OK-

I am in Montgomery County myself.

A few things:

1. Many manufacturers outsource parts now, which is why brand isn't a major issue anymore. If you're concerned about the system breaking down, you can consider a 10 year parts and labor warranty. The XLi matched systems get 10 years on all parts.
2. Rheem makes a good product. See above.
3. I'm not a huge fan of the XL16i. Here's why: 1. In our climate, heating performance is important. The XL16i has weak heating output (btu's). I've also heard that it has poor humidity removal abilities in first stage.
4. The XL15i is a good unit (perhaps one of the best Trane has to offer in my opinion). The XL14i is being phased out, and the XL16i doesn't impress me much, though it probably wouldn't be a bad unit (see above).
5. "Trane 4TWX4034A1 with 4TEE3F39A1 $11,000 (both R-22)" - two problems with this: 1. Trane models starting with "4" use R410A refrigerant, 2. the size 034 doesn't exist--I suppose you meant 024 (2 tons).
6. Any one of the systems you are describing should serve you well. I'd go for R410A personally. It's the new refrigerant. R22 is on its way out. Are we looking at 2 x 2-ton systems here?
7. My recommendation is the VisionPRO IAQ thermostat (or at least the VisionPRO TH8320 or TH8321), though the Trane XL16i can't readily take advantage of the IAQ's ability to slow the blower down to dehumidify on demand.

recycle

these are specs for new HPs

15 SEER,12+ EER, 9 HSPF
matching var speed air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic defrost preferred
staged backup heat strips
thermostat that controls blower speed

as far as Trane, the XL15i HP is one of the best sgl stg models on the market. I would not have the XL16i-why?-very poor numbers compared to the XL15i.

I will assume two ton is the correct size. if correct, you want 4TEE3F39A1 air handler to get the best performance and efficiency numbers. here is the AHRI match.

1382158 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5024A1 4TEE3F39A1 25000 13.00 16.00 24000 9.00 13800

if controlling humidity is important, then you want the Honeywell VisionPro IAQ stat. Do not accept a Trane stat as they are a weak link in their product line.

other mdls worth considering are Carrier's Performance 15 HP ("H" series) and AmStd's Heritage 15 which is basically same as Trane's XL15i.

IMO

Look at ALL of the numbers. SEER, HSPF, cooling capacity, heating capacity. I agree with Ryan, the R410a version of the 15i is a good pump, many Trane units have low heating output and lower HSPF than the rest of the market. The 16i heating is 19,600 BTU, weak for a "2 ton" unit. The HSPF of 8.20 is lousy. By comparo, the 15i gets full 24,000 BTU of heat and 9.00 HSPF. Actually the 14i will get you a Mexican compressor. The 15i and 16i will be a scroll made in USA. The numbers on the R22 14i are lousy with some matches not even getting 14 SEER. Most matches are bottom 7.70 HSPF.

The RPRL is a great unit, 16-17 SEER, 9.50 HSPF, Copeland diagnostic module with compressor protection that Trane tends to skip. This one if you want 2 stage or a RPPL single stage would be my choice.

The Infinity 16 doesn't have the SEER or HSPF as the Rheem, the HSPF isn't much above the minimum. Not a good showing for a premium unit.

The XP16's SEER is a bit better than the Carrier but also has lousy HSPF. Depending upon the air handler, some are rated at the minimum allowed of 7.70, pathetic for what you pay for that machine!

Now if they could just make more premium systems (Rheem not so much of a problem) that actually got the premium ratings you'd expect!

I see the 4TWX5024 having a reciprocating compressor as well (3-5 ton on the R410A XL15i from the literature I'm looking at). Only the R-22 XL15i gets scrolls in all sizes from what I see. It can get confusing with the different refrigerant types and different compressor types. : )

here are the AHRI HP Directory Performance/Eff numbers

1050670 Active Systems RHEEM RPRL SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY RPRL-024JEZ RHPL-HM2421+RCSM-H*2421A* 24000 13.05 17.00 22200 9.50 13400 1

1285214 Active Systems RHEEM RPPL SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY RPPL-024J*Z RHKL-HM2417+RCSL-H*2417A* 24200 12.35 14.00 22400 9.00 14100

Glad I joined this forum because I've gotten a lot of information that will help. I feel I need to answer a couple of questions from above.

The model number I posted for the Trane 14i was incorrect.
The contractor did not supply them and I was guessing and put 34 instead of 24.

I am replacing two ArcoAire units. Both are two ton units and they have scroll compressors and are seventeen years old. I replaced the A-Coil of the air handler of the downstairs unit a year and a half ago and about four months ago they found a leak in the air handler in the attic. They also found a leak in the line where it rubbed the brick coming into the house. The contractor that did the leak testing recommended not putting much more money into the systems because of their age. I really like that contractor but he only installs Lenox and it was expensive.

