Really tough decision, AS vs Trane, 2 vs 1 stage, same price

13 years ago

I've read tons of posts and I'm to a point where I don't think I can answer my own question. I'm really torn and unfortunately have to act fast so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've narrowed my search down to either an American Standard or a Trane (which I've found out are for the most part essentially the same). Both options are the same price.

Option 1 is from a rather large local vendor which I've used in the past but has disappointed me upon occasion. They also have been playing model shuffle but I've got them locked down to the quote below.

Air Handler: American Standard 4TEE3F40B1000A

Heat Pump: American Standard 4A6H6036E1000A

Filter: Honeywell F100

Thermostat: Honeywell 6000

Air return: Change to 24x12

Install Date: 12/30/10

Option 2 is from a smaller vendor but seems to "know their stuff" though I don't have any historical experience with them past their sales guys.

Air Handler: Trane 4TEE3F40A1000A

Heat Pump: Trane 4TWB4036

Filter: ???

Thermostat: TCONT802

Air return: Resize but didn't get exact

Install Date: 12/10

I don't know if we'll really benefit from a 2 stage. We have very low electrical rates and our house is normally not very humid in the summer. We're replacing a 23 year old 1200XL so I'm sure anything will be an improvement. If I upgrade to the equivalent Trane (XL16i), option 2, it'd be quite a bit more. Both use NATE certified techs.

Please help.

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Comments (8)

tigerdunes
13 years ago
jaredfine

what is location?

I like the AS quote best.

assuming you are sized correctly and if this was my decision, I would drop down to the Heritage 15 mdl and take the savings and place against the HW VP IAQ stat with outdoor sensor.

what size heat strip was quoted? I would want a 7.5-10 KW if you live in mild climate or a 7/12 KW two stg unit(AS has this mdl).

IMO
Good Luck!
jaredfine
Original Author
13 years ago
tigerdunes

We're in Upstate NY so it can peek during the summer around 100ish and lows can get, reeeally low. ;-) They are putting in 15kw supplemental heat, not sure exactly what we have now. Two people did Manual J's and came out with the same load calc, little over 2.5Ton but little under 3T which is why the dual stage seems really interesting to me. We have municipal electric here so the rates are super low, 0.03/kwh during the summer and 0.05/kwh during the winter so I wont likely see a huge payback for a higher SEER, I just need enough to so I can get the tax credit.
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ryanhughes
13 years ago
Compare the warranties of the two systems. If going with the single stage Trane option, switch to the 4TWR5036. Very similar but has a 10 year warranty on all parts (vs. the 5 parts/10 compressor warranty on the 4TWB4). Perhaps the dealer is including an extended warranty -- I don't know.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
jaredfine

my recommendation remains the same.

Trane/AmStd also have a 10/15 KW two stg heat strip module.
keep in mind, each KW produces about 3400 BTUs.

what size is existing heat pump? what size is existing heat strip? if you don't know, you should ask dealer.

by any standard, you have very cheap electric rates for New York.

IMO
jaredfine
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks guys. I've gone back to the Trane guy with the AS specs to see if he can come down. he said the warrantee isn't an issue and we can upgrade to the 10 yr parts on the XB for less than $100.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
jaredfine

one other thought.

both systems will have electronic demand defrost which is a big deal and really is a strong selling point.

But Trane's XLi series of condensers have their proprietary funky top and in a climates with snow/ice as the norm, these tops really serve a purpose.

I have to say though that the AmStd Heritage series of HPs would be the choice over Trane's XB series.

IMO
countryboymo
13 years ago
I have a demand defrost 15 seer Ruud and as long as it is dry out I have very few defrost cycles. I have an energy monitor and can see the spikes on the graph when the strips are running. Out of curiosity I scrolled through the graph part and there are maybe 3-4 so far this year. It has been extremely dry when it has been cold though this year.

My 13 seer non demand defrost system would have already had numerous defrosts. This alone has to save quite a bit of money.
ziggyhere
13 years ago
If you haven't used it on something else yet, both systems qualify for the $1500 federal tax credit which is nice. The 16 seer system gives you a higher seer rating (17.55 as compared to 15.00)which helps during summer months. The HSPF rating is 8.8 as compared to 8.5. BUT - the 14 seer unit gives you a higher heating capacity so less time you'd be using the electric heat strip. Being in upstate NY - I would think you would be more worried about heating than cooling. Typically - the 16 seer system would be a more costly system so it sounds like you may be able to 'make a deal' with the 14 seer system. Ask them for a free humidifier or something of that nature.

Really tough decision, AS vs Trane, 2 vs 1 stage, same price

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tigerdunes

jaredfine
Original Author

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Really tough decision, AS vs Trane, 2 vs 1 stage, same price

Comments (8)

tigerdunes

jaredfineOriginal Author

Related Discussions

ryanhughes

tigerdunes

jaredfineOriginal Author

tigerdunes

countryboymo

ziggyhere

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jaredfine
Original Author

jaredfine
Original Author