gitrdone

I think the sweet spot for Atlanta, GA area/climate is 80% VS furnace paired with high eff heat pump. However for whatever reason you have ruled out a HP which is fine.

If that is the case, then I would go with a 95% eff furnace with straight AC.

I personally think both options you were quoted are oversized on the furnace.

All of this Trane equipment is quality and reliable. Trane coils are one of the best in the industry. Plenum should be replaced to fit the exit and entrance. Should be relatively inexpensive. Lineset must be in good condition and the correct size. If so, OK to flush and reuse. I personally prefer that it be replaced if accessible. Carrier or Bryant systems would be other brands to look at as well as Trane's sister company Am Standard. Rely on dealer on best choices for direct venting to outside-I can't see from here. You can place screen mesh in the PVC vent pipe. I have this setup and personally think you are concerned over nothing. You want the Trane coil for your application that provides the best performance/eff numbers.

Trane's 803 is a good stat. Identical stat is available frrom Honeywell that would save you a few bucks(HW makes this stat for Trane). If you have any humidity concerns in this living area, then you might consider the HW VisionPro IAQ stat.

I would add a whole house pleated filter media cabinet like Trane's Perfect Fit or Honeywell. I like the Perfect Fit because it fits Trane's furnace like a hand should fit a glove.

I personally would go for the 60K XV95 which would be more than adequate for Atlanta. I don't know why dealers want to oversize. You also want to use only an authorized dealer.

BTW, I have a 5 yr old XV90-not one bit of trouble.

post back if you have questions.

IMO

TD, thanks for the feedback.

Additional information. Current Carrier AC is 3 tons. Current Carrier furnace is a 58PAV090-14 (14 = 1400. 1400/400 = 3.5tons?). 88K in, 71K out.
One Manual J, so far. Cooling = 2.31 tons. Heating = 47,900 BTU's. He didn't leave a report, so I don't know the assumptions for this calculation. Waiting on another Manual J.
OPTIONS we're considering after doing more homework: all straight AC, no heat pump.
I picked the AHRI reference numbers strictly on cooling cap, EER, SEER and coil (Trane). But, I don't understand the differences b/w coils, when more than one choice is listed w/ the same ratings.

**Following qualify for federal tax credit on furnace (up to $1500) not AC system. Additional state rebates, $99 AC, $199 furnace.
Trane 3 ton XL15i with 3 ton 60K XV95 (58K/37.7K) ref# 1420753 37000 12.50 14.75
Trane 3 ton XL16i with 3 ton 60K XV95 (58K/37.7K) ref # 3852496 34600 12.50 16.75
Trane 3 ton XL15i with 3 ton 80K XV95 (76K/49.5K) ref# 1420755 36600 12.40 14.75
Trane 3 ton XL16i with 3 ton 80K XV95 (76K/49.5K) ref # 3852676 35200 12.50 16.75

**Following qualify for $1500 AC system Federal tax credit. Additional state rebate, $99 AC.
Trane 3 ton XL16i with 4 ton 80K XV80 (64K/41.6K) ref#3853102 35600 13.00 16.00
Am Std 3 ton Allegiance 15 with 4 ton 80K Am Std V80 ref# 4132816 35200 13.00 16.00 (or the Trane equivalent)

Questions:
1. Sizing - 3 ton for AC. How about furnace, 60K or 80K in? If 80K, 3 ton or 4 ton? Does it matter that our current furnace is 3.5 ton?
2. We have some quotes for the above combos, but not all. Which ones should we focus on? Should we look at the AS versions of XL16i and V95?
3. Some folks seem to prefer the XL15i to the XL16i. Is that w/ regard to heat pumps or straight AC, as well? One contractor has a special on the XL16i, making it more reasonable than the XL15i. What are the biggest knocks against it? Should I be suspicious that it's on special? On paper, my husband likes the XL16i, but maybe we should pass on it?
4. Is there a way for me to look up (or does anyone know) the sound ratings for the 3 ton XL15i, XL16I, XR15 and Allegiance 15? (straight AC) Is the AS Allegiance 15 better insulated than the Trane XR15?
5. Regarding t-stats, tell me if I've got this straight:
HW VP IAQ can dehumidify on demand (slow down the blower) and overcool. It can be used with Comfort-R furnace feature activated or deactivated. It is a good match for the XL15i, XR15 & AS Allg 15, but not for the XL16i b/c XL16i does its own staging. TCONT803 can't slow down the blower, but can over-cool. It is an ok match for all the 15 models and the XL16i.
6. Slowing down the motor means reducing speed by 20%, right? Does that temporarily override the cfm setting? Forgive my ignorance about the terminology, if I'm way off.
7. Should a NATE, Trane certified installer be able to connect a HW VP IAQ t-stat properly? Is the model TH9421C1004?
8. Out of curiosity, in the AHRI tables if I see a 3rd party coil mixed with Trane AC, furnace products, should I assume the coil is NOT aluminum?

Our AC has lost the charge on the main floor (again) and we're running out of time to apply for state rebates. Don't want to leave any money on the table. Need to make a decision quickly. Thanks for your help!!

gitrdone

first of all you don't want to be borderline sized for cooling in Hotlanta.

I would want to see the load calc in writing. pay close attention to cooling BTUs.

I would not have the XL16i period.

Trane's XL15i and AmStd Allegiance 15 are basically the same mdl except for Trane's proprietary cabinet top and extra two yr warranty on compressor(12 vs 10). Trane's XR15 is their tax credit mdl and not available in an AmStd mdl.

