skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

unit cost difference between 3 and 3.5 Ton Trane XB13

16 years ago

I am getting quotes from various contractor, here are some questions:

1) What is the equipment cost difference (coil + condenser) between 3 ton and 3.5 ton Trane XB13 AC?

2) Is RUUD a good brand for AC? How does it compare with Trane?

Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

ryanhughes
16 years ago
1) Minimal--I can't tell you from here--it depends on your dealer's pricing--below $1k most likely

2) Yes, Rheem/Ruud is very solid equipment. Trane is solid too, but the Trane unit will have a reciprocating compressor while the Ruud will have a more modern scroll compressor. Which model Ruud, though? I heard one or two models are builder grade stuff. The Trane XB13 is the base model, too.
0
tigerdunes
16 years ago
cliu

The XB13 is low end Trane. I would not have it for my home. Too noisy. Perhaps rental property or small light commercial might be OK. You might want to look at warranty.

As far as pricing between a 3 ton and 3 1/2 ton model,I would expect the cost difference from the wholeseller to the dealer to be relatively inconsequential. However the markup from the dealer to the homeowner might be a different story.

Rudd/Rheem equipment is middle of the road. Solid equipment with good components, not cutting edge. Certainly just as good as the low end XB13 model. Their mod furnace though is leading edge technology.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane AC Comparison Link
0
Related Discussions
Trane vs Goodman HVAC Unit
Q
Comments (6)
happs I will assume you are sized correctly but that is alot of firepower on the AC side and of course that furnace is only 80% efficient. I would prefer an upgrade price to the XR13, a nicer condenser than the XB series. And you might want to look at the XR15 in a 5 ton model. I believe the 5 ton comes with two stg and certainly would be a less expensive alternative to the XL20i condenser.Verify with dealer. The thermostat will work but it will not give you full two stg functionality. I would want a true two stg thermostat for that furnace. You get all kind of opinions of Goodman Brand. Better than they use to be in the higher end mdls. Low end stay away from. I personally would not have it for my home unless strictly budget driving my decision. I would want to know how long you intend to be in home. IMO
...See More
Need help :Trane XV95 furnace/XB13 AC: for $11K Is it right models?
Q
Comments (10)
tigerdunes, hvtech42, I want to start by saying that I am really grateful for your help. Thank you. Please excuse my ignorance because I am not able to understand Hvtech's comment "With an 80% you would have the freedom to put in the attic, too." Does it me 97% cannot be installed in the attic or should not be? More over here is what I understood from the answers about the following questions I had 1. Do I have to Pair AC and Furnace? If so XV95 furnace and XB13 AC is that a right fit? Ans: No one spoke about AC/Furnace pairing but consensus is that XV95 is good and XB13 can be upgraded to XR13. 2. There is a price tag of XV95+ XB13+Ducts+ electricals= $11K. Is it appropriately priced? Ans: Hard to answer the question, because it depends on the installation. However major cost should be for the furnace and Heater. I would count Ducts at best $3K . So again is it the right price? 3. Million dollar question, IS trane a good dependable brand? Ans: From comments, all brands are equal installation matters. Then follow up question is How do I ensure that company is going to install well? What should i Be looking for in terms of clues for good or bad AC installation. I checked on Yelp and there are mix reviews. 4. What are the questions I should be asking or things I should be aware of ? Ans: Apparently I should get the exact model number instead of marketing models such as XV95 and XB13. 5. Should I install ducts in the Attic or in the crawl space? Ans: No Answer 6. For insulation do I do it before or after the Duct/HVAC installation? Ans: No answer
...See More
Trane 5 Ton Heat Pump Estimate Received----Opinions, Please!
Q
Comments (22)
Thanks, guys! Update: We finally called the bigger company from an adjoining town and to my delight they have four service technicians who live in my town AND the sales manager lives here also. So the worry I had about no or slow service after sale and the guilt I was feeling about taking our business elsewhere was allayed. They came in and did comprehensive tests and measurements to determine the system we need, redesigned the ductwork and air intakes and included a bigger air return for the new zones. We will have two filter cabinets for two air intakes (one on either side of the thing that houses the coil, am I saying that right?) and numerous improvements to the systems offered by the other contractors. The total is now $17,268, a whopping $4200 more than our other bid, but this price tag essentially buys a new system in almost every particular. And---their labor warranty is double the length of the other guys (two years instead of one). They include a one year service contract with the system and added our other, 3 ton heat pump for the new wing in that contract even though they didn't sell or install it. I know that is peanuts for them but it was a nice gesture that I appreciated and it wasn't a selling point--- they told me about it after we had already signed the contract. Work begins at 8 am on Thursday. :-) i sincerely appreciate the help and advice given on this forum. I learned a lot reading other people's questions and answers. If any of you have decorating questions that need input from an opinionated Southern homeowner I'll be happy to return the favor!
...See More
Replacing vs. Repairing a Trane XE 1000 (3 ton)
Q
Comments (22)
In some cases you can not use an older R22 indoor unit paired with a newer R410a condenser. In many cases these kinds of conversions are a bit on the risky side, as you need 'SKILL' to do the conversion. You will probably lose a little efficiency because the system is not matched, but if you have a matched beautiful looking system you may not hit the efficiency numbers anyway if the work is done inadequately. Two sides to every coin, if you feel me. The efficiency you lose by not having a matched system is small provided that the install is done appropriately / line set sizing is adequate / duct work is adequate / system charge is done properly. All these things take skill and require knowledge. For obvious reasons, namely being the cost of equipment it can work. I have done this many times, including at a home I live at now (temporarily) as I make changes to this home as my heat load will be changing at this home. The other side of this is that older copper coils were made much better than anything today. If you put in a new system and the system leaks refrigerant in the indoor coil, your efficiency numbers are a pure myth with that of a quote unquote 'matched system'. So sometimes you have to read between the lines. I do not recommend 'ANYONE' buying equipment on line. If you buy it, the warranty (if needed) falls on you the buyer. Work of this nature stated in this post requires not only skill, but also in depth knowledge of ALL BRANDS of air conditioning equipment. Not just a select few. Because you don't know what to buy, it is never advisable to buy products on line. A fan boi, should never be used for services of this nature. I service the Katy, Texas area.
...See More
cliu
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the info. So both of you thought Ruud/Theem might be better than Trane XB13. Is that true? The contractor quote me much less for RUUD compare with Trane XB13. I only expect UAND series (or Achiever series 13SEER) from RUUD. This is because at Portland, Oregon we only use AC about 2 weeks a year (after 4pm). I normally shut the AC off when I go to bed or it is cool enough before 9/10pm. It has no gain to go for a high end unit.
Noise is a concern, I had an Trane XR12 at my old house. It was acceptable since we rarely use after 10pm. I am not sure the noise specification in dB between XR12 (not manufactured anymore) and XB13. Do you have any links?
0
tigerdunes
16 years ago
cliu

