cw_racefan

The Trane XL15i HP is an excellent system and qualifies for the tax credit.

I would not have the Goodman unless that's all I could afford.

The Trane compares favorably to the Bryant Preferred 15. I would want the HW VP IAQ stat for the DOD feature.

1382172 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5042A1 4TEE3F65B1 42500 12.50 15.00 42000 9.00 27200

If there is a downside, the 3 1/2 ton model has to take the larger size air handler to achieve the tax credit qualifying numbers.

you might get a price on Trane's XR15 HP or AmStd Heritage 15 as they might be less expensive. Just a thought.

IMO

What is the DOD feature? I figured out what a HW VP IAQ is :)

So I assume that the air handler they quoted is the 4 ton? Why so down on Goodman (well, other than my coil is bad in 9.5 yrs).

racefan

The HW VP IAQ stat has the DOD feature-"dehumidify on demand" for superior humidity control in AC mode.

I just believe the Goodman price is better than their quality. You should know this considering what you are replacing. You normally get what you pay for.

TD

He's down on the Goodman because he has a Trane.

I have a 14 SEER Goodman heat pump installed in '07.

No problems and works great.

A quality professional installation is key to a good performing and long lasting system.

You're looking at a $1600 savings between the 2 quotes you have. Get an extended 10 year labor warranty with the Goodman and you have no worries for 10 years. And you'll still bank over $1000.

That Goodman probably requires a TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) at the indoor coil to achieve the SEER rating. TXV's are optional for Goodman/Amana. Make sure you get one.

Take care.

Whichever pump you get, you want at least 15 kw aux heat strips with that 3.5 ton unit to temper the cold air from the air handler during a heat pump defrost cycle.

The 4 ton SSZ14042 heat pump matched with the variable speed AEPF426016C air handler is rated at 15 SEER, 13 EER, and 9 HSPF.

It has the same ratings with or without a TXV. I would get the TXV - it regulates refrigerant charge to the indoor coil better when in cooling mode.

This system is eligible for the $1500 Fed Tax Credit.

Good luck.

Trane is much better see Consumer Reports july 09, the best in reliability are Trane,Am/ Stand., Carrier, Bryant and not Goodman.

Type in Goodman in the search here and read the posts for the last month or two, you'll buy a Trane.

I bought the XR 14 it is rated 15 seer , eer 12.50 , hspf 8.5 for just over $5400, with tax credit.

I live in FL, I checked out six banks in the area most used Trane or carrier I didn't see one Goodman, I rest my case.

That's a 3.5 ton unit, not a 4 ton. Sorry.

Consumer Reports is good for TV's, cars, or appliances but not for HVAC.

Reason is installation of HVAC makes or breaks the performance and longevity of the system. Properly sized ductwork is critical.

Most pre-mature HVAC failures are installation / ductwork related.

You're "resting your case" on the fact that banks in your area have Trane or Carrier systems?

The same banks that took bail-out money from the Fed?

Now that's funny!

I would steer clear of a heil,goodman or tempstar if there was any way possible. I just get rid of a perfectly good working Tempstar heat pump system that was supposedly a 13 seer with no txv. I replaced it with a Ruud 15.5 seer that dropped my total amperage at 35 degrees to 17.5 amps total for the furnace and the heat pump checking each leg of all of the breakers. My Tempstar system ran at 40 amps between the blower motor and the heatpump combined and both checks were with the heat strips disabled. I haven't seen a full month electric bill to compare fully but so far I am impressed. The air handler is nice and quiet and the outside unit is very quiet compared to the other unit.

You will get what you pay for and billed in the future for what you do not in my opinion.

The banks used Trane or Carrier and not Goodman, that is what is relevant and a fact.

Cons. Reports had surveys from over 32,000 people who owned various brands of AC/ heat pumps from '02-08. The most reliable brands Rheem, Trane, Carrier. The least reliable Heil and Goodman.

Consumers should chose a recommended installer from friends and neighbors; A+ rated by BBB; in business 10- 20 yrs; 25-50 employees or more, licensed/ insured and who sell only a highly Reliable brands.

racefan

I will not debate Goodman brand other than what I have already posted other to say I am not Tranewashed.

I would only purchase from an authorized dealer. I think that gives the homeowner some protection from problems.

golfer makes a good comment in previous post. I would make some effort to qualify your dealer as far as standing in the HVAC community. You could look at his BBB record, ask for references from recent customers. I have found that the smaller shops, 25-30 employees with the owner actively working and managing the business take more time and do a better job on new installations.

IMO