There are too many variables with each installation to gauge whether that is a fair estimate. I recommend getting at least 3 bids on the job, and getting each contractor to break down his cost estimate. (My estimates ranged from $10,400 to $19,000 for a single 5-ton system replacement.)

WESTON,

I would say the pricing is better than reasonable. This is Trane's new introduction of the XR15 AC condensor with a communicating var speed air handler.

The only negatives that I see is it is noisier than the XL15i and the warranty is only 10 yrs on the compressor as compared to 12 yrs on the XL15i.

At this time there is really no history on this model.

You do not want the XL16i model.

You might ask for a quote on the XL15i system.

BTW, what thermostat is quoted? You want the 900 series communicating stat with the XR15 systems.

I assume you might install a small heat strip for heating if your area ever calls for heat.

IMO

Thanks, tigerdunes. This is Weston's wife now, but we've both been researching this.

I agree that the pricing seems good from what we've researched. We read about the noise, but is it only 3 decibels? We all leave our A/C on 24/7 so outside noise isn't that big of a deal with OUR unit (it's our neighbor's we'd like to quiet - it's closer to our living space).

We also saw that we didn't want the XL 16i. We talked to the salesperson again today and he said he COULD quote us on an XL, but it would be 1500-2000 add'l per unit, and it just seems silly. Our old units are 10 SEER, so we should already see a big change.

The thermostat is the XL-600, which DH is not too pleased about. We asked the sales guy about the 900 and he said it would only work with the XL 19i and XL 20i. I think he MEANT to say (ahem) that they throw those in with those more expensive systems. What should we offer him to upgrade, and are you sure it would work? What benefits are there w/900 over 600?

BTW, we are not new to programmable thermostats - have had them in two houses for >10 years.

We do turn on heat sometimes - ranges from 2-30 days a year. Now I guess we need to call the salesman again and ask if we get heat with this?! Surely that would be included in the quote, but now you've got me wondering. I know we're weird animals down here to not ask about a heater! ;-)

Thanks so much for your help!

Updating model numbers after talking to salesperson. He changed the air handler model on the 2.0 Ton and the price went down to 4204 from 4387 (100 of it due to rebate typo).

2.5 Ton (downstairs) - 4TTR5030E1
and air handler - 4TE3C04A

2.0 Ton (upstairs) - 4TTR5024E1
and air handler - 4TEE3C01A1

Looks like I'm adding an E or missing an E on an air handler?

Again, thanks for all the help, everyone!

sarahw, I wish we could take the time to do the usual 3 estimates, but when the A/C goes out down here, we just can't take that time.

We SHOULD have already had these estimates in place, as we knew that we were playing Russian roulette with 11-year-old systems that run about 50 weeks a year! (I'm a big believer in personal responsibility, even when I screw up!) We were waiting until Jan. or Feb. when we could live easier w/o the A/C.

We feel confident with the company we're using, just want to make sure we ask for the right equipment.

Thanks for your reply!

I hear ya, Westonhoosier! I'm in Houston, and we actually bought a window unit to hold us over till our new system is installed! Good luck to you.

WESTON

why cripple a new system with the wrong thermostat? 900 series is the way to go.

here are the AHRI performance/eff numbers.

3426852 Active Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5024E1 4TEE3C03A1 21600 13.00 16.00 1

3430026 Active Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5030E1 4TEE3C04A1 29200 13.00 16.00 1

you will note the two ton system is short about 10% cooling BTUs for this size, a big negative especially since this system is for upstairs. and you want the 03 air handler for the two ton, not the 01.

IMO

Tech here now, says since we don't have a heat pump, XL803 is way to go, that we can't use XL900.

Also said that you have to have 20i (2-stage) to use it, which we proved wrong since we have the installer manual in front of us.

Advice?

I think the tech is mistaken.

well, I'll just say you are getting the new communicating air handler and the 900 series stat is the matching communicating stat. I am not saying the 803 will not work.

I believe you were so advised in your thread on the other HVAC forum.

and the 03 air handler is the better air handler, not the 01.

IMO

XR15 is a non communicating system, XL 900 will not work. 803 really is the way to go