Dual Stage vs Dual Compressor-Trane or AS or?

13 years ago

We live in South Florida. I have to buy both a 2 ton and 5 ton unit to replace my 11-year old Rheem system (basic 12 SEER builder models). We were basically ok with the Rheem system(s) for the house other than that the 2 ton unit in our master bedroom was a little noisy and backed up from time to time.

I have excellent pricing (or so I think) with a choice of buying from a Trane vendor the Trane system noted below, or from an America Standard vendor an American Standard system as noted below: (In reality I would like to pay less for my 5 ton unit if there is a 16 or greater SEER system that is a dual stage single compressor system.

My criteria for selecting a system: Durability (long term), reliability and much lower electric bills.

These are the deals that I have:

If I go with American Standard - Allegiance 20 5 ton with Allegiance 16 2 ton with 5 year manufacturer labor warranty, price $ 7900. If I buy the 10 year manufacturer labor warranty then price jumps up to $8900 + permit.

If I go with Trane system : XL20i 5 ton with XR 15 2 ton Price $ 7900. With 10 year local company (35 years in business) labor warranty $ 400 additional per unit so total is $ 8700. (I know that the XR 15 is just a single stage vs a dual stage system of Allegiance 16).

Other Questions: What can I roughly expect in terms of FPL (electric company) monthly cost savings to go dual stage vs single stage for a 2 ton unit cooling say 800-900 square feet?

Is there a 2 stage 1 compressor 5 ton unit that fits my criteria that is much cheaper?I am getting a 5 ton Trane XL 20 or a American Standard Allegiance 20 for roughly $ 4900 which I think is a great deal. And if there is a great unit out there that is much cheaper if a dual stage single compressor unit pretty comparable to a dual compressor unit, do all dual stage units have an electronics system built in or not and if not who makes a good and much cheaper unit that is durable and reliable for S FLA?

DonÂt the electronics on the XL20 and Allegiance 20 make the system less reliable and harder to fix and are there fewer technicians that will know how to fix the system?

And if at the end of the day, if I stayed with the above American Standard choice or Trane which one and why?

Would love to hear your opinionsÂ

Thanks

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Comments (3)

ryanhughes
13 years ago
I'll try to give my input where I can with your questions.

I like the 2-compressor, 2-stage system because it is 50% capacity on low stage, so longer run times which means better comfort. I think your pricing is great on this equipment. Only thing that concerns me is potentially having to change out two compressors (which I probably wouldn't even bother doing) should one go bad and contaminate the system (which is the worst case scenario). Single compressor dual stage systems usually run around 80% capacity, give or take, on low stage, so less advantage with humidity control.

So, as your quotes stand now, I like the American Standard option. The 2-stage unit will be nice to have for the main house, since you won't always need 5 tons. While generally I wouldn't recommend a 2-stage unit for just a master bedroom, they are really the same price before extended warranties are factored in. Since many extended warranties per system run $700 each, I think $1000 is reasonable for both to protect you from any failures.

I'm not sure how reliable the components are--I haven't read anything terrible about them to date--but you would potentially have the extended warranty to eliminate that fear. And I wouldn't expect much more than 11-14 years out of a system built to today's standards, especially if you live near the coast and/or the system's is built around improperly sized/designed ductwork.
baldloonie
13 years ago
If money is no object, the 20i is a nice unit. I like it for the same reason Ryan gives. The 16i often is not that good at moisture removal.

If it were mine, I'd probably go with a XR15 or XL15i single stage with variable speed air handler and IAQ or communicating control from Trane.

Then take the money I saved over the 20i and insulate better, replace or tint windows. Something with a better payback.

$1000 for 10 year labor only warranty is STEEP!
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grifzila
13 years ago
In your climate, you need total control of the humidity. If the humidity is under control, the living space just seems more cozy instead of like walking into a refrigerator. The only way to get control is to have a speed controled fan motor - ECM blower. IF the system are sized properly there can be a significant operating cost savings with the two stage units if the thermostat is compatable.

Dual Stage vs Dual Compressor-Trane or AS or?

Comments (3)

ryanhughes

baldloonie

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