pls explain in more detail your zoning plan and zoning controls you plan to use.

I would also recommend a thermostat that has "dehumidify on demand" feature.

what size backup heat strip has been quoted?

6.5 tons for 3700 sq ft seems oversized. I would request a load calc and get it in writing.

if you are noise sensitive, then the XR15 probably is not the best choice. it personally would not be an issue for me. certainly the XR15 would be a big improvement over what you have.

IMO

Thanks for the response. Heat strips I believe are quoted as 7.5. As noted, we rarely put our heat on and rely on wood stove in front of the house but want the appropriate size heat strips.

Forgot to mention that we have high ceilings throughout the house and rear of the house (facing east) is mostly glass. Installer said had looked at using smaller units but needed the bigger because of volume of the home.

In terms of zoning, larger unit covers large family room/kitchen area, laundry room, and bath (zone 1) and large living room and dining room (zone 2). Other unit covers master suite (zone 1), large game room (zone 2), and two bedrooms and bath (zone 3). Zoning would use honeywell control units and dampers for each zone.

Installer said that humidity sensing thermostats (honeywell 8000 series) would be installed in main living area for each unit (family room for front unit and master suite for back). Standard thermostats for the other zones.

Again, thanks for the response. Let me know if any additional information would help. Bruce

dr

I would say very good equipment and price.

For the three ton XR15, use the 4TEE3F39A1 or 4TEE3F40B1 air handler.

You do want to qualify your dealer's expertise and experience with zoning controls. I suggest you get a reference on recent zoning jobs dealer has installed and make a visit to see system and talk with homeowner.

I still would ask for the load calcs in writing-no guessing here.

Also, I would only use a Trane authorized dealer.

Ductwork should have a thorough inspection both supply and return.

IMO

Thanks again, can you help me understand advantage of these air handlers (vs those recommended in the bid). Bruce

Dealer is quoting 4TEE3F65 with the 3 ton XR15, when it is not even an approved matchup?? The XR15 units aren't loud per se but the XL15i units are quieter with similar performance specs. I do believe they had updated their sound ratings recently to show slightly lower ratings.

Thanks for the input. Is that the issue that 4TEE3F65 does not match the smaller unit? Bruce

I had an XR 14 installed last yr., it's quiet, I love it. It has a compressor cover/ blanket which really works.

It is much quieter than the 9 year old York I got rid of. The one neighor has a newer Goodman which is about 15-20 foot away from my office. I can hear his running right now as I type and loud when it starts up.

My other neighbor had a Ruud installed last year and it is a little loud when it comes on but runs rather quiet compared to her former York! It is directly across from my Trane which is the quietest.

Bruce, the 4TEE3F65 is a large air handler (both physically and in terms of supported capacities for outdoor units). It is a good match with the XR15 as it achieves higher efficiency ratings, but the airflow in that unit is quite high from the factory, and if it is chosen MUST be reduced to match the 3.5 ton unit's requirements (which will be less). The 4TEE3F65 can be thought of as a "5 ton" air handler though it supports smaller sizes. I would take note of this and confirm with the dealer as far as airflow adjustment. Most installers don't touch the airflow settings, sadly (not saying all don't). The 3 ton unit is not a listed or approved match with this big air handler, so others should be looked at (tiger mentioned the 4TEE3F39 and 4TEE3F40 previously). Hope this clears things up.

Thanks for the responses. I will ask the dealer to tighten up the bid as suggested. Glad that noise level is not a problem. Ryan, would the 4TEE3F65 be your first choice for the 3 1/2 ton unit (assuming it is set up correctly)? Bruce

Yes, because the 65 air handler meets the tax credit requirements (though theoretically only one of the systems would need to qualify since the cap is $1500).

For the 3 ton unit, either the 4TEE3F39 or 4TEE3F40 are fine.

All XR15 models are rated at 75 dBA (sound level). This isn't the lowest nor the highest across the sound level spectrum, but it is average and would not be considered loud by most. Even Carrier's Infinity model exceeds this sound rating in some situations. So, I highly doubt it will be of any issue whatsoever, but sound is a perceived nuisance.

I called the dealer to clarify bid and was immediately given these ARI numbers:
# 3519776
# 3514635
It appears they had the made good choices on the equipment based on tigerdunes and ryanhughes comments. Again thanks for the advice. Bruce

Yes. They have the 3 ton with the 4TEE3F40 and the 3.5 ton with the 4TEE3F65. Please keep in mind my previous comment about the airflow adjustment required if the 4TEE3F65 is used. I just don't want you to have to hear the sound of all that airflow trying to be pushed through undersized ducts.

Yes. They have the 3 ton with the 4TEE3F40 and the 3.5 ton with the 4TEE3F65. Please keep in mind my previous comment about the airflow adjustment required if the 4TEE3F65 is used. I just don't want you to have to hear the sound of all that airflow trying to be pushed through undersized ducts.

They started today and said they expected to take four days. Again thanks for the advice and comments. System won't get much of a test for a few months (usually mid may or so). Bruce

The thermostats are Honeywell 8000 series model #TH8321U1006. Are these the correct models for the stats in the primary area of each zone? Bruce

I've been trying to find the answer regarding the thermostats by searching the site. It seems the IAQ stat would slow the blower fan and not just lower temp. However, I can't tell if it would work with the HP and blower combo. Thanks for any help. Bruce

The IAQ would be compatible and would be a good option, but many installers aren't trained as far as its configuration goes, so I'd be sure they're familiar with it. The 8321 is probably the next best thing but does not have the same humidity control capability as the IAQ (because of the blower speed control).

Thanks Ryan. Bruce