Trane vs Carrier Heat Pump - HELP!

13 years ago

Help me decide on which one:

Trane XR15 Heat Pump with 4TEE3C10 air handler and a TCON-803 programable thermostat and clean effects filter.

Or

Carrier Performance 16 two stage Heat Pump 25HPA660 with a FV4006 air handler and a honeywell thermostat and air purifier filter.

I live in Florida and the A/C is always on. Let me know if you have any preferences as to which company. Obviously, Carrier is quoting higher about $1500 more.

Is it worth the extra money to go with them.

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

tigerdunes
13 years ago
boyz

I assume the Trane is a 5 ton unit as well. so here are the numbers on each system.

3936532 Active Systems XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5061E1 4TEE3C10A1 58000 12.50 15.00 54000 8.50 35000

3496011 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA660A30 FV4CNB006 56500 12.60 16.00 59000 9.50 36600

The Carrier has better efficiency numbers, especially in heating which means little because of your location.

price includes new lineset? it should.

You have been quoted the wrong thermostat on both systems.

with the Trane, you have their relatively new communicating air handler. It must have the XL900 thermostat to take advantage of the air handler's capability.

with the Carrier system, you want the Carrier thermidistat for best humidity control.

I would not buy either system without these changes.

dblcheck the warranty on each system. either should do a good job and I suppose price and dealer confidence to be the deciding factors.

what size heat strip was quoted?

IMO
ryanhughes
13 years ago
Tiger, I was recently informed by another pro over at hvac-talk that with heat pumps, the communicating air handler can only be run in a standard 24v mode, which means no communicating features with the 900 tstat. I'd look into this.

The 4TWR5061E1 may be a 2-stage unit as well. I can't find any info on it, but I read that Trane is going to update the 5 ton unit in the XR15 line to be a 2-stage unit.
Related Discussions
Trane vs Rheem electric heat pump split systems
Q
Comments (6)
The XL15i is Trane's highest efficiency single stage system and a very nice unit overall. In your case, for a new build, your primary focuses should be proper equipment/ductwork sizing and a quality installation. A properly designed system with good ductwork will help ensure year-round comfort. A 2-stage, variable speed system is an upgrade. The 2-stage system will provide better comfort throughout the home with longer runtimes (hence the need for a properly sized system, single or 2-stage) and therefore more dehumidification. I recommend a variable speed indoor air handler regardless of whether you choose the XL15i, XL16i or XL20i heat pumps (or other). While their summer dehumidification benefits may not be as important to you, one of the main advantages is the blower's ability to maintain a constant cfm (airflow) across varying duct conditions. This means that if the ductwork is less than adequately designed, or if your filter gets dirty and total system pressure drop increases, your airflow won't decrease and the motor will work harder (increase rpm) to meet the required airflow (up to a point, typically 1" external static pressure). This protects the equipment and maximizes performance and efficiency. I would first get a full load calculation (Manual J) to determine equipment sizing, followed by proper ductwork sizing (Manual J). Once you know where you stand, you can make a better decision on equipment selection. If you cover the right bases in terms of system design and installation, you should be comfortable regardless of which type of outdoor unit you choose to install. The XL16i Trane typically runs around 75% capacity on low stage, whereas the XL20i typically runs around 50% capacity on low stage for a greater split. If you decide on a 2-stage system I would look strongly at the XL20i (the system I chose my for home). The dual compressors are outstanding for part-load conditions, dehumidification, and more even temperatures throughout the home.
...See More
Lennox vs Trane vs Rheem Heat Pump systems
Q
Comments (4)
After reading more carefully, it seems your sizing estimates are all over the place, from 2.5 ton (Lennox), to 3 ton (Trane), to 4 ton (Rheem). A properly done load calculation is necessary to get the equipment size right, especially since you've made changes to your home's structure. Now would also be a good time to have your ductwork balanced so that each room gets the required airflow per the load calculation. Before investing money in a new system, it is very important to ensure your new system is operating at its rated capacity and efficiency.
...See More
Lennox XP14 vs Trane xli15 heat pumps
Q
Comments (11)
trucker first of all, I will assume you are sized correctly. I always recommend that lineset be replaced as long as there is reasonable accessibility. But you should first verify that existing lineset is the correct size for new system and then weigh flushing cost vs new lineset. The Trane air handler you were quoted is the new Hyperion 5 series mdl. While high eff, it is not variable speed. Here are the performance/eff numbers for quoted system. 4151234 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5042A1 GAM5A0C42M31 44000 12.50 15.25 43500 8.50 27800 good numbers but mediocre HSPF efficiency. If that's an issue or concern, then upgrade to the *AM7A0C48H41 air handler. Do you have a whole house air filter? if not, I recommend you install one. At the very least I would want HW 8321 thermostat. If you go with a true var speed air handler, then consider HW VP IAQ that has dehumidify on demand feature. It's difficult to make an informed comment on existing ductwork system but I find the $3K price questionable at best. Can you provide more details as to specific problems rewgarding your system other than leaks? Have you asked if repairs can be made? What exactly does dealer propose for new ductwork system? Do you have any hot/cold spots in your home? Adequate number of returns? For Florida, you want R8 insulation at the very least. For heat strip size, I would go with the 7.5K module. What size do you have now? You would rarely if ever use it unless you have breakdown on outside condenser. You could save some bucks if you went with the XR15 HP. IMO
...See More
Trane VS Carrier Heat Pump Quote
Q
Comments (9)
Never a bad idea to replace the copper lineset, but oftentimes it is very difficult if not impossible (think about condo complexes where the lineset often runs between walls of other condo units). If reused properly (i.e., blown out with nitrogen with a deep vacuum) and the proper size, they don't always have to be. The leak is most likely not within the lineset because it is one solid piece throughout. 2 stage units provide an advantage in terms of humidity control; however the 16i and Carrier models (and any brand using an unloading Copeland scroll compressor) run at around 80% capacity on low, so there isn't a huge turndown for the price premium. While I prefer Trane equipment over Carrier myself, both manufacturers make excellent equipment with comparable warranties, and both should do a fine job if installed properly. I think in this case, if looking at 2-stage units, the Carrier system with the Infinity control is the better system simply because the Infinity control does a much better job controlling the system than does a standard 2-stage thermostat such as the 802. Looks like the Carrier dealer finds that your home needs a 3.5 ton system (or 4 ton if 2-stage) while the Trane dealer is quoting slightly larger equipment. Something to bring up to the Carrier dealer. However if 3.5 tons is indeed the proper size, and a 4 ton is installed -- while it would not be a major issue in terms of comfort or efficiency -- the 3.5 ton would certainly be better in terms of humidity control and efficiency because it would not be short cycling as much on milder days. The single stage Comfort 15 with v/s air handler and the TP-PRH control will also do a good job with dehumidification without the added cost of 2-stage, but with the rebates and the Infinity control I think the Performance 16 is the better choice if going the Carrier route. I realize I haven't exactly convinced you to go with either system, but know that either one should do a fine job if sized and installed properly. The installer is key. All in all, I think you'll get the most out of the Infinity system.
...See More
tigerdunes
13 years ago
ryan

