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Heating & Air Conditioning

HVAC Replacement in Atlanta, GA Condo

9 years ago

Hello, I live alone in a 1,300sf ground floor condo in Atlanta, GA. My current SunTherm HVAC system has to be replaced (confirmed by 2 separate contractors) as the system constantly leaks freon. I replaced small amounts of freon in the past and was told my system was on its way out.

It's a dual system with an electric heat pump. I have a severe disability, use a wheelchair, and get cold quickly. My body prefers the warmth. I only use the AC when I have company during the summer (about 20x) and I turn it off when they leave. If it's hot, I will turn on one of the three ceiling fans. In the winter, I keep the thermostat at about 78 degrees.

The first contractor suggested:

1) TRANE 2 ton XR13 seer R-410a Puron heat pump and Trane R-410a Puron 2 ton air handler with 5 kw of strip heat $4,400

TRANE 2 ton XR13 seer R-410a Puron heat pump and Trane R-410a Puron 2 ton air handler with 5 kw of strip heat; secondary drain pan w/emergency water solenoid cut-off switch and condenstate pump with emergency overflow switch $4,620
TRANE 2 ton XR13 seer R-410a Puron heat pump and Trane R-410a Puron 2 ton variable speed air handler (TAM7) with 5 kw of strip heat; water prevention kit $5,260
TRANE 2 ton XR15 seer R-410a Puron heat pump and Trane R-410a Puron 2 ton variable speed air handler (TAM7) with 5 kw of strip heat; water prevention kit $6,260

Looking for some advise/suggestions please. I will then obtain two more contractors to provide quotes as I'm looking to install in the next 2-3 weeks.

Thanking you in advance!

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Comments (7)

tigerdunes
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What mdl air handler for 1 and 2? Makes a difference.

What exactly do you mean when you say you have a dual fuel system?

IMO
0
davidsnowden
Original Author
9 years ago
R-410a air handler for all 4 quotes. I'm a lay person, so didn't word correctly. I meant that I use electric and the system runs my heat and ac. Thanks
0
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Just about all manufacturers have a Good, Better, Best line. The Good usually 13-14 SEER, the Better 15-16 SEER, and Best being 17-20 SEER. It looks like the company quoted you the two higher lines for Bryant. Was this your preference based on information you gave to the sales person or did they determine what was best for you? I would definitely recommend the variable speed, two-stage furnace. To truly improve your comfort level and give you control over different parts of your house...PUT IN A ZONE CONTROL SYSTEM! When we were looking, I learned that many companies just want to sell you a "box", but not really do anything about your comfort through your air distribution. The middle range equipment (including variable speed, two-stage furnace) along with a Zone Control System will give you the ultimate in control & efficiency. ProTech Heating & Air put in our Zone System and really educated us on the importance of the air distribution and the equipment. Couldn't be happier that I can now keep Master bedroom at a temp different than my kids' rooms.
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tigerdunes
9 years ago
Not responsive...need Trane Mdl number of air handler for 1 and 2, not the fact that it is a 410a air handler. For instance 3 and 4 are Trane's TAM 7 air handler.

IMO
0
davidsnowden
Original Author
9 years ago
My apologies. Only the last 2 read TAM 7. Should I assume TAM 7 as well for the first 2 since they are all basically the same with minor revisions? Of course, I will circle back with contractor. Thanks!
0
tigerdunes
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Never assume anything with HVAC. The XR13 packs a lot of firepower and is great system. Performance/efficiency numbers below.

6059613 ActiveSystems XR13 TRANE 4TWR3024D1 *AM7A0B30H21 770 25600 12.00 14.50 23000 9.00 15000 1 HRCU-A-CB 219 552

If you want a higher SEER, you would need to move up to XR15 or XR16. Might not be worth it.

IMO
0
weedmeister
9 years ago
The variable speed blower will help with humidity removal, but that may not be a problem. Since you like to keep it warmer in the winter, you might ask for a larger heat strip, if your current electrical can handle it.
0
davidsnowden
Original Author
8 years ago
Sorry for the delay, as was on vacation. Thanks to everyone for the helpful feedback.
0

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