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Heating & Air Conditioning

Any thoughts/suggestions?

which_to_choose

14 years ago

We are thinking of replacing our 23 year old Lennox heat pump due to the new tax credits even though it's still working great! Figured we might save on our electric bill also since the one we have has a SEER rating of 8. This is what we have priced from our local dealer (has great service and installed our original one).

Trane XL15i heat pump with variable speed blower

15.75 SEER

13EER

9HSPF

$4975

Lennox XP14 Heat pump system

15 SEER

12.5 EER

8.5 HSPF

$4650 plus $150 rebate makes it $4,500

Lennox 14HPX heat pump system

15 SEER

12.5 EER

8.5 HSPF

$4,000 (we were told this was a "builders model"

We have a 1400 square foot ranch home.

Any thoughts ?

We also got an estimate on a Carrier unit but it was $6000

Thanks for any help!

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Comments (6)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
The XP14 and XL15i are great units. I wouldn't consider the 14HPX -- just not in the same league. What size units are you looking at (tonnage)? You need to get the model numbers in writing. Does the XP14 system include the variable speed air handle as well? Options for a thermostat that controls humidity?
which_to_choose
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the info. As far as the size they are 2 1/2 ton units.
The model numbers are:
Trane: 4TWX5030A1
Lennox XP14HPX: Outdoor unit: 14HPX-30-230*
Lennox XP14: Outdoor unit: XP14-030-230*
On the XP14 system the air handler is 2/4TEE with variable indoor blower motor.
I'm not sure about the humidity control on the thermostat.

What do think? I know there is not a lot of difference in price ($475). I just want the most for my hard earned money! Thanks
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ryanhughes
14 years ago
"On the XP14 system the air handler is 2/4TEE with variable indoor blower motor."

That can't be right, because the 2/4TEE is the Trane blower. They need to use the matching Lennox variable speed air handler, CBX32MV. The Lennox variable speed model does not qualify the system for the tax credit. The ratings they gave you are with the CBX27UH air handler, which lacks variable speed technology but has a very efficient motor.

At this point, the Trane system is the better all-around system. Registered with Trane should carry a 10-year warranty (same with Lennox).
which_to_choose
Original Author
14 years ago
You are right - I messed up the 2/4TEE is Trane.
On the Lennox XP14 it shows:
Indoor unit model: CBX27UH-030-230* + TDR
Does that help to clarify?
Thanks so much!
ryanhughes
14 years ago
Yes, as I suspected it would be. It's a good air handler, but the 2/4TEE has the advantage with the variable speed air handler. If used in conjunction with a good thermostat such as the Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ, and configured accordingly, it can control humidity by reducing the fan speed.
tigerdunes
14 years ago
which to choose

assuming you are sized correctly, The Trane XL15i is the better system with the var speed air handler-4TEE3F39A1.

1382160 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5030A1 4TEE3F39A1 30000 13.00 15.75 30000 9.00 18000

of course it qualifies for the tax credit.

what size heat strip was recommnded?

what area of country do you live?

The HW VisionPro IAQ is the best stat for superior dehumidification.

IMO

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