I have the same set up. Im wanting to know as well.

May need to upgrade windows and insulation if older home and make sure you have no places outside heat can circulate into home.

Windows are all updated (about 5 years old) and Insulation looked to be done fairly recently as well. I'm not sure what else could be done but I know that either way the unit has lost any efficiency it may have had when installed.

Yeah, it's educational for me too.

I may be in the market for a new system next year so this is good info.

Dual Fuel gives you the best of both worlds. The efficiency of a Heat Pump during normal winter time temps and the heat from gas during those real cold snaps. Think regular heat pump, bit with gas backup heat instead of electric heat kit. The "1050" is actually an "XL1050" simply the model, it's a large, color, touch screen, wifi thermostat. Think "ipad on the wall" as far as size comparison. You can trend with it, log run times with it, you can view your local weather, and etc..you can even have your contractor monitor it remotely and let you know when you are going to have a problem-before you ever knew the problem has occured. The modulating furnace has a gas valve that is fully modulating. This will save on gas usage. Most valves are either 1 stage or 2 stage. It also has a true variable speed blower motor, which is a must IMO. (Variable speed blower motor is the 1 thing I would absolutely say you should have)...not a constant torque x13 or psc motor. The Accucomfort 20 seer refers to the condensing unit, the compressor is 100 percent variable speed/modulating. It will honestly match the operating speed to the exact amount of need for
The house..again, most condensing units are either 1 speed or 2 speed.

The bells and whistles are endless on this unit, they provide an amount of comfort that I've yet to see matched, they are so quiet that you really cant hear them run and They even look good.

However, they can be considered "expensive" by most normal homeowners.

What the hell does this all mean.


it means that it comes with 575 duzen arras

Yep...and a nice cald.. It’s pretty much the AC version of a sanctuary in the middle of the mountainous regions of Pelham.

Maybe...but it definitely means it cost 575 duzen paychecks.

How much would you expect to spend on one of those with the bells and whistles? 20 grand?

A 4 ton? I’ve sold plenty of them at and around 12-13k. It takes someone that WANTS the top of the line to consider one of these systems, normally.

So what would you suggest for a normal person who wants to be most efficient with budget in mind? I'm actually surprised it's only 13k. Is that the entire system and installation?

That would be removing a 4 ton unit and replacing with the equipment above. Some duct modification would be included, but that could and would definitely vary the price.

I like Trane and American Standards 17 seer split Systems. The “TAM” model air handlers are by far the best air handler in the market right now, IMO. The Condensing units have a 2 stage-2step compressor and an electronic outdoor expansion valve. The condenser coils are damn near bullet proof And the compressors have a reputation that holds true. The Air handlers are composite built with variable speed blower motors and are a fully positive pressure cabinet during operation (it’s not going to suck in dirty attic or crawlspace air through any cracks or crevices that most air handlers may have during operation). The evaporator coils are all aluminum, so you’re not going to have that corroded rusty copper/steel/aluminum coil 5 years down the road from dis-similar metals. It also has an electronic expansion valve for the indoor unit.

A lot of that may be jumbo jumbo, so I’ll put it in easy terms.

Over the last 15 years I’ve seen every single make and model of residential AC units out there. Trane and American Standard are the best built and most reliable.

I’ve NEVER found a spine fin coil leaking.EVER. That is their patented design condenser coil. It was an extremely rare occurrence to find a compressor failed and I never had reversing valves fail on these systems( not that they are a common issue to the industry anyways) I’ve never found a bad electronic expansion valve on these systems( indoor or outdoor) and I have not yet found a failed blower motor on the “TAM” air handlers.

I’m no longer in the residential world of HVAC, the systems I deal with now are 140 ton rooftop units on up to 2000 ton centrifugal chillers. I tell you that so that you know I have no real reason to sway people to one system or another.

With all of that said, if a man wanted the cheapest unit possible and had no care in the world about anything other than a cheap price, a Goodman will keep him comfortable. I would just make sure that the installation contractor is reputable.

So I'm not looking for the cheapest short term. Looking for the cheapest long term. If I replace my 4 ton unit for 8k and spend an extra $50-$100 extra on my power/gas bill when I could have spent 12k and saved that $50-$100 per month for 10 years I want to choose the second option by far. So with long term cost and short term cost in mind.

You would go Trane or American Standard? For both AC and Furnace?

Again, thank you for all the help so far. Please let me know when I can buy you a beer or 3 in the Auburn area!

If u gonna try to save on ur power bill just as well to update windows insulation and ductwork. If the house is as old as the 30 yr old furnace u have lost a ton of r value. The higher seer probably won't help much if u dont

IMO a 14 seer duel fuel system with a 92% furnace is the best bang for the buck, the high seer systems with inverter compressors are great but the
cost difference is pretty substantial, your old furnace is probably a standing pilot 60% efficient furnace. and 10 seer cooling at best, you will be stepping way up any way you go on efficiency.

I would. I don’t know any dealers in that area, but a search on Trane or American Standards website should give you a list of local companies. At that point I would do my research and find what you believe to be the company that will Treat you right and Be around for the long haul.

Small companies are nice and usually cheap(er), but if they don’t have the personnel to stay in business or to give you the support you need- It does you no good years down the road when you may need something.

And if you didn’t know, Trane and American Standard are the same systems- just a different name. Not sure if I ever stated that.

Same with Carrier,Bryant and Heil.

Same with Goodman and Amana.

There’s no doubt that he takes a step in the right direction with any system upgrade. A 14 seer duel fuel is a great option.

I usually don’t have my customers look solely at “money saved” due to SEER or “efficiency” of unit because it changes from one household to the next. I like the inverter systems because they provide a level of comfort and reliability that hasn’t been matched. IMO

JBatey, were you at theTalladega 911 office today?

I was there working and saw a JBatey signed in on the guest register, AC service truck sitting out front. I never saw the tech though as I was back in the server room.

Wasn’t me. I was around server racks all day too, though.

I think Jackson Heating and air does Trane, located on Columbus parkway in opelika. Spencer heating/air in Auburn use to do Trane( not sure if they still do).

what about adding a dehumidifier to the system?

yeah if it was me I would find a way to have 2 separate 3 ton units. I wouldn't pay 8500 though unless It was for both installed.