mrgreen,

I don't care for any of these especially the Lennox.

Here are my ideas. You want a HP system with var speed air handler and the minimum metrics:14-15 SEER,12 EER, and 9 HSPF.

A suggestion, Change the Trane HP to the XR14 model-4TWR4048C1 paired with the 4TEE3D49A1 var speed air handler,ARI#1383045. It has very good heating and cooling BTUs, a 14.5 SEER, a 12 EER, and 9 HSPF eff rating and noteworthy is 30,800 BTUs heating at 17 degrees which is darn good. One caveot. Use the Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ stat, Trane stats are very poor.

IMO

The 3TEE3D49A1 has Clean Effects built in. Not sure about it's availability, though. Odd that the 4TEE without Clean Effects gets lesser efficiency ratings.

mrgreen,

good point by Ryan. The Trane var speed air handler 4TEE3D49A1 includes a built-in Clean Effects air cleaner. This configuration should save you some $$. Ask your dealer.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane Var Spd Air Handlers

I want to thank you for the advice and the link to Trane Var Spd Air Handlers. Question, Why not Lennox?

mrgreen

out of the socalled big three HVAC companies, I have always believed that Trane offered the top leadership in heat pumps. AmStd(Trane) purchased the GE residential HVAC in the 80s that included the Weathertron technology. Trane systems hold up better in a coastal environment. Also, I like the electronic demand defrost feature on Trane HPs as opposed to the less eff timed defrost. Carrier has made strides in their HP systems particularly with their superior Infinity controller. In my area(SE), top of line Lennox is used more for AC condensers than HPs and anecdotally repair parts are more expensive.

If you look on the ARI directory, you will see that the Lennox models you are considering are light in heating BTUs both at 47 degree and 17 degree. This makes a difference and basically means you are purchasing a 4 ton system that does not give 4 ton performance. This is true on many systems/models/brands that are out in the marketplace especially two stg systems, not just Lennox.

Trane is not perfect by any means. Like stated above, some models/systems are light in performance BTUs both heating and cooling. I believe they are behind the curve in technology and efficiency. My biggest complaint though is their stats which are a weak link in their product line. Certainly they should be able to offer something comparable to the Infinity controller. That is why I strongly recommend the Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ which offers a great many features including humidity control by slowing the blower speed which would be very important for someone fighting the hot,humid,Georgia summer climate.

Look at the ARI directory for the models you are considering to check the numbers.

Just a few ideas.

IMO
Good Luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: ARI Directory

tigerdunes
Thank you for explaining the difference to me and giving the link to the ARI directory. Your advice is very helpful.