High Velocity or Conventional?

J.M.

We'd like to install central air in our 2000 sq ft home outside Boston. How do we decide between high velocity and conventional? We have estimates for each, both from highly recommended contractors. High Velocity is about $3000 more for a Unico 10-seer. Conventional is Trane 14-seer with a dual-speed blower. Any advice?
Thanks,
JM

jeff_51

depends if the ductwork is already inplace

If you are heating with forced air, and have the ductwork inplace, than no reason really to go with high velocity. High velocity is great when you do not have ductwork installed already and are putting the unit in the attic. Any ac system will work more efficiently that way simply because cold air drops, so starting from the attic and working down is more efficient, but not worth the added expense if properly sized ductwork is already inplace,. In short, the answer is "that depends"

J.M.

Thanks Jeff.
We don't have ductwork already in place. We had a gravity hot-water heat system in the basement, and that too we need to upgrade to forced hot-water. Will 10-seer versus the conventional 14 make a difference, and will high velocity really involve less work and messing with the house if they have to put in more vents per room?
JM

Empire_2

10 to 14 SEER

8 to 10% savings if you go with the 14 SEER unit. As far as more vents per room, I believe that cfm is relatively the same, just at a higher volicity. Its easier to cut in a 3" round hole as apposed to a 4x10 register, but you still have to cut the hole. I usually use hi vol in houses where everything is tight and space is limited.

Eugene Silberstein 3

You will spend More

You will obviously spend more from the first-cost standpoint if you go with the Unico, but you will save money in the long run.

You might be able to negotiate a deal with the dealer, especially since 13 SEER will be the way of the world after January 26, 2006. If you can get the Unico 10 SEER for a cheaper price, you just hit a home run. Better you hitting the home runs than the Red Sox (Go Yanks!)