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Heating & Air Conditioning

Quote for Lennox heat pump / air handler

9 years ago

The blower on my 27 year-old TRANE air handler recently gave out. I was considering replacing the 9 SEER XE900 Heat Pump in a couple years anyway so I got a quote from the same place the diagnosed the blower problem and based off the research I've done online the pricing seems exorbitantly high. I'm going to get further quotes, but I want to know if these prices are way out of the ballpark they should be in.

I live in Western WA, and the install would be fairly simple as everything can be run through a roomy attic. This would be replacing a 3 ton system.

I was given 4 options, and all options used the CBX32MV Air Handler, which alone was quoted at $4,140 installed. All options also had the i-comfort wifi thermostat @ $578 installed.

In hindsight, I'm not sure why I wasn't given any quotes with less expensive air handlers, like the CBX25UHV or even the CBX27UH. Not sure why I "need" the CBX32MV over these less expensive models. $4140 for just an air handler seems insanely high.

The prices (pre-tax) I were given were:

XP14 HeatPump (16.5 SEER) / CBX32MV / i-comfort: $9,551
XP17 HeatPump (17.7 SEER) / CBX32MV / i-comfort: $10,683
XP21 HeatPump (19.2 SEER) / CBX32MV / i-comfort: $11,562
XP25 HeatPump (23.5 SEER) / CBX32MV / i-comfort: $13,087

Are these prices reasonable? Is there any reason not to go with a less-expensive air handler like the CBX25UHV? Would I be better off installing a NEST for half the price of the i-comfort? Thanks for the help.

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Comments (4)

jaycfresh
Original Author
9 years ago
I should also add that here in WA we don't use the AC a whole lot, we'll be more concerned with heating costs. The SEER ratings just apply to AC right? so maybe I should be more concerned with HSPF..

XP14: 9.50 HSPF
XP17: 9.50 HSPF
XP21: 9.70 HSPF
XP25: 10.20 HSPF

which tells me, my heating costs will be pretty much the same no matter which unit I go with, right? So if I pair up the XP14 a less-expensive air handler such as a CBX32M, will my heating costs be pretty close to even the high end XP25 & CBX32MV combo?
tigerdunes
9 years ago
The pricing is absurd.

Look at Trane or AmStandard, better HPs than Lennox.

If humidity is not a concern for your climate and If not a var speed air handler, at the very least an air handler with high eff blower motor.

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Sun, Nov 23, 14 at 5:44
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This is just a repeat of your prior thread. Refer back to advice you have already rec'd. TD
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"The salesman also states he can only give me 48 hours to decide because new systems will be coming in shortly at a 10 to 20% increase." - Nothing like high-pressure sales tactics to force a quick decision. I would't buy from that chump. The Trane price sounds very reasonable. I was quoted about the same price last year for a 3-ton XL14i in Baltimore. You need the model numbers of both the condenser (outside unit) and air handler. Condenser will be something like 2TWX... and air handler 2TEE... Post the model numbers and I will confirm efficiency ratings (SEER/EER/HSPF) as well as cooling/heating capacity. I agree with Tiger about the 10 year PARTS AND LABOR warranty to protect yourself. It sounds like you have ductwork issues that need to be addressed. Ductwork is critical for a good install. Poor ductwork = poor air flow = poor system, regardless of heat pump manufacturer. Best to you.
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What are you looking for? The XL18i system is a two stage system, the XL15i system is single stage. The selection of the size of the air handler is very important for best performance/efficiency numbers. 4655313 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5036B1 *AM7A0C36H31 1225 37600 12.50 15.00 34600 9.25 21800 1 HRCU-A-CB Yes 311 751 Yes TAM7 36 size for the 3 ton XL15i system. 7117217 Active Systems TRANE XL18I TRANE 4TWX8036C1 *AM7A0C42H31 1185 945 37000 13.00 18.00 31400 9.50 20200 1 HRCU-A-CB 255 627 Yes TAM7 42 size for the 3 ton XL18i system. If this is not a budget decision, then get the XL18i system as I listed with 10 KW heat strip. Pay attention to the air handler model/size. If you are able to interpret the AhRI numbers, you can readily see there are some marginal savings with the XL18i system on cooling and good savings on heating with the higher HSPF efficiency. You are getting some very good pricing. I am done here. IMO Good Luck This post was edited by tigerdunes on Tue, May 20, 14 at 6:37
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hvtech42
9 years ago
Definitely get more quotes. You were quoted that air handler because it is needed to get the rated efficiency out of those high end outdoor units. I would stick with the variable speed. I am not a fan of the high efficiency non variable speed motors, they have had reliability issues in all brands. No Nest please.
tigerdunes
9 years ago
I would like to hear more about the reliability issues of the X13 versus the GE var speed blower motor. Of course the var speed model is very pricey to replace compared to the X13.

I absolutely agree about the Nest, wouldn't have it.

IMO

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