HVAC Questions

15 years ago

October 10, 2008

Hi Folks,

IÂve narrowed my HVAC choices down to 4 systems. I would appreciate any comments to help make the final choice.

2 story house in Central Texas, 2442 square feet, single system

American Standard Allegiance 15 - 4 Ton 15 SEER/12.5 EER 47500 BTUh

Condenser 4A7A5048A1

Coil 4TXCD061BC3

Furnace UD120R9V5

ARI # 1416275

Trane XL15I - 4 ton 15 SEER/12.5 EER 47500 BTUh

Condenser 4TTX5048A1 same condenser as Am Std above?

Coil 4TXCD061BC3 (same coil as Am Std above)

Furnace UD120R9V5 (same furnace as Am Std above)

ARI # 1416274

Trane XL15I - 4 ton 15 SEER/12.5 EER 48000 BTUh

Condenser 4TTX5048A1 (same condenser as above)

Coil 4TXFH063AS3 (different coil than above. Advantage? Disadvantage?)

Furnace UD080R9V4 (different furnace than above. Advantage? Disadvantage?)

ARI # 1422211

Amana ASX16 - 4 ton 16 SEER/12.6 EER 44000 BTUh

Condenser ASX160481A

Coil CA60A34 + TDR (actually made by Aspen Manufacturing)

Furnace AMV80905C

ARI# 1088530

I know that American Standard and Trane are essentially the same equipment. The American Standard and the first Trane system share the same coil and furnace. Is the condenser the same in those two systems, too? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to the coil and furnace in the third unit listed Â the Trane ARI # 1422211?

I do know that all four have two stage furnaces and variable speed blowers. I understand that the American Standard and the Tranes are a single stage compressor, the Amana a two stage. Is that difference in condenser compressor stages critical to AC comfort or can it be "managed" to an extent by the variable speed blower? What about the difference in efficiency (read actual "cost to run") for the same level of comfort?

What about the SEER, EER and BTUh on the Amana? How do those figures compare to the other units in terms of actual comfort and cost for the consumer?

Also, can anyone speak to the noise levels of these units Â inside and out?

I did have the opportunity to hear the Amana. I was surprised by the rather loud "howling" sound of the burner in the furnace. I do not think it was the blower or the inducer fan, but rather the sound of burner. Has anyone else noticed this burner noise?

I have not had the opportunity to hear the Trane or the American Standard Â inside or out, so any feedback would be very helpful.

Finally, what thermostat recommendations do you have for the above systems to maximize their features?

Many thanks for your assistance!

Markus

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Comments (4)

ryanhughes
15 years ago
"Finally, what thermostat recommendations do you have for the above systems to maximize their features?"

Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ configured to control blower speed for dehumidification.

The 4TXF is a horizontal "flat" coil versus the standard cased coil.

Does the American Standard system have a 10-year parts warranty like the Trane system from the factory?
markus
Original Author
15 years ago
October 12, 2008

Thanks for your answer, Ryan, and the information on that Trane coil for ARI # 1422211. Would the horizontal coil be a fit problem in an average furnace closet?

Even if that horizontal coil would fit, would the cased coil (American Standard and first Trane unit listed) be a better choice?

Good point about the warranty, Ryan. Although the compressor and condenser coil of the American Standard is covered for ten years like the Trane, it does look like the American Standard system only has a five year warranty on the evaporator coil and the functional parts (as opposed to the ten year warranty for same on the Trane XL series). I was, however, thinking of getting the extra warranty for 10 years Parts and Labor anyway. Your thoughts?

Any feelings about the Amana system?

Markus
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ryanhughes
15 years ago
Is this an upflow/downflow or a horizontal system? I'm not sure why the 4TXF coil was quoted. Perhaps you could ask for an explanation from the company that quoted this system?

The extended warranty is never a bad idea. If you have confidence in both companies, then I would narrow the systems down by warranty, and Trane would win with 10 years on all parts. However, it's worth asking the Am. Std. dealer if their system comes with 10 years on all parts, too. The distributor may have 10 years on all parts like Trane, or it may be what the website has.

The Amana wouldn't be a bad system, indeed, with the 2-stage outdoor unit. However, from a personal perspective I hold Trane/Am. Std.'s products at a higher tier than Amana's. I like Trane/Am. Std.'s aluminum coils as I think they would hold up better to corrosion problems that copper coils have been having (especially Carrier's ACA copper coils).
markus
Original Author
15 years ago
October 13, 2008

Thanks for your comments, Ryan. The current system is an upflow system.

FYI - I was strongly considering the extended warranty purchase, regardless of the unit. On the American Standard, it would be 10 years parts and labor. I think that ends up being the same coverage as the Trane extended warranty except, I think, for the thermostat. From your comments and from what I've read, it looks like I would get better control from a Honeywell thermostat anyway. In that case, the extended warranty wouldn't cover the Honeywell. I'm pretty sure the thermostat must be the same brand as the equipment purchased in order to qualify it for an extended warranty from Trane or American Standard.

FYI - The American Standard equipment (even with the extended warranty) is a good bit less expensive than the Trane quotes I've received in this area.

Thanks again for your assistance!

Markus

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