I appreciate the update. I suppose my question to you would be what's the point of this new air handler then with or without the XL900 stat. It was my understanding that this was a matched pair. Kind of like purchasing a nice Infinity furnace without the Infinity controller. don't you lose some capability?

IMO
ryanhughes
13 years ago
Tiger,

That was exactly my question. I wonder if Trane is going to make the communicating air handlers the new standard model. Here's where I got this info below. Take a look at post number 10 and below.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?p=7062352
tigerdunes
13 years ago
Ryan

I did see that thread. I think I would want to see confirmation of that last post. my question again would be what's the point of the communicating air handler.

something I am missing here. I hope this is not more of Trane nonsense, ie more marketing than beef/improvement.

TD
boyznme
Original Author
13 years ago
Tigerdunes,
Heat strip is 10k

why is it necessary for a new lineset vs purging the existing copper lines?
weedmeister
13 years ago
IMHO: sizing of the lines. And cleanliness.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
boyznme

correct size of lineset is key. then check condition of linset. I am not opposed to flushing linesets for a new system if size is correct(not close), condition of lineset is inspected, and correct flushing technique is performed.

but I always prefer new lineset.

IMO

Trane vs Carrier Heat Pump - HELP!

Comments (8)

tigerdunes

ryanhughes

Related Discussions

tigerdunes

ryanhughes

tigerdunes

boyznme
Original Author

weedmeister

tigerdunes

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Trane vs Carrier Heat Pump - HELP!

Comments (8)

tigerdunes

ryanhughes

Related Discussions

tigerdunes

ryanhughes

tigerdunes

boyznmeOriginal Author

weedmeister

tigerdunes

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

boyznme
Original Author