I would assume a two ton unit is right for my house. That is all I was quoted back when I put in the original system and everyone that has looked at my current one has based their estimates on what I have. I have a modular home (42'x24' two story model) and it is well insulated(R-19 walls, 7'4" interior ceilings, R-24 insulation in attic and all double-pane Anderson windows.) I have a finished basement and thought about adding a two vents and a small return for it. I would only do in for about 400 square feet in basement. The ArcoAire units have done well in the winter, but may not remove as much humidity as I use to think. I have just started to monitor this after reading other posts in this forum.

One question I have for tigerdunes is does the staged backup heat strips make much difference in price up front and efficiency? No contractors had mentioned this when I reviewed the systems with them.

Another question is what compressor is in the Trane XL15i? All of the literature Trane puts out indicates it is a scroll compressor, but ryanhughes said it was a recipricating.

The only quote I have for the 4TEE3F039 air handler was $580.00 more per unit than the 4TEE3F037. Most of the estimates included the 4TEE3F031 air handler.

Based on the seer/hspf ratings which units would be a better deal if both contractors were reputable? Price I have included is for two, 2-ton systems.

Trane 4TWX5024A1 with 4TEE3F39 - $11,800 (estimated, still waiting on quote)

Rheem RPRL-JEZ with RHPL - $11,290 (contractor did not supply model numbers of units and did not include programable thermostat. Quoted $75.00 more for Trane programable thermostat and did not identify which model.
This contractor also wanted $350.00 for a one year service agreement and $621.00 for a Trane 10 year parts and labor warranty. I was confused with his quote because I thought Trane came with a 10 year warranty with matched systems. I'm not sure what kind of warranty he is quoting with the Rheem because he was pushing the Trane.

Carrier 25HPA524 with FV4BNF002 - 11,062.00 (I received this quote after...

"One question I have for tigerdunes is does the staged backup heat strips make much difference in price up front and efficiency? No contractors had mentioned this when I reviewed the systems with them."

--- The VisionPRO IAQ I believe has the ability to stage backup heat, along with its ability to slow the blower down to dehumidify on demand. This means not using all the heat strips (which are expensive to run) at once if not needed.

"Another question is what compressor is in the Trane XL15i? All of the literature Trane puts out indicates it is a scroll compressor, but ryanhughes said it was a recipricating."

--- My product data from Trane shows the R-410A XL15i in the 2-ton size with a reciprocating compressor and the R-22 XL15i in the 2-ton size with a scroll compressor. I do not know why it is this way.

"Based on the seer/hspf ratings which units would be a better deal if both contractors were reputable? Price I have included is for two, 2-ton systems."

--- I'd personally go for the properly-sized outdoor unit (which you say would be 2 tons) with whatever air handler gives you the best performance. The *39 air handler is one of Trane's taller air handlers, which may or may not make a difference in your case. Perhaps the Trane dealers quoting the *31 will be willing to give you the *39 at no additional cost. The $580 price difference may be due to the contractor and not the equipment itself, unless they're from the same contractor.

"Rheem RPRL-JEZ with RHPL - $11,290 (contractor did not supply model numbers of units and did not include programable thermostat. Quoted $75.00 more for Trane programable thermostat and did not identify which model."

--- It's important that the contractor provide specific model numbers. I'm wondering why he's pushing a Trane thermostat with a Rheem system? Just seems odd to me. Maybe he's a Trane dealer primarily.

"This contractor also wanted $350.00 for a one year service agreement and $621.00 for a Trane 10 year parts and labor warranty. I was confused with his quote because I thought Trane came with a 10 year warranty with matched systems. I'm not sure what kind of warranty he is quoting with the Rheem because he was pushing the Trane."

--- That's 10 years on the parts, not the labor.

"Carrier 25HPA524 with FV4BNF002 - 11,062.00 (I received this quote after my first posting.)"

--- What did you think of this contractor? You could go with the FV4BNF003 for a little more efficiency. Carrier's Performance Series equipment is nice from what I've seen. What thermostats are included? See if they can give you the Edge thermidistats (control humidity) to go with the variable-speed air handlers.

recycle

You should verify the type of compressor the XL15i has. Your dealer/salesperson should know this info off the top of his head. At one time, the smaller sizes had a recip compressor and the larger, a scroll. This is a practice Trane should discontinue.

As far as staging the heat strip, this is a cost that is inconsequential. If dealer specs a 10 KW, then request two 5 KWs and ask that they be staged. This will save you a little in operating costs.

And if you decide on Trane, then you do want the HW VisionPro IAQ.

And BTW, Carrier's Performance 15 HP is one of the best.

1169025 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA524H30 FV4BN(B,F)003 23600 13.00 15.50 24000 9.00 15200 1

IMO

Tiger's numbers for the Carrier are from the less-common "H" model, which is optimized for more heating performance. The standard "A" model provides 13.00 EER, 16.00 SEER, and 8.50 HSPF (25HPA524A30 + FV4BN(B,F)003). I agree with Tiger; Carrier's Performance 15 heat pump is one of the best mid-range heat pumps on the market today in my opinion.