Keeprite Furnace and A/C

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ Hello

Please share your experience and prices with Keeprite 2 Stage Variable Speed Furnace model G96VTN
and Keeprite 2 Stage Variable Speed A/C model N4A7.

Thank you

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ Thank you.
Are you an HVAC company or an independent professional?
Would it be possible for you to provide a quote?
We are planning to replace the 16-year-old Trane furnace and A/C in a 2 story detached house with 2200 sq ft.
I am currently assessing between 2-stage 60K (or) 80K BTU furnace.
2-Stage 2, 2.5 or 3 Tons A/C.
Please provide your suggestion as well.

hierophant wrote: ↑ The house I bought had a Keeprite A/C when I moved in 5 years - I haven't had any problems with it...it was installed in 2012/2013. Don't know what model it is offhand.

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ Thanks for the inputs.
- Reason for change: Evopratior coil frozen iced some years ago due to some rust and dust buildup clogged the mini drain. There was water leaking through the furnace so the bottom part of the furnace is rusted inside, on the floor as well. Before I learned the clogging reason, some time back Reliance came and checked asked us to change everything. But some other technicians suggested cleaning up the dust clogging periodically in summer to avoid the issue. It works ok but rusted all over.
- R22 was filled last year, it was almost empty. There may be leaking to figure out.
- A/C Parts were changed by service plan last year
- Furnace parts were changed many times, service plan covered.

So far no issue from Furnace last year, and A/C runs fine this year.

We may sell the house later this year or next year. Having a rusted Furnace may be an issue for buyers.

Regarding 2 stage A/C: The current A/C is 8 SEER, 2 tons. Specifically, in the summer months, hard to get coll to the 2nd floor, but it is ok when the A/C is running. For instance, 28-degree temp when A/C runs is comfortable. 25 Degree at home if A/C not running then it suffocated. it came 23 degrees, then if A/C is not running then again suffocated.
One thing I realize is that when the Furnace fan is running it gives some comfort by rotating air from the basement, 1st floor, and 2nd floor, it helps somewhat.
So, I am thinking if the 2 stage A/C runs at a lower speed with lower speed from the furnace then it solves the humidity and suffocation.

This is where I see what they explain in 2 stages A/C as runs longer at a lower speed. This is the main feature I want to have.

Many HVAC salespersons don't encourage this option, and try to show the less price of SEER 13 or 14 and suggest 2 stage variable Furnace is more than enough. I feel like they are just trying to complete their sale by showing a saving in price and sell the product sooner.

So, at this point, I am not particular about brands like Lennox/Trane/Carrier/or any higher end. Even I was thinking of Canadian brands like Napoleon and Continental. But they don't have 2 stages A/C.

No brands are important for me now, I just what to experiment with the 2-stage Furnace and A/C with whichever brand comes with a good price deal. I read about Keeprite and Tempstar, seems both of their variable-speed models are good. So, I am planning to go with this.
I don't feel that single-stage is good enough for varying summer temperatures. That's where I want to see how the HVAC innovation of 2-stage variable speed helps.

insertname2020 wrote: ↑ Brand is not that important, what is - the actual models and sizes, what's a good fit for your home.

1. 2-stage cooling will make the second floor worse, stick with single stage.
2. Second floor not cooling well is has other causes. Based on your description, you could benefit from running the blower continuously at a low speed as well as balancing.
3. You need to get the G96CTN to get the real benefit of the variable speed blower if you buy keeprite
4. The minimum efficiency 16 years ago for cooling was 10, not 8.
5. The a/c brand absolutely does not have to match the furnace brand.

It is not a good idea to chase after a "good deal"; if the price is significantly below average, contractor is cutting corners on install and or using inferior equipment.


The differences between low budget and mainstream a/cs not significant when it comes to comfort, only build quality and noise level.
2-stage/variable speed furnaces different matter...
A good one will set you back $4k+.
The cheapened ones (like the G96VTN, goodman gmvc96 and lennox ml196v and all clones) should be avoided due bad blower programming or no support for 2-stage thermostats. Don't get full benefit but do get increased repair costs.
The 2-stage thermostat is necessary to get the full benefit, having high heat only come on when it is necessary - without it, high is brought on after a time delay, so you don't get very extended heating cycles.
The entire point of the variable speed blower over the multi-speed is to precisely maintain optimal airflow as conditions change (ie, automatically compensating for vents being adjusted, etc) in every mode of operation and the programming of the cheaper models do not allow for that functionality and can be even worse than more basic furnaces.

