5-Ton Trane vs Lennox Heat Pump w/ Furnace Questions

15 years ago

Location is Charlotte, NC- and from what I've read, I could benefit from a heat pump vs a/c only, as the heat pump would cost less to operate than a furnace, until the temps drop to around 40 degrees, and then the furnace would take over. Is that a logical conclusion, assuming the upcharge to move from a/c only to heat pump is not excessive? My current system is nearly 20 years old, and a 9 SEER Trane a/c (on/off for fan vs newer variable speed fans).

I've been looking at the higher SEER rated products. Ratings are 17.9 for the Trane XL19i and 18.6 for Lennox' XP19. The published SEER ratings are somewhat lower (8% or so) than for the similar product in a/c only (Trane's XL-19i and Lennox' XC21). I was planning on using 95% AFUE furnaces with variable speed blowers. The slightly lower SEER ratings mean I'd lose a little in efficiency on the cooling side (vs the a/c only units) but I wouldn't get the benefits of the heat pump side- and in North Carolina, there are many days when the heat pump alone would be operating.

The Trane HP unit includes two compressors whereas Lennox is a two-stage

unit. Is this a significant benefit for Trane?

Trane uses R22 and Lennox, R410A. Is this a significant advantage for Lennox, given that the R22 will be phased out over time?

Any comments on the above or other alternatives (or different manufacturers) for me to consider would be very much appreciated.

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Comments (6)

tigerdunes
15 years ago
daffer

I think your strategy is right on target. The only question is whether you want dual fuel(var spd furnace backup) or an air handler(with strip heat backup). With an air handler and strip heat, you would need to check electric panel/service to see if you have capacity to handle backup strip heat. If not, cost to upgrade electric service.

Here are three best configurations with var speed air handler. I like the numbers of the Carrier Infinity 16 HP with Infinity controller best. It has better BTU numbers both heating and cooling.

552846 Active Systems XP19 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP19-060-230* CBX32MV-068-230* 58500 12.05 16.30 53500 8.25 32800

1481762 Active Systems XL19I WEATHERTRON TRANE 2TWZ9060C1 2TEE3D65A1 56000 9.90 15.75 51000 8.50 31400

1250425 Active Systems INFINITY 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HNA660A30 FE4ANB006+UI 60000 11.10 15.30 57500 9.00 34200

You know 5 ton is correct size?

I would check Duke Power and see if they offer any rate incentive for HP heating.

410 refrigerant is the way the market is moving.

IMO
ryanhughes
15 years ago
I agree with Tigerdunes. I wouldn't worry on a small SEER difference over a dual fuel system. I think R-410a is the way to go, but I sure hope a new unit isn't going to spring a leak any time soon. Sizing is very important, so make sure it is sized correctly. You have a little more room for difference with a dual-stage unit, but still, proper sizing and installation is key. Hope this helps...
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daffer
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks to Tigerdunes and ryanhughes for the quick responses. I might be a little short of capacity as a load calculation says about 5 1/2 tons (lots of glass and skylight). I should get some benefit from an additional return duct that I had installed last Sept. It's a multi-level house, and the lower floors are easy to cool w/ the existing 3-ton system. It doesn't even get used that much, so I'm not replacing any of that. No way to tie into the other duct system (different crawl spaces- front and back of house).

I am going to check into Carrier to see what proposal I get using that equipment. Good suggestion on Duke Power- there may be some savings.
ryanhughes
15 years ago
5 1/2 tons for the whole house or just the upper level(s)?
daffer
Original Author
15 years ago
The whole house is around 7, but the main/multilevel area at the top is about
5 1/2 of that. The lower levels (two) don't have much light, as contrasted with
the main level.
iwade5600_aol_com
13 years ago
I have a all elec system Lennox 5-ton r-22 heat/pump that has gone out.I have been told that if I can locate a R-22 replacement I will save 65>70% under converting to 410. And I have been also told to look out for over pricing. I have had four dealers tell me that they can ship to me door to door the whole 410 units name brands with connecting parts & flush kit, warranty 13&14 seer for $1,999 to $2,759 and it should be $935 to $1,200 for installation. So why am I getting $5,000 to $8,000 bids. If any one knows were I can locate a new 5-ton R-22 unit let me know(c.o.d. ). ALL ELEC

5-Ton Trane vs Lennox Heat Pump w/ Furnace Questions

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5-Ton Trane vs Lennox Heat Pump w/ Furnace Questions

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