HVAC replacement with Trane system

9 years ago

Hi:

Looking for opinions on this system proposal. I don't have a load calculation yet (found these forums after I got bids). I am replacing the original to the house 21 yr old 150k BTU (which everyone says is terribly oversized) + 5 ton AC + humidifier system. My 2 story house is just under 3000 sq ft and then about 900 sq ft finished basement. We live in eastern Nebraska. Pretty much decided on Trane based on reviews and recommendations. No major heat/cooling concerns. Our furnace ignition circuit board went out on a Friday so when I got that fixed, they said there's no crack in the exchanger yet, but some rust is starting to form. The vents on the 2nd floor are in the floors instead of the ceilings (which I guess is common in my neighborhood) so I think that's helped.

AC: 4TTB6061E1000A - it's the XB16 but I'm told this model has the same 2 stage compressor as the XR17 but being phased out.

Furnace: TUD2D120A9V5VB - XV80.

Coil: 4TXCD061BC3HCB

Humidifier: THUMD500 - power humidifier. Not sure if i need this much but is quoted only $100 more than the 300 large bypass

Thermostat: TCONT824 - I want a thermostat I can control remotely w/ my phone

Total installed: $9500

I've been going back and forth on the XV95 make. That would end up being $11000. I could really use that $1500 for new siding and windows instead plus getting the venting pipes out of the house might prove challenging with the finished basement. I've had 3 different guys give me 3 different answers.

Thanks

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Comments (4)

mike_home
9 years ago
The winter design temperature for eastern Nebraska is about -3 degree F. In my opinion you are making a mistake by not getting a 95%+ efficiency furnace. If budget is an issue then look at the other Trane furnaces. The variable speed motor adds a significant cost, but I personally think it is worth the investment. You current furnace must be very loud when it is putting out 150K BTU. A new variable will be so quiet in comparison you won't realize it is running.

I doubt you need a 5 ton AC condenser. Keep looking for a contractor who will do a load calculation. The XB16 is a single stage compressor. I don't see how it could have the same compressor as the the 2-stage XR17. That makes no sense to me.

I would think a 4 ton condenser with a 80K or 100K furnace would do fine with your house and climate. But rather then guess, get a calculation and start saving money.
tigerdunes
9 years ago
Have to agree with Mike

The XB series of condensers are noisy. Current XB16 AC condenser is a single stage model. I wouldn't have it.

And not getting the XV95 furnace is a big mistake.

If my decision, I would get a quote from sister company, Am Standard dealer. Has exact same HVAC except for XLi condensers.

Get a price on these Trane equivalents:

XV95 furnace, XR17 AC condenser, best matching AmStd evap coil, Perfect Fit filter media cabinet, AmStd equivalents...

Get load calc to confirm correct sizing.

IMO
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stnfdnacho
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback. Will also give AmStd a look too.

RE: XB16 - that model I quoted does look to be a 2 stage. That make is certainly marketed as single stage but according to this link it does look like the model I was quoted on has a 2 stage condenser. Might not be the same type of 2 stage compressor... Now, whether I actually need a 5 ton system (the only size that comes w/ 2 stage) is something I'll have to do a load calc to figure out.

RE: furnace - apart from long term cost savings are there other considerations for the 95 over the 80 that I'm missing? I can do the math to guess my break even point, but not sure if maybe I'm missing other advantages as well (other than being better to our planet which counts for something).

Thanks again
mike_home
9 years ago
The XB16 model 4TTB6061E1000A is a single stage. The "B" in the model number stands for basic. Two stage condensers have a "Z" in their model number. Another quick way to tell is single stage equipment comes in half ton sizes while 2-stage equipment is only available in whole ton sizes.

Most of the better equipment is 95% efficiency and higher. There are not many choices in the 80% efficiency and even fewer are variable speed or multiple stages. There was a movement to ban 80% efficiency in all of the northern states, but the ban was stopped at the last minute.

HVAC replacement with Trane system

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HVAC replacement with Trane system

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