New A/C - Trane vs. Tempstar??

14 years ago

Need to replace the air conditioner in my 1,600 sq ft single level home and have the following quotes:

Trane XB-13, 410A system, 2.5 ton, 13 SEER, Trane evaporator coil. 5 years parts, 10 years compressor, 1 year labor warranties. $2,229.00

Tempstar mdl N4A430GKA, 410A system, 2.5 ton, 14 SEER, indoor coil mdl EDD4X30BA. 10 years parts, 10 years compressor warranties. $2,485.00

My old unit was a Trane and I've been pretty happy with it...are the units nowadays made as well as they were 20 years ago? Never heard of Tempstar...are they any good? Is there really a big difference between 13 SEER and 14 SEER? Which one would you select if you were in my shoes? Thanks in advance for your input!!

Featured Answer

ryanhughes

14 years ago

The parts/materials probably doesn't include the lineset if not stated in the quote. If reusing the lineset, it has to be the proper size and properly flushed. Any good dealer should know that. Sounds like you're getting a good price from the local company whom you've been happy with in the past, and that's probably the route I'd go. You can ask them how much the next step up model would be, the XR13.

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Comments (7)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
"are the units nowadays made as well as they were 20 years ago?"

Nope, unfortunately mass production and lower prices have led to lowered quality.

I personally would prefer the Trane system over the Tempstar system, regardless of a 1 SEER point difference. Chances are, the 14 SEER may only achieve 13 SEER without a newer indoor furnace.

Your prices seem very low compared to what I'm used to seeing. What is your location, and do these companies check out with good references/reputation? They obviously aren't making much on this job, or it's very straightforward.
tigerdunes
14 years ago
janet

that is bottom end Trane AC.

I see the Tempstar carriers a better warranty. is dealer including new refrigerant lineset?

what is your location?

and how do you heat?

IMO
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ryanhughes
14 years ago
The Tempstar is also an entry level model. At least the Trane has coil protection.
janet_ks
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm in NE Kansas and I think the job is probably very straightforward. The system is located in an unfinished basement (very accessible) and the outdoor unit is also very accessible, not encumbered by any deck, fence or landscaping. I have a gas furnace, but not replacing it at this time, hoping to get a few more years out of it. Both furnace and a/c are 17 years old (when the house was built) and I probably could have gotten more out of it if I'd done a better job of maintaining/cleaning it (like Dad always told me).

The Trane quote is from a local family owned company that has been in business for 40 years. I've always used them for repairs, but this is the first time I've had to replace a system.

The Tempstar quote is from Black Hills Energy, our gas service provider.

tigerdunes - "is dealer including new refrigerant lineset" - I believe so - both quotes indicate that all parts, labor, permits and sales tax are included, but I will confirm this before committing myself to the purchase.

Thanks,
Janet
tigerdunes
14 years ago
janet

what eff is your furnace?

of course, you will not qualify for the fed govt tax credit.

however, if your furnace is 80% eff and you have reasonable electric rate, I would consider a 13 SEER heat pump that would easily pay for itself with a quick payback.

and BTW, you should insist on a new refrigerant lineset.

IMO
janet_ks
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the input guys -- I appreciate your help!! I've decided to go with the Trane unit.

New A/C - Trane vs. Tempstar??

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New A/C - Trane vs. Tempstar??

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