Archives for April 2017

This Bryant furnace guide is a detailed overview of one of the industry’s top-selling brands. Bryant furnace pros and cons assist you in deciding if this is the right brand for your home. Also, efficiency ratings and performance specifications will point you to the best furnace for your needs.

We’ve completed guides on other top brands including Bryant’s parent-brand, Carrier, and Rheem, Trane and Goodman furnaces.

Bryant Furnace Overview

The company was started in 1904 by Charles Bryant. It was an independent company for decades before being bought by Carrier Corporation. Both brands are now part of United Technologies.

Bryant’s most affordable furnaces are single-stage heating models with basic-to-good efficiency. The next step is Bryant furnace models with two-stage gas valves for quieter, more comfortable heating and excellent efficiency. The top of the line Bryant furnace series features a variable-capacity gas valve and variable-speed blower to combine for precise, balanced heating and improved comfort when the system is in air conditioning mode.  In short, you’ve got options to fit your budget, heating needs and performance preference. The details follow.

Bryant Furnace Technical Specifications

Bryant furnaces are made in good/better/best series, like many leading brands.

• Affordable Bryant Legacy Series furnaces are single-stage heating, two models with 80% efficiency, a 92% model and the top pick in this series, the Bryant Legacy 915S furnace with 95% AFUE (annualized fuel utilization efficiency).
• The five Bryant Preferred Series furnaces range in efficiency from 80% to 96.5%, and the top-pick 926T Bryant Preferred furnace is the only two-stage model in the series.
• There are three furnaces in the top line, Bryant Evolution, with two-stage models at 80% and 96.5% and the top-pick Bryant 987M furnace with a modulating gas valve and 98.3% efficiency.
• The Fan On Plus technology in top Bryant furnace models gives you four speeds of continuous-fan mode to maximize comfort. It also facilitates better dehumidification when the blower is assisting with air conditioning.
• Bryant makes a large lineup of thermostats to be compatible with its various furnace series. But they can also be operated by universal thermostats like White-Rodgers and Nest.
• Most Bryant furnace models are built in sizes from about 50,000 BTU to more than 150,000 BTU to serve homes of various sizes.
• Most Bryant Preferred and Evolution furnaces are equipped for dual fuel systems. So they can be installed in a split system with a heat pump instead of an air conditioner.

Pros and Cons of Bryant Gas Furnaces

Here are reasons to choose a Bryant furnace and things to consider before you do.

Bryant Furnace Pros

• The 12 different models include 80% furnaces ideal for warm climates and part-time use locations such as a vacation home and very efficient 90+ furnaces for green heating in cold regions.
• Energy Star furnaces in the Preferred and Evolution Series might be eligible for utility rebates where you live.
• Variable-speed blowers in the Evolution furnaces match the speed of the blower fan with the gas valve for quieter operation than fixed-speed motors offer and the elimination of cold blasts at the start or end of the cycle.
• Energy-saving ECM motors on Bryant Evolution models reduce electricity use compared with standard PSC blower motors.
• Bryant makes furnaces in most models in upflow, downflow and horizontal-flow profiles for installation on any level of your home.
• Bryant makes a complete line of air conditioners, heat pumps, ventilation components and thermostats. So you can assemble a complete system that will work better together than components of different brands.
• Bryant replacement oil furnaces are available where home heating oil is the preferred fuel.
• Warranties on most Preferred Series and Evolution Series furnaces cover the heat exchanger for the life of the furnace.
• Bryant is a national brand, so repair parts are readily available. Therefore, you can have your furnace repaired in any service and by any HVAC technician, not just a Bryant specialist.
• The service record for Bryant furnace models, especially in the better series, is in the top third of brands. So a Bryant furnace will last 20+ years when properly maintained.
• The Bryant furnace lineup is almost identical to the Carrier lineup, though prices are slightly lower.

Bryant Furnace Cons

• Bryant, despite being slightly more affordable than Carrier furnaces, are still more expensive than most.
• Several brands including Goodman, Amana, Maytag, Westinghouse and Heil offer better general parts warranties than Bryant’s 5-year and 10-year warranties. Some of those include entire furnace replacement for major mechanical failures.
• Bryant doesn’t allow you to know the cost of its furnaces without a sales presentation and an estimate that involves both the furnace and installation. So there is no DIY installation option for Bryant furnaces.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bryant Furnace

While an 80% efficient Bryant furnace is affordable, it will produce higher-than-necessary heating bills where winters are cold. So buying a more expensive but more efficient furnace would be a cost-effective choice.

