skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Help w/ Trane quote please.

14 years ago

Can someone please tell me if this quote is reasonable. I live in Houston, Tx. I currently have a 3.5 ton, 10 SEER Goodman that is 8 yrs. old. No heat pump, just heat strips. The current install also has an intake that is only 16 inches and shoddy duct work (multiple wyes off one duct and two wyes even have wyes coming off them!)

The quote I just got is for a Trane 4 ton heat pump (XB14 model 4TWB4048E) with a matching air handler that has an expansion valve that I do not know the model number of. I know that's important and will post that when I get it. He is going to make the intake from 16" to 20". He is also going to completely install and redo the ductwork with each register having it's own duct. The new plenum will have dampers. New touch screen thermostat (no model).

Does $6,000 sound pretty reasonable? I've seen his work and he is very detail oriented.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
Yes, sounds more than reasonable because A. it's a heat pump (costs more than air conditioner), B. it includes a total redesign of the ductwork, and C. sounds like he knows what he's doing if he's talking about dampers and increasing return. I actually would think $7000 is a reasonable price, but the ultimate judge will be you, the buyer. Have you received other estimates?
0
ryanhughes
14 years ago
When used with the 4TEE3F65B1 air handler, this system qualifies for the $1500 tax credit, if you are eligible and have not used it on other home improvements. That is a 5 ton air handler and of course would need its airflow adjusted for a 4 ton system (good installer will know this).
0
Related Discussions
Trane quote - questions about amount and details of quote
Q
Comments (5)
Your furnace will be either 21" or 24.5" wide. The static on the pleated filter @ 2000cfm (5 ton airflow) on the 21" model is .27 and on the 24.5" model .20 . On the cleaneffects it is .34 on the 21" model and .26 on the 24.5" model. This all assumes new/clean. Your dealer wants to use v.speed w/ an air cleaner because the v.speed can handle more static pressure and still deliver airflow. Five ton systems are tough to put air cleaners on . You almost need one mounted on each side of the return can, but no one does. Another option, if it is a horizontal system and you are using the 21" cabinet, is to back the 24.5" cleaner off of the return and 'transition' to the furnace. It helps some w/ the increase in static.
...See More
Adding AC to Hydro Heat System-Help w/ Quotes
Q
Comments (5)
Sorry, I thought by matching we were talking about the refrigerate R-22 verses R-410a in the coils The coils will be First Co. Evaporation coils matching the existing air handlers I have. Apparently there is no AHRI reference number because First Co has not done any of the necessary testing. The dealer had told me this and that the system would not qualify for the tax credit. The third floor does not heat well with the present arrangement. All of the dealers have told me not to expected much cooling on the third floor. I did not question him as to what the "better options" might be.
...See More
Help W/Quotes
Q
Comments (5)
I reside in central FL. I believe the elec. rate is $0.053510/first 1000kwh and $0.063510/over 1000kwh. Just to give you an idea of my elec. usage this month 2560 kwh. The gas rate is Energy charge = 0.62604/thems and Gas cost = 0.58958/therms. My current gas furnace is a Heil model#FBF100-14A. By the way, just received another proposal w/following: York using following: $3875 cond model# TCGD42S41S1 coil model # MC43CC3XH1 The Trane price for a condenser & coil is $4075 (with a $250 cash discount available) - no FPL rebate available. Cond model# 4TTR3042A1000A Coil model# 4TXCC049BC3HCA What is your opinion on all the systems I mentioned. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
...See More
Trane a/c quote...please help!
Q
Comments (12)
I got a quote last week from a Trane dealer in Southern California and they still carry the XR13. Maybe it depends on where you live. The XR13 can get you up to 14 SEER with the correct coil and furnace. 14 SEER is about 5% more efficient than 13 SEER according to the Trane brochure (see photo). Depending on your electric cost to run the a/c in your house, you could save about $20 per year (say your electric bill for a/c is $100 a month, 5% savings is $5/month, run a/c 4 months = $20/year). This is just my guesstimate. So, it may take 10 years to get your money back to pay for the $2k extra for furnace. I would go for option #1...just replace the condenser and get a new matching coil. When the furnace goes out, then get a more efficient furnace. Now, if you want to go to SEER 16, then you need to replace more equipment and maybe ducts/registers.
...See More
jltmaxx
Original Author
14 years ago
OK. Thanks for the info. I'm totally new to this AC stuff and I'm open to any input from everyone. Thanks again.
0
ryanhughes
14 years ago
They upgrade cost may not be significant to step up to the XR15 unit. Little nicer finish and quieter, but the XB14 you were quoted is not a bad unit by any measure.

Let us know if you have any more questions and what the dealer's feedback is.
0
dougl99
14 years ago
I think we live in the same neighborhood. I bought a new home, single 4 ton system on 2800', and had 17 WYES. Yes, you heard correct, 17. Only 4 taps off of the plenum. I couldn't control temp anywhere until I ripped it all out and started over.

Sounds like a very fair price and you will be much happier without all of the wyes. I'm sure your guy will, but make sure he attaches the ducts for the 'unimportant rooms' closer to the coil and the 'important rooms' closer to the end. You elec bill in the winter should improve dramatically.
0
loves2read
14 years ago
DOUGl99--could you explain why you say to duct the "unimportant" rooms closer to the coil and the "important" room closer to the end
you expect the heating bill to go down--how will doing that affect the electric bill in summer?
0
dougl99
14 years ago
ducts attached at the end of the supply plenum will get more airflow. Therefore ducts going to closets/powder rooms/etc should not be at the end of the supply plenum. I'm strictly speaking on comfort/performance and not electric bills.
0

Related Stories

SUMMER GARDENING Houzz Call: Please Show Us Your Summer Garden!

By Annie Thornton

Share pictures of your home and yard this summer — we’d love to feature them in an upcoming story

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Bedroom Design Ideas to Please Him and Her

By Judith Taylor Designs

Blend colors and styles to create a harmonious sanctuary for two, using these examples and tips

MOVING Relocating Help: 8 Tips for a Happier Long-Distance Move

By Laura Gaskill

Trash bags, houseplants and a good cry all have their role when it comes to this major life change

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements for a Dream Bedroom

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Learn the dimensions that will help your bed, nightstands and other furnishings fit neatly and comfortably in the space

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Online Finds Help Outfit This Couple’s First Home

By Jane Vorbrodt

East Vancouver homeowners turn to Craigslist to update their 1960s bungalow

COLOR Paint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert

By Tiffany Carboni

Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Where to Put Your Overnight Guests

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Lack of space needn’t mean lack of visitors, thanks to sleep sofas, trundle beds and imaginative sleeping options

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Saturated Colors Help a 1920s Fixer-Upper Flourish

By Madison Modern Home

Bright paint and cheerful patterns give this Spanish-style Los Angeles home a thriving new personality

DECORATING GUIDES Entertaining: Hosts Pull Out the Stops for Kentucky Derby Parties

By Stacy Thomas

Walk through the lavishly appointed Malvern House as designer Lee W. Robinson shares tips for gatherings that go the distance

UNIVERSAL DESIGN How to Light a Kitchen for Older Eyes and Better Beauty

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Include the right kinds of light in your kitchen's universal design plan to make it more workable and visually pleasing for all

Sponsored

Red Pine Landscaping

Industry Leading Landscape Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

A/c making humming sound

4

Moving the furnace? How difficult and how costly?

5

is this leak due to condensation?

23

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

12

central air conditioning questions

10