Like everyone one else, I'm looking for something reliable, efficient and relatively quiet at a fair price. I was happy with my previous system (Trane) which lasted 18 years; it kept us cool in the summer where it easily gets into the 100's 90+ days in a row around here, and warm in the winter which is very mild, rarely dipping below freezing for more than a few days. Granted my utility bills fluctuated with the weather accordingly ($120 to $380), so I'm willing to pay extra for a higher efficiency system (16 Seer). At any rate, would you agree that the prices I've been quoted seem to be reasonable? And if you have any specific suggestions on what models I should be looking at, please let me know. Thanks, TT

Hello Briamira, I live is Tx too(Dallas) and find myself in the same situation as you were in April. I have been quoted exactly the models you were quoted. My qoutes and prices are as follows: Option 1: Trane 3 Ton XR16 Air conditioner with 2 stage compressor, XV 80 2 stage gas furnace with variable speed fan, high efficiency comfort coil with TXV, and TCONT803 touchscreen control with dehumidification feature. System rated for 16 SEER and 13 EER. $6500 Option 2: Trane 3 Ton XR 15 Air conditioner, XV80 2 stage gas furnace with VS fan, cased comfort coil with TXV, and TCONT803 $5700 My question is which system do you choose and how do you like its perfomance ? By the way how big is the space you are cooling? Trying get my confusion cleared too. Thanks

Thanks TigerDunes. The dealer seemed apprehensive with suggesting the XL16i unit. But I think he was trying to meet my requirement of handling the heavier load during hot summer days and family/friend parties. My understanding is that if it is 95 degrees outside, then the unit should be able to cool the inside of the house to 75 degrees. Is this correct? The 2-stage compressor sounds like a very convenient/flexible feature, but (like you said) the actual implementation/performance appears to not measure up in a real world situation. Maybe Trane still has some work to be done to make this unit a real viable solution. I also realize that adding features can contribute to a more complex unit. A more complex unit can have more parts that can fail. The dealer only mentioned the changing of ductwork between the return and air-handler (from 16in to 18in). But no change in the ductwork from the air handler to the floor vents. Thanks again for all your help. Sincerely,

Tiger, about the Trane XL15i, does it qualify for the tax credit in a 4 ton HP? In another thread, you gave me some suggested models that would be best suited for my climate. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hvac/msg1017320615302.html These are the ones I was quoted. 3514632 Active Systems XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5048E1 4TEE3F65B1 48000 12.50 15.00 46000 8.50 30200 He quoted new lineset, HW VisionPro IAQ stat, 2 year labor warranty. I will probably have an Aprilaire 5000 air purifier installed on which ever unit I purchase because my wife has allergies and asthma. The Carrier dealer is quoting a Performance 15 25HPA548H30 FE4AN(B,F)005+UI or the 25HPA548H30 FE4ANB006+UI. His quote included a 5 year warranty. I do not know why he showed the two different units. He is quoting his with the tin plated coil and Infinity Control stat. Do you feel the Carrier package is okay or should I make sure I have him show the one you listed( 25HPA548H30 FV4CNB006 )? I do not know anything about the configuration of HP/Air Handlers. I feel confident with both companies as far as installation.