Unless you prefer a very efficient furnace because you’re committed to heating with less energy, then consider how long you plan to be in your home. The longer you’ll be there, the more a very efficient furnace is a cost-effective choice.

If you’re sensitive to temperature fluctuations, then a two-stage Bryant furnace will significantly reduce them. Furthermore, the modulating Bryant Evolution furnace will nearly eliminate them. Two-stage and modulating furnaces also remove more humidity from your home in summer while the AC is running. So they are a good choice in humid climates.

Here is a summary of the top Bryant furnace models by efficiency and performance:

• 80% single stage: Bryant Preferred 313A;
• 80% two stage: Bryant Evolution 315A;
• 90% and higher, single stage: 96.2% Bryant Preferred 925S and 95% Bryant Legacy 915S;
• 90% and higher, two stage: 96.5% Bryant Performance 926T;
• Modulating: 98.3% Bryant Evolution 987M.

Is a Bryant Furnace the Best Choice for You?

If you’re willing to pay 10 to 15 percent more to get one of the more reliable brands available, a Bryant furnace is a good choice. Use the information in this guide to select the model that fits your needs. Then, discuss them with a Bryant dealer and don’t forget to see the links above to compare Bryant furnace models to other top brands.

We trust this Bryant furnace buying guide has answered your questions. Please consider sharing it with friends who might be ready decide on a gas furnace. They might use this information prepared by professionals.

This Carrier heat pump review guide provides a detailed overview of one of the best heat pump brands in the industry, and one of the most expensive too. We include technical specifications, pros and cons and things to consider before purchasing a Carrier.

For comparison, you might be interested in our reviews of these brands that will assist you in choosing the heat pump for your home:

• Trane heat pumps;
• Goodman heat pumps;
• Rheem heat pumps;
• Mitsubishi ducted heat pumps.

Carrier Heat Pump Brand Overview

Carrier is a global HVAC brand founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier. It is now part of United Technologies Corporation. Bryant HVAC is a subsidiary of Carrier, and Bryant’s product line is nearly identical.

With 17 Carrier heat pump models available, you’ll find a good fit in terms of efficiency and performance for your needs. The models are divided into four series.

• Best: Carrier Infinity w/ Greenspeed heat pump;
• Better: Carrier Infinity heat pumps;
• Good: Carrier Performance heat pumps;
• Basic: Carrier Comfort heat pumps.

Let’s dig into the details.

Carrier Heat Pump Technical Specifications

SEER is the rating for cooling; HSPF is the rating for heating. So the higher the number, the more efficient the model is. Efficiency is represented as SEER/HSPF.

• The 20.5/13 Carrier Infinity Greenspeed 25VNAO and the 18/11 Infinity 18VS are the top models. They have a variable-capacity compressor that modulates with minor adjustments from about 40 percent to 100 percent capacity to produce precise and balanced heating and air conditioning.
• The other Carrier Infinity heat pumps are either 2-stage models that run on low capacity most of the time and switch to high when boosting heating or cooling, or they are single-stage heat pumps that run at full capacity all the time. The efficiency range is 19/10 down to 16/8.5, and most are Energy Star qualified.
• Carrier Performance heat pump models are a mix of single-stage and two-stage with efficiency from 17.5/9.5 to 13/7.7, with the top model the Performance 16 25HCB6 two-stage heat pump.
• Two Performance Series heat pumps are compact models that require just 6” of clearance. They represent a good choice for under decks or other locations with space limitations.
• Carrier Comfort heat pumps are all single-stage models. Just one of them meets Energy Star standards, the 15/8.5 Comfort 15 25HBC5.
• Carrier Hybrid Heat dual fuel models are offered in each series.

Pros and Cons of Carrier Heat Pumps

Here are reasons to choose a Carrier heat pump and concerns to consider first.

Carrier Heat Pump Pros

• This brand, especially in Infinity and Performance models, has an outstanding service record for reliability.
• Carrier makes more heat pump models than most. So choosing a model with the efficiency and performance combination you want is easier.
• Most models are offered in sizes from 18,000 BTU (1.5 ton) to 60,000 BTU (5 ton) to fit homes of any size.
• As a national brand, parts for maintenance and repair are readily available. So a Carrier heat pump can be repaired by any certified HVAC pro whether they are a Carrier dealer or not.
• All models use Puron R-410A refrigerant that is safer for the environment.
• Rebates are available in many states for the installation of an efficient Carrier heat pump, and you can find out how to qualify.
• Hybrid Heat technologygis ideal for very cold climates. The dual fuel capacity allows most Carrier heat pumps to be installed in a split system with a gas furnace. So the heat pump does most of the heating. Therefore, the system transitions to the gas furnace in extreme cold when a heat pump is not efficient.
• Variable-capacity Carrier heat pump models are among the quietest available. They are operating at about 58 decibels, which is 15-20db quieter than two-stage models.
• Three Carrier heat pump models are rated for the salt air of coastal environments, with the most efficient of them the Carrier Infinity Coastal 25HNB6**C (17.5/9.5 – Energy Star).