don't know what you do for heating but you might consider a heat pump condenser for the relatively mild Portland climate.

how do you currently heat your home?

what is your electric rate, oil or nat gas or propane rate?

just a thought...

IMO
0
cliu
Original Author
16 years ago
We use natural gas for heating. For my new house it is a 5 ton Trane. Natural gas is cheaper than electricity here although last 8 years, the natrual gas price increased a lot compare with electricity. Our electricity is cheap, too due to hydro power clsoe by (the electricity company just ask for a rate increase to 10c/kwh including everything). So if we use 500kwh per month, the cost is about $50. By the way, during summer with AC on, I might hit $60 to $70. Once hydro power settlement is done for NW, the electricity rate would be drop again (15% rebate to private utility customer). But natural gas is still slightly cheaper (about 85% of electricity in same kwh energy, used to be only 50%). During winter, we do need heating on all the time. This could run the gas bill from $50 (summer time) to $170+ peak (winter time) per month. I have to live in the house for more than 10years to consider heat pump or high efficient AC. Thanks for suggestion anyway.

So anyone can comment between Ruud AC and Trane XB13?
0
garyg
16 years ago
What are the model numbers of the condensers and air handlers?
0
jorr_uabmc_edu
13 years ago
do you sell 3 tons unit
0

Related Stories

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT Who Needs 3D Design? 5 Reasons You Do

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Whether you're remodeling or building new, 3D renderings can help you save money and get exactly what you want on your home project

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000

LIFE 3 Ways to Get Unstuck — About Organizing, Decorating, Whatever

By Alison Hodgson

Break out of the do-nothing rut to accomplish your goals, whether at home or in other parts of your life

MOST POPULAR Trend Watch: 13 Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015

By Natasha Saroca

3 designers share their thoughts on what looks, finishes and design elements will be on trend in the year ahead

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind

LIFE Condo, Co-op, Townhouse, TIC — What's the Difference?

By Laura Gaskill

Learn the details about housing alternatives so you can make a smart choice when buying a home

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

HOME TECH Why Google Just Paid $3.2 Billion for a Company That Makes Thermostats

By Mitchell Parker

Smart home technology just got a new champion — and everyone is speculating about the reasons

KITCHEN CABINETS New This Week: 3 Modern Kitchens That Rock Warm Wood Cabinets

By Mitchell Parker

Looking for an alternative to bright white? Walnut cabinetry offers the perfect tone to warm things up

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

Sponsored

John Romans Construction

1 Review

Franklin County's Full Service, Turn-Key Construction & Design Company

More Discussions

A/c making humming sound

4

HVAC condensate pump issue

7

Fireplace issue

6

is my hvac a 4 ton or a 3.5 ton? Help please

11

central air conditioning questions

9