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Heating & Air Conditioning

Should I junk my old Trane

17 years ago

I've been reading this forum for some time and thought it was time to ask a few questions. I've read very differing opinions on the actual Seer rating a system is accomplishing at the higher tempatures that are normal in the Houston area. My 5 ton Trane XE1000 and everything else in the system, including the gas heater, are 1988 models and have been performing fine with only a few small glitches over the years. I did notice my electric useage went up this summer along with the bill. My question is---If I have my old Trane system changed out to a new 13 seer Trane system and everything else remains the same--ducting, insulation and everthing else that goes with a system--it all stays "as is" including how we've always had the thermostat set---what kind of drop in electrial usage will I realize? 10%-20%-30% or perhaps none. I've had 4 bids for the mentioned system and I believe the payout at 20% saving would be 10-12 years.

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Comments (5)

blacknumber1
17 years ago
I would say if it's still working fine keep using it. Although it has a lower SEER than new systems it will also have a lower long term overall operating cost. Save your money for when something expensive dies and you HAVE to get a new system.
xracer
17 years ago
i agree
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garyg
17 years ago
I also agree.

I thought that my 20 year-old, 7 SEER, Trane Weathertron heat pump died last week but it turned out that the compressor overload was tripped from a power interruption. The unit has given me zero trouble in the 5+ years that I have been in the house. However, this summer I will be buying 2 window a/c units and storing them in the shed as back-up, just in case.

You are correct that your payback will be 10 to 12 years, and who says that your new unit won't require servicing during those years.

Like Blacknumber1 says, save your money until you have to buy a new unit.
pieinsky
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks everybody---I'm going to do exactly as you've recommended---keep it--- but one other question---one of the AC guys that did a bid said I was wasting my money by having my unit serviced each year which included cleaning the coils, inside and out. He said if you keep the filter changed once a month (I do that all ready) you shouldn't need to have the inside coils cleaned but ever 3 years. Just wondering,
garyg
17 years ago
Pie in da sky:

I would tend to agree. If you change your filter monthly, you should be OK. I use a MERV 8 pleated filter (MERV 8 is one of the least restrictive). I get a 3 pack from Home Depot for less than $8. I change it every month even though the package states that it lasts "up to 90 days". I don't use the cheap-o blue spun fiberglass filters anymore. Since I switched to the pleated filters, my inside coil stays clean, and I don't need to clean it yearly with an evaporator coil cleaner.

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