Carrier Heat Pump Cons

• Carrier heat pumps are among the most expensive in the industry. This is partly due to excellent quality and partly because of the large marketing budget the brand has.
• Warranties on the best Carrier heat pumps are 10 years on most parts. But they are not as good as those from other leading brands including Goodman, Amana, Heil, Maytag, Westinghouse and Tappan with longer warranties that often include entire unit replacement if the coil or compressor fails

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Carrier Heat Pump

If you plan to live in your current home for at least 10 years, the reliability of a Carrier might be worth paying more to get. Plus, a Carrier heat pump is a positive selling point if you put your home on the market. However, if you plan to move in a few years, buying a Goodman or other more-affordable brand could be a cost-effective choice in the short-term.

Similarly, the longer you plan to stay where you are, the more it makes sense to buy a very efficient heat pump from the Carrier Infinity Series. This is especially true if your summers are long, hot and humid.

In the coldest climates, a Hybrid Heat Carrier heat pump and a gas furnace costs more up front. But a dual fuel system will result in the lowest heating costs. It’s worth considering if you plan to be in the same home for 10 years or longer.

Discuss sizing with your HVAC contractor. Too often, heat pumps that are too large are sold to homeowners to make sure it delivers enough heating and air conditioning. However, a unit that is too large can be prone to mechanical issues. Consequently, it will over-cool the thermostat set point to produce temperature fluctuations.

Final Thoughts on Carrier Heat Pumps

To get the best pricing on a Carrier heat pump and installation, request written estimates from two or three local dealers. Tell them they are competing for the job. It’s a good idea to check references to make sure you’re getting your Carrier heat pump from a company with a track record of quality installation and good customer service.

Thank you for reading our Carrier heat pump review. If it has been helpful, please share it with followers and friends that might be considering a heat pump for their home. Help them make an informed decision they’ll be happy with in the years ahead.

Image: depositphotos.com.

This Carrier furnace guide is an overview full of details about one of the top-selling lines of gas furnaces in the industry. Keep reading for:

• Efficiency ratings on Carrier furnace models;
• Pros and cons of this leading brand;
• Performance options for its three furnace lines;
• Help in selecting the right furnace for your home or business.

To compare major brands, see our guides to Rheem furnaces, Trane furnaces and Goodman furnaces.

Carrier Furnace Overview

Carrier is one of the country’s top-selling furnace brands for two reasons:

• Quality of the furnaces;
• Large marketing budget the brand uses to make Carrier a household name.

Founded by Willis Carrier in 1902, Carrier HVAC with its 40,000 worldwide employees has been part of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) since 1979.

Your options for Carrier furnace choices include basic single-stage gas furnaces that run at full capacity all the time, two-stage furnaces with low/high capacity operation and a variable-capacity furnace that modulates to deliver the exact amount of heat needed to keep temperatures balanced. The details are below.

Carrier Furnace Technical Specifications

Which Carrier line is right for you depends on your heating and climate control needs. What you’ve budgeted for a furnace also matters.

• Carrier Comfort Series includes two 80% AFUE, single-stage gas furnaces that are Carrier’s most affordable models.
• The Comfort Series includes two single-stage furnaces, the top-rated Carrier Comfort 95 59SC5 furnace with Energy Star 95.5% efficiency and the Comfort 92 furnace with 92% efficiency.
• All Comfort Series gas furnaces have fixed-speed blowers, which means they run at full capacity whenever on.
• Carrier Performance Series includes five gas furnaces in a range of efficiency levels from 80% AFUE to the top-pick Performance 96 59TP6 furnace that is 96.7% efficient and has a two-stage gas valve and variable-speed blower motor.
• The best Carrier furnaces are its Infinity Series furnaces available in three models: An 80% two-stage furnace, an Energy Star 96.7% two-stage furnace and the top pick, the Energy Star Infinity 98 59MN7 furnace with 98.5% efficiency.
• The Infinity 98 furnace is built with Carrier’s Greenspeed Intelligence, which is a variable-capacity gas valve that modulates from 40 percent to 100 percent capacity to precisely heat the home without temperature fluctuations.
• All Infinity and Performance Series Carrier furnaces include dual fuel Carrier Hybrid Heat™  technology. This way they can be paired in a split system with a heat pump for the most efficient heating in very cold climates.
• Carrier SmartEvap technology on Infinity Series and some Performance Series models improves dehumidification during air conditioning cycles.
• All Carrier furnaces are produced in a range of capacities, from about 40,000 BTUs to more than 150,000 BTUs. So there is a model for any home from about 800 to 2,700 square feet.

