Help  we bought a house built in 1994 with two central air systems. We had to replace the 3T system in 2006 and did so with a Trane. Now the 2T system is gone and we have three confusing quotes. Also, the existing air handler space is narrow only 21.5 inches wide. The old handler is a Tempstar BEA24A model NBH3024SKB2. The quotes are (prices installed w/o Tax credit): Lennox $5757 16 SEER for XC14-024 AND CB27UH-024 AND 10 YEAR WARRANTY REEM $3994 16.5 SEER for 14AJM24A01 and RHLLHM2517JA including $500 for 10 year warranty labor TRANE $6240 20 SEER for 4TTZ0024A and 4TEE3CO3A (but this seems wider than 21.5 inches) 10 year warranty So first since I have a relatively new Trane, IÂd like to also have another Trane just so warranty issues are easier. I think the XL15i should be slightly cheaper and do the job..BUT is there a Trane system with an air handler under 20" wide? How does the REEM stack up against Trane? Bother the version bid and an XL15 system if it can fit? Same question for Lennox With FloridaÂs heavier usage of A/C which is the better system and do you have any alternatives we should consider?? Thx

For pricing, I don't know for sure about Trane equipment (this is information know to dealers only typically). My guess is the setup above might bring the equipment cost up to around $3000, but a guess is just a guess. I do recommend R-410a and variable-speed blowers to people, though. The variable-speed blower will ramp up to remove humidity from the home, which really helps with comfort on those humid days. Also, you can run the fan 24/7 on a low, nearly inaudible speed to filter the air and even out the temperatures throughout the home. I'm not sure what you mean by "Do I absolutely need to replace the old unit." If you replace one, you really should replace both to prevent problems. If you can fix your current system, then that would be fine as well. The issue I see with electronic air cleaners is threefold: 1. some emit ozone, which is bad for the environment; 2. the maintenance aspect vs. a media air filter that would do just a fine job filtering the air; 3. the price of course. If you want an electronic air cleaner, I won't turn you away from it; however, if you want a filter that will do a great job filtering the air at a lesser cost and with less maintenance, then I recommend a media air cleaner, which essentially uses a big pleated filter that you replace 2, maybe 3 times a year. It does sound like you can use a bit extra capacity (2 tons); however, you must remember that systems usually aren't designed to cool on 95+ degree days (I would still expect it to maintain a 20 degree difference, though). Make sure your ductwork can handle a 2-ton system (I would be very surprised if it couldn't handle an extra 200 cfm).

I've learned so much helpful stuff here, and I'm so grateful for the time committed by the experts on this forum. I have a bit of a dilemma in choosing which HVAC co. to purchase new central air/heat pump from and would appreciate any insights. I live in NC, 1300-sq.-ft. brick ranch home. I want to replace an old central air conditioner, 2.5 ton. My furnace is generic Armstrong, purchased in 2006. Company A (my current service provider and co. I bought oil furnace from) Recommended this one over the alternative, below: Lennox 14HPX (Merit) dual fuel, 2.5 ton, 14 SEER Evap. coil Lennox CH23-41, 3-ton capacity, cased new receptacle for condensate pump new A/C circuit protection; size 30 amp Lennox Touchscreen Programmable thermostat seal and insulate existing ducts Healthy Climate air filtration system $5079 Alternative: Lennox XP14 (Elite) 2.5 ton, 14 SEER raises the price to $5975 Salesman said that there wasn't much difference between the two systems--mainly the XP14 has an outer cover for protection against the weather. Company B Lennox XC14-030 condensing unit with a CH33-31B evaporative coil; 2.5 ton; use existing ductwork with "modifications to adapt the new indoor coil"; power wiring; etc.; adjust oil nozzle size on furnace $4,720 Alt. 1: install XP14-030 (Elite series) heat pump, add $600, including thermostat replacement Alt. 2: install a high capacity media filter, add $150 (total with both alternatives: $5420 at most, and perhaps less depending on number of work hours to install) Company B salesman explained everything in more detail and more clearly. When asked, said that the size of the nozzle on furnace (installed by Co. A, though I didn't tell him that) probably accounts for the fact that oil usage has not improved significantly with new furnace. Also said that current coil is producing a lot of moisture under the house, which needs to be remedied. Suggested moving furnace back a bit(don't remember why--something to do with the way the furnace connects with ducts). Finally, in a follow-up phone call, explained that he never recommends the Merit series--it's used mainly in new housing construction and rental properties. This last comment, and what I've learned from this forum, raises red flags about Co. A's pushing of the Merit. Co. B is BBB-certified and has an A+ rating there. Co. A. is not BBB-certified but has an A rating on the site. Full disclosure: I've used Co. A for 12 years and have often thought about looking for a new co.--negative experience with former salesman on the furnace purchase; plus this co. charges by the job for service calls; Co. B charges by the hour. I'm probably hyper-wary here because I have to make this decision myself and have no expertise on any of this. And I won't be going under the house to check their work, not that I would know what to check. So I want to make sure I do the right thing and get the most reliable equipment I can. Co. A is now offering to meet Co. B's price; give a $250 credit on next oil bill and 12-month same-as-cash financing. The salesman also keeps saying "don't forget we've been serving you 12 years," which makes me feel like I'm somehow committing an act of betrayal if I go with Co. B. Any thoughts on any of this would be helpful and appreciated.

Wow, it sure helps to read closer. I thought the $27k was for one system. For metal ducts and all equipment and materials, $27k would be about right--that's $13.5k per system, which for a complete installation is ballpark. The equipment for the first floor is good, but why no variable-speed for the second floor? I would go with the 80% variable-speed Trane furnace model TUD. 80,000 btu's for the second floor, though it is 80% efficient, sounds like a lot. Heat rises. Was a load calculation was done to determine sizing? Can you provide the square footage of both floors? What thermostats are included? You could request Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ YTH9421 thermostats which can slow the blower down for dehumidification with a variable-speed furnace. A 1924 home might be leaky--have you considered adding a humidifier for the first floor? Also, the XL15i to me is a better unit. It's quiet and has a leaf guard on the top. It also bumps the warranty up to 10 years on all parts for the complete system.