Hi there,
I am a newbie (sorry), not just to this forum but also to forced air heating and cooling. We grew up in England and only moved here several years ago, so forced heating and cooling is new to us here in Toronto, Canada. We are more used to radiant heating (via radiators) and no cooling. Questions upfront and then some background for context. Apologies upfront for any lame question(s).
Questions:
Q1. Our HVAC contractor is has suggested either Lennox, Carrier or American Standard/Trane for both furnace and cooling. Would anyone steer us towards any particular brand over another taking into account servicing, parts and customer service in the long run?
Q2. Our HVAC design is calling for 2 Ton cooling for both system A and system B - should we be insisting on 2stage vs single stage system for cooling? Quote spec's 13 SEER for both - is that ok or should be go towards 14 or 16 SEER given our location (Toronto)?
Q3. We are thinking/asking our contractor to install and set us up with Ecobee 5/Smart Thermostat for both systems. Is this a wise choice and if not, what would Pro suggest based on our configuration?
Q4. Am I missing anything glaringly obvious?
BACKGROUND:
- New build home in Toronto (canada) with 2 floors (1st/ground and second) + basement. Not an Eco/airtight home. Standard construction.
- The HVAC system was specifically designed for our home by a HVAC design co and is spec'd with System A (supplying heat and cooling to the basement and 1st/Grnd floor) with ducting running in the basement and furnace in the basement Mech room. System B heating and cooling the 2nd floor with furnace in a small room on the second floor with duct work in the attic. HRV (I'm told mandatory as per building code) in the basement with system A.
- Load calcs (sorry not familiar with technicals) for system A 66,000 BTU/h with 2 Ton cooling and System B 44,000 BTU/h with 2 ton cooling. The designer has spec'd Lennox for both (EL296UH070XE36B and EL296UH045XE36B) but not specifically spec'd a specific cooling brand/model.
- Basement will also have hydronic underfloor warming powered by a Gas boiler (also powering a front drive snow melt system).
- HVAC contractor comes recommended by the GC and also some friends we know. We picked them after obtaining 3-4 quotes/estimates.
- HVAC contractor has quoted Lennox or equiv but not any specific unit/model, although stated it will be a 2-stage variable speed furnace for both system A and B. Cooling only spec'd as 2 Ton 13 Seer.
- Thermostats only spec'd as " Electronic thermostat" but when I asked him, he said he would be ok to install Ecobee thermostat(s).
- HRV unit spec'd is Vanee 60H-V x 1
- We do not have any brand loyalty and nor are we seeking a system just for its name. The HVAC contractor said he would also suggest a Goodman system but supply is really difficult at present so would prefer to avoid in this case. He suggested either Lennox, Carrier or American Standard (am told same/similar to Trane). He mentioned Lennox can be tricky to deal with their customer service and get hold of parts efficiently. He does not seem to be pushing any specific brand but rather asking if I had any preference.
- We would like a brand that parts and customer service are good and not crazy expensive should the need arise. I am told the Manufacturers warranty are similar.
Sorry for the long post. Hope it makes some sense. Any helpful advice of course appreciated.
Thank you.
-
I am a newbie (sorry), not just to this forum but also to forced air heating and cooling. We grew up in England and only moved here several years ago, so forced heating and cooling is new to us here in Toronto, Canada. We are more used to radiant heating (via radiators) and no cooling. Questions upfront and then some background for context. Apologies upfront for any lame question(s).
Questions:
Q1. Our HVAC contractor is has suggested either Lennox, Carrier or American Standard/Trane for both furnace and cooling. Would anyone steer us towards any particular brand over another taking into account servicing, parts and customer service in the long run?
Q2. Our HVAC design is calling for 2 Ton cooling for both system A and system B - should we be insisting on 2stage vs single stage system for cooling? Quote spec's 13 SEER for both - is that ok or should be go towards 14 or 16 SEER given our location (Toronto)?
Q3. We are thinking/asking our contractor to install and set us up with Ecobee 5/Smart Thermostat for both systems. Is this a wise choice and if not, what would Pro suggest based on our configuration?
Q4. Am I missing anything glaringly obvious?
BACKGROUND:
- New build home in Toronto (canada) with 2 floors (1st/ground and second) + basement. Not an Eco/airtight home. Standard construction.
- The HVAC system was specifically designed for our home by a HVAC design co and is spec'd with System A (supplying heat and cooling to the basement and 1st/Grnd floor) with ducting running in the basement and furnace in the basement Mech room. System B heating and cooling the 2nd floor with furnace in a small room on the second floor with duct work in the attic. HRV (I'm told mandatory as per building code) in the basement with system A.
- Load calcs (sorry not familiar with technicals) for system A 66,000 BTU/h with 2 Ton cooling and System B 44,000 BTU/h with 2 ton cooling. The designer has spec'd Lennox for both (EL296UH070XE36B and EL296UH045XE36B) but not specifically spec'd a specific cooling brand/model.
- Basement will also have hydronic underfloor warming powered by a Gas boiler (also powering a front drive snow melt system).
- HVAC contractor comes recommended by the GC and also some friends we know. We picked them after obtaining 3-4 quotes/estimates.
- HVAC contractor has quoted Lennox or equiv but not any specific unit/model, although stated it will be a 2-stage variable speed furnace for both system A and B. Cooling only spec'd as 2 Ton 13 Seer.
- Thermostats only spec'd as " Electronic thermostat" but when I asked him, he said he would be ok to install Ecobee thermostat(s).
- HRV unit spec'd is Vanee 60H-V x 1
- We do not have any brand loyalty and nor are we seeking a system just for its name. The HVAC contractor said he would also suggest a Goodman system but supply is really difficult at present so would prefer to avoid in this case. He suggested either Lennox, Carrier or American Standard (am told same/similar to Trane). He mentioned Lennox can be tricky to deal with their customer service and get hold of parts efficiently. He does not seem to be pushing any specific brand but rather asking if I had any preference.
- We would like a brand that parts and customer service are good and not crazy expensive should the need arise. I am told the Manufacturers warranty are similar.
Sorry for the long post. Hope it makes some sense. Any helpful advice of course appreciated.
Thank you.
-
source https://hvac-talk.com/vbb/threads/2227470-New-Home-HVAC-Question-and-Advice-Please?goto=newpost
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