Pros and Cons of Carrier Gas Furnaces

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a Carrier gas furnace.

Carrier Furnace Pros

• Carrier’s three series, Infinity, Performance and Comfort, give you many options for climate control and efficiency.
• Carrier 80% efficient furnaces are an affordable choice for warm climates. But they should not be installed in very cold climates.
• All Infinity Series furnaces and some models in the Performance Series such as the 80% efficient Performance 58CTW include a variable-speed blower that ramps up as the furnace gets hot. It then slows down as the heating or cooling cycle ends. This is a process that reduces cool air being pushed through the grates.
• ECM motors on some models use less electricity than standard PSC blower motors.
• Upflow, downflow and horizontal-flow furnaces give you installation options in any home or light-commercial setting.
• Energy Star Carrier furnaces are eligible for rebates and utility cost credits in many parts of the country. They can be searched here.
• Oil furnaces are available for those isolated regions of the country where home heating oil is the preferred fuel.
• Carrier makes furnaces, heat pumps, central air conditioners, home ventilation systems and thermostats that allow you to choose an entirely compatible split system for your home.
• Lifetime limited warranties are offered on heat exchangers for Performance and Infinity models.
• This brand ranks in the top group of brands for quality along with American Standard, Trane, Rheem, Ruud, Maytag and sister-brand Bryant.
• While Carrier does offer factory training for HVAC technicians, any certified professional should be able to repair and maintain a Carrier furnace, and parts are very easy to get.

Carrier Furnace Cons

• Carrier furnace models are more expensive than many furnaces with comparable performance specifications. Take Armstrong, Goodman and Amana as examples.
• Some of Carrier’s higher costs are due to better quality. But some of it is the result of Carrier’s aggressive marketing program costs.
• The general parts warranties on most Carrier furnaces are only 10 years. Meanwhile, brands like Goodman, Amana, Tappan, Maytag, Westinghouse and Heil offer longer warranties.
• Installing an 80% efficient furnace in a region with very cold winters will lead to high heating costs. So it is better to install a 90+ efficient furnace because the extra cost will be recouped in just a few winters

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Carrier Gas Furnace

Does it make sense for you to pay top dollar for a premium gas furnace? It will, if you plan to be in your current home for 7-10 years and want to minimize repair issues during that time and maximize the appeal to potential buyers.

If you live in a warm climate, an 80% furnace is the cost-effective choice. However, a furnace with better than 90% efficiency is right for you if green heating and cooling is a high priority.

In cold climates, buying an Energy Star furnace might cost you $1,000 more than for a less-efficient model. But cutting monthly heating costs by $30-$50 during winter means you’ll break even in four to seven years. This way you save money every heating month beyond that.

Homeowners that are sensitive to indoor climate changes will appreciate the climate control that a two-stage or modulating furnace offers. Otherwise, it might make sense to save money on by purchasing a single-stage furnace in an efficiency range right for your climate.

Is a Carrier Gas Furnace Right for Your Home?

Here are our expanded top picks for Carrier furnaces:

• 80% single stage: Carrier Comfort 80 58STA;
• 80% two stage: Carrier Infinity 80 58CVA;
• 90% and higher, single stage: 95.5% Carrier Comfort 59SC5;
• 90% and higher, two stage: 96.7% Carrier Performance 96 59TP6;
• Modulating: 98.5% Infinity 98 Greenspeed 59MN7.

Heating Your Home

The bottom line when buying a Carrier furnace is that you’ll pay more. But you get higher quality and better durability with the brand’s good/better/best lineup.

Remember to compare Carrier with the other brands we’ve reviewed using the links above to find the right furnace for your heating needs. If this Carrier Furnace Review has been helpful to you, pass it on to family and friends who might be planning to replace their furnace in the next 12 months. They might benefit from knowing the differences in the models available.