And what about the inside unit? They need to match. The current Trane builder model is the XB series; I'm sure that's what he meant. Ask for full model numbers of the indoor and outdoor unit. And I'm guessing the air cleaner is the CleanEffects--they are expensive. You could probably cut costs by going with just a media air cleaner that is only replaced 2-3 times a year or so (they are 4-5" pleated filters). This way, you have less maintenance than cleaning the collection cells of the electronic air cleaner, etc. Something to think about. I recommend a Trane TCONT802/TCONT803 thermostat as well as a variable-speed air handler. You may want to upgrade the outdoor unit to at least the Trane XR13 with R-410a refrigerant.

Sorry, I reread the post after wondering why the base price for the builder outdoor unit was $2100--it includes both the indoor and outdoor unit it appears. However, you need to know the model numbers to determine exactly what you're getting. For example, the TEE series indoor units are variable-speed, and the TEC series indoor units are not.

Your current issue with the system sounds extremely odd I must say. Did he examine the ductwork? Are you changing the filter?

Thank you very much for your reply!
My current system -- Coil is very clean, filter changed every 30 days (clean), Intake air temp /out air temp 20 degree differ.. Have server technicians looked at it, no clue.
He could not give me the model number (he said he doesn't remember, need call the supplier)
He said the current unit 1.5 ton is a little small, besides it is low grade, and 9 years old, better replace.
I saw some one talking about manual J, do I need ask him for one? what is manual J?
Thanks again for your kind reply.

Sorry, it is 2 ton, not 3 ton. Typo.

You're welcome. When you go up in size, you need to make sure it's absolutely necessary. How can he tell that it's a little small? A Manual J load calculation will tell for sure, but don't be surprised if he doesn't know how to do one if he's just a service tech. If your ductwork can handle it and the old 1.5-ton unit NEVER worked well, then I would say it's probably not a big deal.

I will give you my opinion of a good, not top-of-the-line system that should perform very well if installed correctly:

H/P: 4TWR3024A1000A - R-410a (new refrigerant) XR13 2-ton heat pump
A/H: 4TEE3F31B1000A - R-410a 4TEE variable-speed air handler (provides more comfort and efficiency and dehumidifies better)
T-Stat: TCONT802AS32DAA - Trane 3 heat/2 cool touchscreen programmable thermostat
Air Cleaner: F100F - Honeywell F100 media air cleaner (for better filtration--not electronic, though)

I think the above system would be a better system that still doesn't break the bank. Please see what the man thinks about my comments and let me know.

Thank you very much. I will talk to him and let you know. Could you please tell me a rough price on the unit you mentioned above, so I can have some idea to see if it fits my financial. ( I can not find Trane price any where)
My current unit is a little bit under size -- for a very hot day 95+ degree out side, if I set to 78 degree, the unit keeps running, and temp is around 80-81.
One silly question, do I absolutely need to replace the old unit?
One other question, is there any reason you do not recommend the electronic air cleaner other than the price?
Thanks again and have a nice weekend.

For pricing, I don't know for sure about Trane equipment (this is information know to dealers only typically). My guess is the setup above might bring the equipment cost up to around $3000, but a guess is just a guess. I do recommend R-410a and variable-speed blowers to people, though. The variable-speed blower will ramp up to remove humidity from the home, which really helps with comfort on those humid days. Also, you can run the fan 24/7 on a low, nearly inaudible speed to filter the air and even out the temperatures throughout the home.

I'm not sure what you mean by "Do I absolutely need to replace the old unit." If you replace one, you really should replace both to prevent problems. If you can fix your current system, then that would be fine as well.

The issue I see with electronic air cleaners is threefold: 1. some emit ozone, which is bad for the environment; 2. the maintenance aspect vs. a media air filter that would do just a fine job filtering the air; 3. the price of course. If you want an electronic air cleaner, I won't turn you away from it; however, if you want a filter that will do a great job filtering the air at a lesser cost and with less maintenance, then I recommend a media air cleaner, which essentially uses a big pleated filter that you replace 2, maybe 3 times a year. It does sound like you can use a bit extra capacity (2 tons); however, you must remember that systems usually aren't designed to cool on 95+ degree days (I would still expect it to maintain a 20 degree difference, though). Make sure your ductwork can handle a 2-ton system (I would be very surprised if it couldn't handle an extra 200 cfm).

Thanks a lot for your reply. I will keep you updated.
It seems the electronic air cleaner has more maintenace work vs media air filter. I will have to think it over.
Thanks again.

"It seems the electronic air cleaner has more maintenace work vs media air filter. I will have to think it over"

Correct. Highest tech is not always best. Agree with Ryan, a 4" media filter or a standard MERV 8 (not too restrictive) 1" pleated filter, changed monthly, will do just fine.