Trane built solid units in the past, and in my opinion they still do today to some extent. I'll say that they aren't built the same way they were a while back. Most units today are fairly similar, but everyone will have their opinion as to which brand is the best, etc... You could look into other brands such as Rheem and Lennox, or Carrier. If it were me replacing a unit today, I would look at Trane before anything else, or Rheem. I suggest you look into Trane's XL15i heat pump with matching variable-speed air handler. Key is to find the best contractor to do the job.

nicemac

this is a package system not a split system?

I would look at Trane or their sister company that makes the exact same systems usually priced a little less expensive. I believe warranty is the same as well.

If split system, either Trane's XL15i or AmStd Heritage 15 with matching var speed air handler.

you can also check Rheems for price comparison.

For your area/climate, I suggest a dual fuel mdl with var speed blower.

Here is a fuel comparison calculator for your use.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

keep in mind that the BIGGEST thing is the installer. an improperly installed top of the line unit will never perform as well as a properly install low end unit.

my Trane XL14i was installed on a cool rainy day. the guy guesstimated the charge and left saying he would come back teh next day when it was supposed to dry and 85F and recheck it. well he never did(i thought he had) and i got poor performance out of the unit for several months. when i called them just to come check it out cause it should be coolign better, it turned out he had way overcharged the system. they vacuumed off the charge to get it to the proper range and it worked better than ever AND used less electric.

This is a one-piece package unit. No inside air handler...

American Standard Package Hybrid systems

http://www.americanstandardair.com/HomeOwner/FullSystems/AllInOne/HeritageHybrid/

Trane Package Systems

http://www.trane.com/Residential/Products/Packaged-Units

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane Package Systems

Any unit made and sold in the US today will give decent service if properly sized for the application and correctly installed. All hvac makers purchase secondary parts from the same suppliers, such as GE, Fasco, Robert Shaw, Stevco, Honeywell and White Rodgers to name a few. 95% of failures occur in this secondary equipment. In every batch of parts regardless of who makes them a certain number are going to fail, this is an irrefutable fact, even stuff made to rigid NASA specs has it,s share of failures ,whether you get a unit with one of the due to fail parts depends on the luck of the draw and nothing else. Some units have more bells and whistles than others, but the difference stops there. These parts suppliers do not make a line of cheap poor quality parts for one hvac maker and high quality stuff for another. The main thing to consider in selecting any hvac unit is installer comptency, as someone else stated a top of line unit, poorly installed and incorrectly sized will give poor service. Next find out about the warranty, does it include labor and trip fees and for how long. Many buy a unit because of say a ten year parts warranty failing to realize this does not include labor and trip fees, they get a rude awakening the first time a service call is needed. Good luck Iggie

as to the warranty, i agree, i made sure my unit came with a 10 year parts AND labor warranty. it did not cost much more up front, and is well worth it. of course it does nto cover routine annual checks, but i can get a maintenance plan for that that covers 2 checks a year for under 200.00 annually. it will save me about 50.00 off the per call fee, but i ain't done it yet.

Got quotes today - on two Trane models, the 5-ton XL14c and the XB13c; $8078 and $6398 respectively.

This includes installation and haul off of the old unit.

Additionally, this replaces the 125A electrical service panel at the unit and a new sheetmetal rainshield for the ducts.

The warranty on the XB13c is 5 year parts and 1 year labor.

The XL14c has a 10-year warranty on parts and labor.

Both include the trip charge.

The XL 14 has a variable speed fan, is significantly quieter, and has a much better warranty.

The XB 13 is a lot less money.

I am in the Nashville, TN area.

What do you think?

call another dealer and get another quote on similar systems. this will allow you to be sure. HVAC pricing does not break out parts from labor, so that could be a fair deal for your area.

make sure whtever you choose is sized properly. under no circumstance should they replace an existing X ton system with teh same size just cause the old one was that size and worked fine. the proper size unit makes all teh difference in teh world.

oh, and if you want to keep it 70 inside when it is 110 outside, then tell them to size it for that. just be prepared to freeze when it is 80!

nicemac

dual fuel hybrid package system is the way to go. that way you don't have to spend any money on upgrading electrical service. however, I will assume you don't have nat gas service.

I personally think prices are high and recommend you shop around.

you do want R-410 refrigerant and the var speed blower would be nice.

The XL13c is a nicer unit than the XB13c.

As stated in previous post, Am Standard is Trane's sister company, has the exact same units which usually are priced less expensive than the Trane.

IMO

Got another estimate - this one for American Standard equipment. They wanted $6500 for the 13 SEER, and $7400 for the 14 SEER, installed.

This estimate was to replace main unit only, no electrical panel replacement, no thermostat, just the box.

The first estimate did include measuring output at each register and damping/ adjusting to make them all output equally. (the house is a long (102') Ranch, and the u nit is on one end. There is s noticeable drop-off on the far end...)

This second estimate did not include that.

Both were for R410 systems.

I do not have gas available, and am not interested in putting in a tank. I am in TN, and our electric rates are about as low as it gets in the US - under $.08 per KW...

The first estimate was from a big, very professional company that has been in business for many years and have offices all over the country. The second was a small local shop that, after talking to, I do not have much confidence in. The first was very thoroughly written out in detail, the second, just a phone call with "... it'll be about $6500 - $7400, depending on which model you want...", despite asking specifically for a written quote. While still on the phone, the second guy wanted to know when he could come over and get started.

What advantage does the variable speed blower give me?

What is the difference between the XL13 and the XB13?

nicemac

check the comparison area on Trane Package system website for specifics.

major difference between the XL13c and XB13b is a little better heating eff and better warranty.

as far as Var speed
1.better operating cost
2.much quieter, no comparison
3.better dehumidification in AC mode
4.better room to room temp constancy

I recommend any backup heat strips be staged according to demand...

why the update to your electrical service if you already have a HP with backup heat strips?

IMO

RE:
as to the warranty, i agree, i made sure my unit came with a 10 year parts AND labor warranty. it did not cost much more up front, and is well worth it. of course it does nto cover routine annual checks, but i can get a maintenance plan for that that covers 2 checks a year for under 200.00 annually. it will save me about 50.00 off the per call fee, but i ain't done it yet.

I would not buy one w/out the warranty for sure. I am not sure why you need the other yearly plan though (that provides $50 coverage)..at least for 10 years anyway. I can not believe the thing needs a check up yearly much less twice a year if you keep your filters clean...

Thanks Tiger,

RE: "why the update to your electrical service if you already have a HP with backup heat strips?"

The service box is 33 years old and very corroded. The last installer ran the wiring out without a proper lug or grommet and filled it with caulk. (surely no inspection)

It needs a new box and conduit to the new unit.

With a heat pump, you do need to have the package unit checked and cleaned at least once a year, two would be better. Every part of your heat pump runs year round. The condenser coils get dirty, and without sealing the returns the evaporator could get dirty even with changing the filters. Consider this too, some warranties require regular maintenance to keep the warranty up as well.