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Heating & Air Conditioning

New AC unit for South Florida Need Help

14 years ago

Hello I got a few options today to replace my AC unit. I currently have a 10 seer 5 ton goodman that is on its last leg. I am gettin near 400 FPL bills with the unit set at 77 all the time.

My choices are the following

The best Trane XLi 20 18 seer 4TEEE3010/4TT70060 for $5605. NO tax credit. I like the unit.. better warranty and better name. but am getting more than i need

Second one Trane XR 15c 14 seer 4TEC3860/4ttr5060 for $4950 no tax credit.. Worried about the lower seer.I am planning on staying in house(just bought it)

Third a Carrier Comfort 16 16.5 seer fv4cnb006t00/2acb6600a003 for $5648 with a 1500 tax incentive. I had a carrier once before and i wasnt thrilled with it...

Are these good prices..? what to pick? please Help...

Thanks

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Comments (6)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
The XL20i is a good unit but probably more than needed in a good system. I've never liked the idea of having 2 compressors for future service costs, but it's excellent for dehumidification which is important in your area. Your price shocks me. Either the prices for equipment are low in Florida, or the company isn't making much, or you're installation is very straightforward.

The XR15 doesn't impress me with its 79-80 dBA noise ratings. Also, they're pairing it with a non-variable-speed air handler for whatever reason.

The Comfort 16 is completely new to me. Looks like Carrier is introducing a 2-stage unit that qualifies for the tax credit in the 4/5 ton sizes now. As far as your old Carrier, I think they've stepped up their game quite a bit in my opinion and I have no issues with their newer units based on the ones I've seen. This 2-stage unit uses a single scroll compressor. Again, I'm very surprised you can get an XL20i for less. Something isn't right there.

If you want, you can ask for quotes on Carrier's 25HCB561/FV4BNB006T00 (single-stage heat pump that qualifies for tax credit) and the Trane 4TWX5060A1/4TEE3F65B1 (single-stage, does not qualify).
mpinta
Original Author
14 years ago
the main reason they are quoting a very low price on the Xli 20 is a $1000 rebate till july 31. They are trying to be competitive since they do no qualify for incentive... what i was told... yes the installation is a snap.. everything is easy... What is quieter? Trane or carrier?
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Thanks ALL The tech showed me label off cover showing 19.9 max and then I watched him hookup meter and its showed 20.2 ..This company has done alot work for some of my coworker All happy;)...This company has good local reputation .. BTW yes the cap was made in China. ..LOL junk parts. Can someone please tell me if this quote is reasonable. I live in ft myers Fl (HOT) . I currently have a 3.5 ton, 13 SEER Rleem that is 10 yrs. old.Crazy electric bills No heat pump, just heat strips. I just got quote from this company for a Trane 3.5 ton (XB14 model 4TTB4042E1) with a matching Hyperion air handler (model CAM5AOCH2M31). Honeywell Pro 8000 Stat ,10KW heat strip and they are throwing in a UV light ... I was going to ask them to throw in a media filter too .Am I asking for to much at this price ??????? $6380 .00 Does this price seem right Also come with 10 yrs parts and 10 yrs labor .... Service /Sale guy told me labor warranty would be though Trane... So I can call any dealer to fix unit. If I didn't call them .. Is this true ? AM I purchasing a good system. This there any upgrades I should ask for ? Like media filter ? Heat pumps ? Dual heat stripes? Different stat ? Am I missing anything ? They are going to be using all my old drain lines and refrigeration piping too I value everyone input thanks in advance.
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Sorry the furnace had two numbers on a sticker attached to the side. The first is TUH2B080A9V3VAB the second is 9391NGP1G. All of the units quoted are 3 tons. The manual J came back for a three and a half but all three said that the current ductwork would not support the larger unit. Also, they all asked how comfortably the house heated and cooled. My lot has a lot of trees and I feel like the house was very comfortable both in the winter and summer. My highest electrical bill during the summer is usually around $220. So based on my input and the fact that there would need to be major ductwork they all felt comfortable keeping a three ton unit. Let me know if you need anything else or if those are not the right numbers. I am about as ignorant as it comes where HVAC is concerned. Thank you
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ryanhughes
14 years ago
The Trane is rated at 70 dBA on low stage and 76 dBA on high stage. I believe the Carrier is 74 dBA on both stages, and the XR15 is around 79-80 dBA. All are probably quieter than what you have, relatively speaking.
User
14 years ago
Wow, I'm amazed at the price you were quoted on the XL20i. I have a quote for a 5-ton XL20i in Houston TX for $16k. The quote includes ~$3k for ductwork/return air registers...which means I'm still paying $13k for the system (with 80% furnace.)

I'm depressed. :(
mpinta
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok now that i have received 4 quotes my originals still beat everyone's but here is the catch.. The last guys said that i should replace all my refrigerant lines due to them going down and under the foundation. This contractor wants to move them on the outside of the house from the attic to the slab of the condenser. He says that this must be done. He never went outside and looked at the condensor nor the condtion of the lines? His he adding cost to make for all the rebates?

Thoughts...?
User
14 years ago
mpinta--I can't find any rebates available on Trane equipment. The last rebates expired in June.

If your old lines are undersized, they will need to be replaced for the new refrigerant.

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