I am receiving estimates for a new furnace and AC. One Carrier contractor spoke very negatively about my zoning system and wants me to consider removing it. I live in a 3600 square foot two-story home with three finished levels. I love my zoning system. He also pressured me to buy an Aprilaire Model 2210 air cleaner for $299. From all I've read about air cleaners, they aren't very effective--especially the less expensive ones. I said I didn't want the air cleaner and asked him to remove it from the estimate but he insisted I needed it and reduced the price to $150.

Why would a contractor speak so negatively about a zoning system? Is the Carrier furnace designed to work efficiently with a zoning system? Should I be concerned that this contractor won't do a good job with installation with my zoning system? And why the pressure to buy an air cleaner? Is it because filters must be purchased from Carrier?

He has offered the best estimate so far for a Carrier 24APA5 17 Seer 3-ton air conditioner and 58MVC Infinity 95% 3-stage/DC fan 80,000 Btus furnace. The company is reputable.

I appreciate all the expert advice I can get. Thank you!

My best advice is to get other estimates for your job and if you have already done that remember the old saying that the cheapest might not be best.

I have received three estimates and here is what's confusing me:

CARRIER CONTRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Turn the furnace around so it isn't starving for air.
- Add a second pipe for venting.
- Install Carrier 24APA5 17 Seer 3-ton air conditioner.
- Install Carrier 58MVC Infinity 95% 3-stage/DC fan 80,000 Btus furnace.
- Install Aprilaire high efficiency filter.

LENNOX CONTRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Turn the furnace around.
- Use one pipe (because can't figure out how to add a second pipe) and find a furnace that requires only one pipe.
-

I accidentally submitted my previous response before it was finished. Here's the rest of it!


I have received three estimates and here is what's confusing me:

CARRIER CONTRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Turn the furnace around so it isn't starving for air.
- Add a second pipe for venting.
- Install Carrier 24APA5 17 Seer 3-ton air conditioner.
- Install Carrier 58MVC Infinity 95% 3-stage/DC fan 80,000 BTU furnace.
- Install Aprilaire high efficiency filter.
- Consider removing zoning system.

LENNOX CONTRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Turn the furnace around.
- Use one pipe (because can't figure out how to add a second pipe) and find a furnace that requires only one pipe.
- Install a Lennox 95% efficiency 71,000 BTU furnace.
- Install a Lennox 14.7 Seer 3-ton air conditioner.
- Install Lennox air cleaner.

BRYANT CONTRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- No need to turn the furnace around.
- Use one pipe.
- Install Bryant 95% efficient 80,000 BTU furnace.
- Install Bryant 15 Seer 3-ton air conditioner.

The Carrier contractor doesn't see any problem adding a second pipe; the other two contractors think it would be difficult and plan to use one pipe. Is it better to have two pipes or doesn't it matter?

The Lennox contractor recommended a 71,000 BTU furnace because it's the only one that requires one pipe, but I wonder if that furnace is big enough. We have a two-story house with 3600 sq ft which includes a finished basement. He is the only contractor who took the time to do a heat loss calculation.

The Bryant contractor doesn't see a need to turn the furnace around. Does it matter?

I always prefer two pipe systems since you are bringing in the combustion air along with exhausting the discharge to the outside.

(Install Carrier 58MVC Infinity 95% 3-stage/DC fan 80,000 Btus furnace)

If you are going to get the above furnace you better get a FACTORY labor and parts warranty! The parts and labor to replace the parts (especially the motor and motor controls) are out of site when the warranty is no longer valid. This is a variable speed unit and while many good things are always said about them buy the salesmen they are a pain in the A$$ and expensive to repair. I said FACTORY warranty for a reason since you never know when a heating company is going to go out of business especially today.

You did not post your pricing?? Why?

Please see this How To link below.

Carrier provides a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited warranty. The contractor provides a 10 year parts and labor warranty.

Estimate prices are:

CARRIER: Contractor has 91% rating in doing work properly
Air conditioner - 3680
Furnace - 3950
Air filter - 150
TOTAL: 7780
TOTAL (after discounts/rebates): 6750
TOTAL AFTER TAX CREDIT: 5250

LENNOX: Contractor has 90% rating in doing work properly
Air conditioner - 3875
Furnace - 4445
Air cleaner - Free
TOTAL: 8320
TOTAL (after discounts/rebates): 6855
TOTAL AFTER TAX CREDIT: 5522

BRYANT: Contractor has 77% rating in doing work properly
TOTAL: 7123
TOTAL (after discounts/rebates): 6315
TOTAL AFTER TAX CREDIT: 4815

We currently have a Tempstar 7000 furnace (installed in 1993) that does a fine job of heating our home. We have a Carrier air conditioner close to 30 years old. The air conditioner finally died but the furnace is still going (but we have spent over $500 in repairs in recent years). We aren't sure how many more years we'll be staying in this house--maybe we don't need such a high efficiency furnace?

I believe you are convinced to go with the Carrier guy and based on the costs provided it seems to be the best deal you have. Enjoy your new unit.

Thanks for your time and feedback, as well as the installation checklist... all very helpful and appreciated! :)

Your welcome