Need help on decision for heat pump/air handler

16 years ago

I am needing to replace my old heat and a/c units. I have received 2 proposals, Lennox and Trane.

I don't know much about heating/cooling systems to know which one would be the best. My house is 1250 sq ft/ 1 story and my electric bill averages around $2400 a year. I live in Texas.

Lennox quoted a price of $7843 (Includes $1700 discount)

heat pump is a XP13-036

air handler is a CBX32M-036

included was a heat strip (15kw); Pure Air system with a UV filtration. They are to reseal all of my existing duct work; install 1 new air supply vent; move my T-statt to the hallway. Also the air handler will be suspended from the rafters. The salesman also states he can only give me 48 hours to decide because new systems will be coming in shortly at a 10 to 20% increase.

Trane quoted me a price of $5200 + $200 to replace copper lines + $250 for a hepa type filter system.

XR13 heat pump with a variable speed air handler which he said would bring the SEER to 14. He will add another air return and switch duct lines in the bedrooms and possibly moving some others for even flow, insulate boots, wyes and seal ducts, move the T-stat location with new T-stat and suspend air handler from rafters.

I thought about the Trane, but when I called Lennox to say no, the man said I might want ot investigate the spine fin coil that is on the Trane.

I really need some input from others that have been in similar situations.

Thanks

lyn47

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Comments (6)

tigerdunes
16 years ago
lyn

You can not ignore the price difference.

The Trane system is also 3 ton?

I notice the Lennox air handler quoted is not var speed which is a big negative.

Compare the warranty between the two systems.

I would go with the Trane. You might ask about the cost to upgrade to the XL14i and a 10 yr ext warranty.

IMO
garyg
16 years ago
"The salesman also states he can only give me 48 hours to decide because new systems will be coming in shortly at a 10 to 20% increase."

- Nothing like high-pressure sales tactics to force a quick decision. I would't buy from that chump.

The Trane price sounds very reasonable. I was quoted about the same price last year for a 3-ton XL14i in Baltimore.

You need the model numbers of both the condenser (outside unit) and air handler. Condenser will be something like 2TWX... and air handler 2TEE... Post the model numbers and I will confirm efficiency ratings (SEER/EER/HSPF) as well as cooling/heating capacity.

I agree with Tiger about the 10 year PARTS AND LABOR warranty to protect yourself.

It sounds like you have ductwork issues that need to be addressed. Ductwork is critical for a good install. Poor ductwork = poor air flow = poor system, regardless of heat pump manufacturer.

Best to you.
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lyn47
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank y'all so much for your input. I really appreciate it.
I spoke with the Trane salesman and this is the additional info he gave me. (This is a 3 ton system)
The air handler model number is 2TEE3F37B1000A, the heat package-15kw model number BAYHTR1415BKR, the heat pump model number is 2TWR3036B1000A.
The additional cost for the 10 year parts and labor would be $800.
He also stated that if I was concerned about humidity, 10yr warranty parts, labor, compressor,etc he could sell me a XL16i which is a 2 stage system with variable speeds, programmable humistat, a turn-key product for $8289. Both systems are great, but my choice he said.
Any helpful input regarding this is greatly appreciated.
baldloonie
16 years ago
Yea, I'd dump the Lennox chump in a hurry too. That's pure crap on the 10-20% price rise. If a mfr raises prices, it's well known and only a few % at a time. Things have been pretty stable lately - except maybe R22!

If you want better humidity control, rather than spending thousands on the XL16i, tell him to put a Vision Pro IAQ control on this system, it works with the dehumidify on demand feature of the variable speed air handler.

The XL16i on low has a much lower humidity removal rate than the XR13 has. You'd probably be better off with the single stage and dehumidify on demand than you would with the 16 running on low a lot.

Oh and don't worry about the Spine Fin. It's a great, leak free coil that other brand dealers love to badmouth.
tigerdunes
16 years ago
lyn

I always feel good when I agree with Baldloonie's advice who is a well respected expert on the HVAC forums.

I would forget the two stg XL16i. I would forget the Trane stat and go with the Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ which will control Texas humidity in the cooling mths better than anything Trane offers.

As far as the 15KW heat strip, ask the dealer to install a 10KW and a 5KW and have them staged.

And I would make a counteroffer to the Trane rep for the 10 yr ext warranty at $400.00. All he can say is yes or no.
Your option.

IMO
Good Luck!
garyg
16 years ago
A 2TWR3036 heat pump condenser coupled to a 2TEE3F37 air handler is ARI-rated at 34,000 btu cooling (36,000 btu is a full 3 tons), 12 EER, 14 SEER, 30,200 btu heating at 47F, 8 HSPF.

The 12 EER (cost to run heat pump in cooling is very good) but the 30,000 btu heating is very weak and so is the 8 HSPF (cost to run heat pump in heating - 8.5 is OK, 9 is excellent).

Best to you.

Need help on decision for heat pump/air handler

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tigerdunes

garyg

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Need help on decision for heat pump/air handler

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tigerdunes

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baldloonie

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lyn47
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