lou

these appear to be straight AC units.

are you below Tampa/Orlando?

inland or coastal location.

I see nothing smaller than a 21 1/2" Trane air handler.

2/4TEE3F31 31,000 2.5 43 21.5 21

Active Systems XL15I TRANE 4TTX5024A1 4TEE3F31B1 25600 13.00 15.50 1

good numbers but does not qualify for tax credit.

also checked the HP model in both XL15i and XR15 paired with 4TEE3F31B1 air handler and both qualified for tax credit.

may be something to think about if your space allows for the 31B1 air handler.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane VS Air Handlers

Trane makes a line of narrow air handlers. (4TGB) The will work with any of the single stage products but will not deliver the ratings for the federal tax credit. I believe you can get up into the high 14 seer and 12+ eer's with the XB14 and XR15 condensing units. The are standard efficiency models, not variable speed.

10 to 1 says lou lives in S. Fl

I wouldn't really be worried about manufacture warranties,
That should be fine.

I would be concerned about the contractor solving a warranty issue in a quick and timely manor.

In S. Fl they do not factor over head cost to send a guy out to do warranty. So being quick may not be a concern for them.

Price includes the Florida Power and Light(your electric company) Rebate correct?

Just curious do they do a duct analysis and seal return,
also manual J and of course variable speed air handler.

This above is free money to them if they do from the electric company. Just wondering how these guys survive down there.

Oh and to answer the question
an XL15i does not qualify for the FPL rebate so the contractor won't even quote that. It would actually be more or just as much as the XL20i system

Thanks everyone for your advise. It has been very helpful.

A few follow-ups:
1) yes the costs I quoted were net after the FPL rebates.

2) If I can not get a Trane unit that will fit (with a SEER of 16.0) I could fold and use a unit like Comfort Maker(?) for $3695), any comments/feedback on the REEM unit which will fit. How much quality am I giving up vs a Trane.

3) The prices above do not include duct rework except where the unit connects to the duct.

4) I have 3/4 inch copper pipe from the compressor to the air handler. Only one vendor quoted a replacement at $300. The run is about 65-70 feet.

Am I crazy worrying to keep the Trane warranty as my thinking is I can have one firm solve and handle both systems and since its a Trane Warranty I can always go form one true Trane dealer to another if I loose faith...while the warranties where as the firm supplies the Labor for the warranty period I cannot change firms.

Thanks again

lou

are you inland or coastal?

I do believe that Trane lasts longer in a coastal environment.

I think though that a two ton XL20i is overkill and the air handler quoted is 23.5 in width.

It's hard to ignore the pricing on the Rheem. Rheem is an often overlooked and underrated brand.

Here are the numbers. solid across the board. the air handler while high eff is not variable speed. you might ask for an upgrade price to the VS air handler if it fits your space requirement which I believe it does. Both qualify for the fed govt HVAC tax credit.

3412307 Active Systems RHEEM 14AJM SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY 14AJM24 RHLL-HM2417+RCSL-H*2417 24400 13.50 16.50

I do recommend that refrigerant lineset be replaced. However, if your existing lineset appears to be in good condition and is the correct size for new system, I see no reason that it can not be used as long as it is flushed properly following the prescribed procedures.

review warranty on any new system.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Rheem Mdl 14AJM AC

Thanks Tigerdunes and everyone.

The dealer has priced an XL15 system installed at $4590 (after FPL) plus $600 for 10 year Labor warranty.

They will install 4TTK5024E1000A and 4TEH3F24B1000A and make the return duct 3 inches smaller (they did a calculation and state that will still be well above the CF return requirement).

Their Service manager is asking Trane to provide an exception so the Trane warranty covers the last 6years of the unit...if so it is an easy decision.

However, if we are forced into keeping our current Lennox warranty on the 3.5 ton unit and having either a Trane or REEM second unit is the XL15 worth $1200 more than the 14AJM unit assuming both have a 10 year parts and Labor warranty?

PS: We are located in Fort Myers 6 miles from Sanibel along the Calahoochie River.

lou

you should re-check your AC condenser mdl number. You intend it to be the two ton XL15i?

it seems that you definitely want a Trane with an air handler that will fit your space.

Correct?

so here are the matching performance/eff numbers.

1418941 Active Systems XL15I TRANE 4TTX5024A1 4TEH3F24B1 24800 13.10 15.75

Here are the measurements of the air handler.

2/4TEH3F24A1000A 24,000 2 43 21.5 21

It should be noted this system does not qualify for the tax credit.

I assume you will have a small heat strip for those rare days you need a little heat. correct?

here is something to consider.

the heat pump version for this same system in the XL15i and XR15 both qualify for the fed govt tax credit and when all is said and done, most likely will not cost you a dime. ask dealer to provide a quote. it may get you closer to the Rheem price taking the tax credit into consideration.

see below.

XL15i heat pump
1383397 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5024A1 4TEH3F24B1 24600 13.00 15.25 23400 8.50 13600

XR15 heat pump
3515284 Active Systems XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5024E1 4TEH3F24B1 24600 13.00 15.25 23400 8.50 13600

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane TEH Air Handlers

Tigerdunes replied
"you should re-check your AC condenser mdl number. You intend it to be the two ton XL15i?

it seems that you definitely want a Trane with an air handler that will fit your space.

Correct?"

Certainly if I can get the other (existing) 3.5 Ton under a Trane warranty - that is what the dealer who installed sold me and wrote on my order form - without my knowledge they actually provided a Lennox warranty.

Now if cannot reinstate a Trane warranty on that unit I am faced with having two units each managed and serviced by two different dealers. If I am forced to have two dealers and two different warranties - I am trying to see if paying an extra $1200 up front for the Trane over the REEM pricing is worth it???

BTW the width size issue went away on a Trane as the dealer will reduce the return duct (and it appears OK via the calculations) so that the 23.5 inch handler will fit.

Any advise on the value of the $1200 difference and the relative values?

You help is greatly appreciated.