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ I am not a big fan of brand-name models, even in cars. I just want a reasonably reliable product, which has the most access to parts availability. I noticed in many forums that many had difficulty getting Lennox parts. But, the Keeprite parts are easy to get it seems. As long as it runs like a Mitsubishi or Hyundai then I am fine.

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ newlyborn, may I request you to review and comment on the message from "insertname2020". This is good interaction here and shares knowledge. I will check the current model A/C for the SEER.
Could you please comment on the 2 stages variable speed Furnace and the 2 stage A/C from Keeprite and Tempstar.
I am not a big fan of brand-name models, even in cars. I just want a reasonably reliable product, which has the most access to parts availability. I noticed in many forums that many had difficulty getting Lennox parts. But, the Keeprite parts are easy to get it seems. As long as it runs like a Mitsubishi or Hyundai then I am fine.

newlyborn wrote: ↑ Srini everyone on board has different opinions and experiences. That doesn't necessarily make someone right or wrong. I am a person who looks value for money whereas others may be a die-hard fans of features that may not serve any purpose. When the furnaces were equipped with PSC motors, some common parts were universal like ignitor OR motor.
With new ECM technology, you cannot use universal parts regardless of the make and model. Most common parts are available with suppliers for any brands be it Lennox or Carrier.
There are situations when some specific parts are not available even for Goodman or keeprite.
To me complex machine means more chance of breakdown. Period. For the same reason, I always advise my customers to stay away from modulating furnaces and or communicating thermostats.

HVAC Professional. Committed to customer, not brand.
Furnace & Central AC Group Buy 2021

fergy wrote: ↑ RFD member realist123 has a Lennox modulating furnace and the proprietary communicating thermostat failed. He posted the following about his experience. The price did not include installation.

"Anywhere from $800-1200 and everyone wanted to install the S30 (thermostat)

Apparently the model I had was known to a few installers for failure. I emailed Lennox since it was past the 5 year warranty and they were no help.

I find it very frustrating that I have to shell out this kind of cash 7 years into a new HVAC system. I don't want to have to pay this again in 7 years. Lesson learned. Ecobee, Nest, and the other 'smart' thermostats cost a fraction (yes, they aren't communicating, but is it really worth 2-3k more over the expected life of the furnace?"

fergy wrote: ↑ RFD member realist123 has a Lennox modulating furnace and the proprietary communicating thermostat failed. He posted the following about his experience. The price did not include installation.

"Anywhere from $800-1200 and everyone wanted to install the S30 (thermostat)

Apparently the model I had was known to a few installers for failure. I emailed Lennox since it was past the 5 year warranty and they were no help.

I find it very frustrating that I have to shell out this kind of cash 7 years into a new HVAC system. I don't want to have to pay this again in 7 years. Lesson learned. Ecobee, Nest, and the other 'smart' thermostats cost a fraction (yes, they aren't communicating, but is it really worth 2-3k more over the expected life of the furnace?"

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ Thank you Fergy. I completely agree with you on the Modulating feature. As it is required to be the proprietary thermostat, that's the main reason I don't want the modulating feature. I prefer a Two-Stage Variable speed Furnace which will work with Google Thermostat. The A/C Two Stage Variable speed is a debatable topic. In fact, I am focusing on Renos now, mostly going to have a regular single stage A/C.

newlyborn wrote: ↑ To me complex machine means more chance of breakdown. Period. For the same reason, I always advise my customers to stay away from modulating furnaces and or communicating thermostats.

fergy wrote: ↑
RFD member realist123 has a Lennox modulating furnace and the proprietary communicating thermostat failed. He posted the following about his experience. The price did not include installation.

"Anywhere from $800-1200 and everyone wanted to install the S30 (thermostat)

Apparently the model I had was known to a few installers for failure. I emailed Lennox since it was past the 5 year warranty and they were no help.

I find it very frustrating that I have to shell out this kind of cash 7 years into a new HVAC system. I don't want to have to pay this again in 7 years. Lesson learned. Ecobee, Nest, and the other 'smart' thermostats cost a fraction (yes, they aren't communicating, but is it really worth 2-3k more over the expected life of the furnace?"

SriniGHomCan wrote: ↑ Thank you Fergy. I completely agree with you on the Modulating feature. As it is required to be the proprietary thermostat, that's the main reason I don't want the modulating feature. I prefer a Two-Stage Variable speed Furnace which will work with Google Thermostat. The A/C Two Stage Variable speed is a debatable topic. In fact, I am focusing on Renos now, mostly going to have a regular single stage A/C.