We live in coastal SC and have steamy weather extremes and frequent lightning, power outages and surges, with on again off again power. We own Trane Heat Pumps and Air Handlers, one 3 ton and one 2.5 ton, which were installed 11 years ago by the builder of our house [we are the second owner for 8 years]. We have been told that the heater crankcase has failed on the 2.5 ton unit which would be an expensive repair on a 11 year old unit and we have been advised that we should strongly consider buying new units because of their age. Overall, we have been pleased with these Trane units. Previously, we had Carrier units and were pleased with them. When problems occurred, the technicians could repair them quickly. Service Experts here in coastal SC near Beaufort and Hilton Head has quoted me for a 2.5 ton unit: Lennox Elite XP14 and the CBX27UH, variable speed air handler; digital thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 1 yr labor $6719. Less rebate of 400. For net 6319. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV, variable speed air handler; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts ands compressor, 1 yr labor $8421. Less rebate of 500. For net $7921. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told NO Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP19 and the CBX32MV; variable speed air handler; 2 speed compressor; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 10 yr labor $11408. Less rebate of 900. For net 10508. Told Tax Credit Available. I have been quoted for a 3.0 ton unit: Lennox Elite XP14 and the CBX27UH, variable speed air handler; digital thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 1 yr labor $8009. Less rebate of 400. For net 7608. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told Tax Credit Available. : Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV, variable speed air handler; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts ands compressor, 1 yr labor $9003. Less rebate of 500. For net $8503. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told NO Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP19 and the CBX32MV; variable speed air handler; 2 speed compressor; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 10 yr labor $12153. Less rebate of 900. For net 11253. Told Tax Credit Available. Service Experts here state that the Trane XL15I Weathertron 4TWX5030A1 with 4TEE3F39A1 and the XL15I Weathertron 4TWX5036A1 with 4TEE3F39A1 are the same as the Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV and would cost us the same. They also state that the Carrier Performance "H" series units, such as PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA536H30 FV4BNB006 or PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA548H30 FV4BNB006 are Carriers 3 ton and 4 ton units with a 5 ton Air Handler. They state that a 2.5 and 3 ton unit would cost the same as the Trane or Lennox systems.. Are these Lennox, Trane, and Carrier units comparable and does this pricing sound reasonable. Thank you for your comments, opinions and thoughts.

Both are good systems and reliable equipment. Personally I do favor and strongly recommend Trane equipment. Your bigger issues are finding the right installer and getting a load calc performed to determine sizing. I think 3.5 tons is definitely conservative for your climate but am more concerned about the quote for a 100k input furnace (Trane). Trane does in fact make an 80k furnace with a 4 ton blower that I am quite sure (confirmed by a load calc) would be more than enough to make your home comfortable all winter. Really no excuse to oversize furnaces for marginal efficiency gains that may or may not be realized taking into account the other losses/consequences of oversized equipment. The XB14 is a fine unit, very much like the XR15 with less sound deadening features and a different cabinet. If cost difference is not much more I would probably go with the XR to get the compressor sound blanket and slightly nicer cabinet. Would be more similar to the Lennox XP14 in terms of sound. But neither the XB14, XR15, or XP14 are loud units at all in my opinion. The IAQ is a great thermostat. Model number is YTH9421. Your contract lists an "8000 IAQ" -- this is ambiguous and misleading. I would want the IAQ set up for dehumidify on demand. By the way: new lineset or 4-5" filter included?

Paul A little HP info. for a new HP system You should replace everything both inside air handler and outside condenser. these are the minimum specs you should be looking for. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset 10 yr warranty on parts and compressor you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. My personal recommendation is Trane/AmStd or Rudd/Rheem. Based on your location and winter climate, I would not purchase a new system that did not have electronic demand defrost. IMO

Tigerdunes Upgrade to a classic series condenser is an additional $400. In the original quote, he offered me the following 95% option. This was still without the classic series upgrade. AHRI: 3799106 RHEEM 14AJM18 Indoor: RCFL-A*2417 Furnace: RGTM-06?MAE? Thermostat Question: I noticed there are two models of 8321 TH8321U1006 & TH8321U1097 Which one would you recommend for me? This is the difference that I found online: The TH8321U1006 model features humidity control for a cool to dehumidify feature on your system. If you want to use low fan speed cool to dehumidify or have a stand alone dehumidifier, use the 1097 model below instead. AprilAir: Can you recommend an AprilAir model to install? I was thinking to install 2210 but I see they have other models. Some are even geared for attic. Thanks once again.