Where have you been Bob? Don't you read any HVAC print, industry magazines or publications? American Standard sold the plumbing divison and automotive parts divisions. They then sold their HVAC holdings to Ingersoll Rand and have changed the parent company name to Trane. Trane Co will continue to focus & market their HVAC products under both the Trane & American Standard labels (residential, light commercial & commercial/industrial). American Standard Companies is renamed to focus on its heating and air conditioning business November 28, 2007 Homeowners can continue to rely on American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning for quality products, systems and service American Standard Companies has changed its name to Trane to reflect the companys focus on its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) business, which includes American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. Changing the name and stock symbol (TT) marks the completion of the companyÂs separation plan that was announced in February 2007. Since then, the company spun off its vehicle control systems business as an independent company called WABCO (NYSE: WBC) on July 31, and sold its bath and kitchen business to funds advised by Bain Capital Partners, LLC, on Oct. 31 Hamilton, Bermuda and Piscataway, New Jersey, December 17, 2007 Â Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (NYSE:IR) announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Trane Inc. (NYSE:TT), formerly American Standard Companies Inc., in a transaction valued at approximately $10.1 billion, including transaction fees and the assumption of approximately $150 million of Trane net debt. Trane is a global leader in indoor climate control systems, services and solutions with expected 2007 revenues of $7.4 billion. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Ingersoll Rand will acquire all outstanding common stock of Trane. Holders of TraneÂs approximately 200 million common shares will receive a combination of $36.50 in cash and 0.23 Ingersoll Rand shares of common stock per each Trane share. The total value for this transaction was $47.81 per Trane share based on the closing price as of December 14, 2007. The transaction which is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2008, is subject to approval by Trane shareholders, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Herbert L. Henkel, Ingersoll Rand chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "The combination of Ingersoll Rand and Trane will create a global, diversified industrial company with projected pro forma 2008 revenues of $17 billion. The new Ingersoll Rand portfolio will include an $11 billion Climate Control business which will offer high value equipment, systems and services necessary for delivering solutions across the temperature spectrum for indoor, stationary, and transport applications worldwide. "As a result of expected revenue and cost synergies, we are confident that this acquisition will improve Ingersoll RandÂs future earnings growth potential. We believe the new Ingersoll Rand will be capable of sustaining annual organic revenue growth averaging 5-7% and EPS growth exceeding 15% per year, both in excess of our former growth guidance. In particular, assuming timely consummation of the proposed acquisition, we anticipate earnings of $4.00 per share in 2008." Fred Poses, Trane chairman and CEO said, "For our shareowners, this offer represents an attractive price for our shares today and the opportunity to participate in a powerful global diversified industrial company in the future. Combining Trane and Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operation creates a very strong business. With the size, strength and operational effectiveness of a $17 billion global industrial company, we believe this combination is best for our customers, employees and shareowners in the long term." Poses will remain in his position until the acquisition is completed. "This acquisition represents a significant next step in Ingersoll RandÂs decade-long transformation to become a leading global diversified industrial company, with strong market positions across the climate control, industrial and security markets," said Henkel. "The acquisition of Trane meets our long-term objectives of significantly increasing consistency of revenue and income streams, adding strong brands and market positions, and further strengthening the organic growth potential of our portfolio. TraneÂs leadership position in the global commercial and residential climate control industry enhances our own highly regarded Hussmann and Thermo King brands. "TraneÂs demonstrated long-term organic growth rate, averaging 7% to 8% per year, compares favorably to the organic growth targets we have established for our business portfolio. TraneÂs talented management team and employees have delivered consistent revenue growth and operating margins throughout all phases of the business cycle. "We believe Trane will deliver strong growth and profitability going forward. Based upon market fundamentals such as rising energy costs and conservation initiatives, we expect solid replacement-demand for energy-efficient products and for retrofit and refurbishment of current systems. TraneÂs large installed base of equipment and systems will provide profitable aftermarket growth potential. Also, Trane has the leading market position in North America, and is growing strongly and increasing penetration in international markets. "On a combined basis, Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operations are projected to have revenues of approximately $11 billion in 2008 and will have a significant presence in all major segments of the associated industries worldwide. It is anticipated this combination will produce annual pre-tax cost and revenue synergies exceeding $300 million by 2010. Anticipated synergies include purchased material savings through supplier rationalization and procurement leverage, improvements in manufacturing costs, and lower general and administrative costs. Longer term, we will benefit from synergies related to cross selling and service revenue expansion." Trane Inc., previously named American Standard Companies Inc., provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of the air in homes and buildings around the world. The company offers customers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; service and parts support; advanced building controls; and financing solutions. The companyÂs systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. TraneÂs 2007 annual revenues are expected to approximate $7.4 billion. Trane has more than 29,000 employees and 29 production facilities worldwide. Ingersoll Rand is a global diversified industrial firm providing products, services and solutions to transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and enhance industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, Ingersoll Rand enables companies and their customers to create progress. Ingersoll RandÂs 2007 annual revenues are projected to be approximately $8.7 billion. The company has 35,000 employees and 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide.

1. Not if you want to avoid problems down the road. 2. I think American Standard/Trane is one of the best. Get another quote or two. Did the American Standard guy explain the pitfalls of just replacing one unit (warranty, reliability, performance)? Having a 10 SEER air handler on a 13 SEER heat pump is not a good idea. You may even get less than 10 SEER.

Throw out the bid that wants to install a 3 ton a/c on a furnace that only has the capacity to move 2 tons of air. You currently have a 1.5 ton unit. You cannot double this size. Not only is it not warranted, but your ductwork would not handle the extra airflow. Looks like the quick 500 sqft per ton rule, which is highly inaccurate. The 15 SEER heat pump would only be 15 SEER (or close to it) if the new furnace also had a variable speed fan motor. I think for others to advise you on the payback/savings part of your question, they'll need to know your current gas and electric rates.

Call a different guy. Building codes? I did 3 homes (2 rentals)( and a lot of research..months in fact. I ended up with Trane XR13 matched systems in 2 homes. Ten different bids and it's all about the install. HVAC guys can be very helpful, but you have to do some homework and ask the right questions.