I would not have a third part evap coil period for a new system.

Trane's 803 stat handles cooling/dehumidification by overcooling. HW VP IAQ handles dehumidification independently with their "dehumidify on demand" feature. Nate has nothing to do with installing the HW VP IAQ-experience and prior installs do.

I would consider some type of air cleaner cabinet.

I like this option best since you are ruling out HP.
Trane 3 ton XL15i with 3 ton 60K XV95 (58K/37.7K) ref# 1420753 37000 12.50 14.75

The question is whether you can use a three ton or 2 1/2 ton AC condenser.

IMO

gitrdone

first of all you don't want to be borderline sized for cooling in Hotlanta.

I would want to see the load calc in writing. pay close attention to cooling BTUs.

I would not have the XL16i period.

Trane's XL15i and AmStd Allegiance 15 are basically the same mdl except for Trane's proprietary cabinet top and extra two yr warranty on compressor(12 vs 10). Trane's XR15 is their tax credit mdl and not available in an AmStd mdl.

I would not have a third part evap coil period for a new system.

Trane's 803 stat handles cooling/dehumidification by overcooling. HW VP IAQ handles dehumidification independently with their "dehumidify on demand" feature. Nate has nothing to do with installing the HW VP IAQ-experience and prior installs do.

I would consider some type of air cleaner cabinet.

I like this option best since you are ruling out HP.
Trane 3 ton XL15i with 3 ton 60K XV95 (58K/37.7K) ref# 1420753 37000 12.50 14.75

The question is whether you can use a three ton or 2 1/2 ton AC condenser.

IMO

you would also recieve another $199 rebate from ga. and possible another $400 rebate from ga. power if you go heat pump route.i got total $497 by purchasing 95vs furance/hertiage 15 heatpump.

tigerdunes and proofturn

Thanks for your replies.

We've decided to go with the Trane 3 ton XL15i (straight AC) with 3 ton 60K XV95 (58K/37.7K) with a 5" media filter cabinet.

Still not sure which thermostat to go with, but I'll ask questions about that in a new thread.

Again, I appreciate your time and feedback. Very helpful!

gitrdone

at the very least, I would want Trane's 803 stat or identical HW equivalent. The best choice however would be the HW VisionPro IAQ with "dehumidify on demand" feature.

you are purchasing Trane evap coil?

new lineset or flushing the old? if flushing, lineset must be sized to Trane specs.

Good Luck on new system and the install.

IMO

Thanks for the follow up, tigerdunes.

Trane coil - 4TXCB004CC

Line set - Keep existing and flush. Four companies measured and came up with the same conclusion. They all took 2 measurements. I believe one measurement was 3/8 and one was 3/4. I was shown a chart that indicated these were apporpriate sizes for our new system.

T-stat - Probably going with the TCONT803. All companies knew about the HW VP IAQ w/ dehumidify on demand, but I didn't feel confident any of them had a lot of install experience with them.

Questions
Do you have to use a t-stat actually labeled Trane (even though made by HW) in order to keep the Trane equipment warranties valid? Can you use the HW VP IAQ without running into warranty issues?

How many wires does the HW VP IAQ with dehumidify on demand require? I think we have 6 w/ our current t-stat. Is it a big deal to add 2 more?

gitrdone

you don't want to take a shortcut on the lineset size. It must be right.

Trane stats are made by Honeywell. Trane does not offer the HW VP IAQ mdl. Honeywell stats do not void Trane warranty.

see link on the IAQ. I would go with the 803 or HW equivalent if dealer is not familiar with installing an IAQ.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: HW VisionPro IAQ

tiger dunes

We're willing to pay for a new line set, but 4 companies have said our current one is sized properly for the new standards. What should I aask to see to confirm this or should I just insist on a new line set, even if our measurements are correct?

gitrdone

you have done all you can do. my point is that lineset size is not same as horseshoes. close does not count. I always recommend replacing lineset for two reasons.

1.you are going to new refrigerant(you don't want contamination)
2.size

flushing old lineset is an acceptable practice if done correctly, lineset is in good condition and correct size.

IMO

Got it. Thanks.

gitrdone, I too am in Atlanta and am looking at almost the same system. XL15i, XV80 and 3 tons. What did you end up paying? My quotes have been between 6 and 8K from 4 different companies. Any information you used to make your decision would be appreciated. Thanks!

enrico.

I used Home Reports, Home Services Review, Kudzu.com, BBB, to read about companies and their customer feedback. Nate certified & Trane certified installers, contractor warranties, company responsivesness to questions, evaluated the knowledge level of everyone I dealt with. Once we decided on the type of equipment we wanted, I asked each contractor to quote me on that equipment, specifically listing all model numbers. Things can get lost in the translation if equipment descriptions are vague. Looked at their prevent. maint. contracts. Specified that I want the best of their best in terms of installation teams, even if I had to wait a few extra days. How long have they been in business? In terms of pricing, we're near the higher end of your range, which for us, besides the furnace and AC, includes a 5" media filter cabinet and upgraded t-stat. In addition, the XV95 is a little pricier than the XV80. Also, I got connected with the co.'s Operation Mgr. for more technical questions that the sales guy wasn't sure about. I like that he's responsive. Our install hasn't been done yet, so I can't give a final report. I'm hoping some of this extra digging will pay off in terms of satisfaction.

Good luck.