand (95% installation, 5% brand,right?), but any input on Westinghouse AC? Nordyne also makes Frigidair, Tappan, Philco Gibson, Kelvinator and Grandair. Looks like Westinghouse has the best warranty, otherwise probably the same product. The dealer said he was very impressed by the production line and quality standards visiting their factory when he took up the line nine years ago.
Regardless, thanks again.

Grady
06-04-06, 07:17 PM
I have no experience with the Westinghouse line but the other Nordyne products I've used &/or serviced are at least as good as "average". Your 95/5 comment was right on the money.