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Heating & Air Conditioning
calantha2001

Lennox vs. Trane for Oregon

16 years ago

We have to replace our 30-yr old gas furnace which abruptly retired. Our house is 1400 sq feet ranch, your basic rectangle, built in 1980, with eight vents and two large grills in the ceiling (hall and dining room) that I'm guessing are returns. We have a crawlspace so it's a downflow system. Historically our weather in Portland OR has been mild year-round (80's in the summer, 40's in the winter), but last year we spent over a week in August above 100 and a week in December below 20 degrees.

Of the several quotes we got (all are for 95% that will qualify for the federal $1500 tax credit and $100 rebate from the gas co), I'm most seriously considering:

Lennox G71 variable fan, variable gas (also qualifies for $350 state credit)- net cost: $4037

Lennox G61 two-stage, does not qualify for state credit - net cost: $3076

Trane XV-95 variable fan, variable gas (also qualifies for state credit)- net cost: $3237

Both contractors have A ratings in Angie's List.

I'm leaning toward Trane because A.) the dealer is offering 0% finance for 36 months, and B.) I've heard Lennox has had some quality control issues of late. Our dear departed Carrier needed only one service call in 12 years before its demise but we aren't seriously considering another Carrier because they don't make a 95 downflow so it's actually a Tempstar furnace with a Carrier nameplate.

I want to consider operating costs as well as installation, though we'll make a huge leap in operating efficiency just because we're replacing such an old system. The state credit relates to the energy efficiency of the fan motor though I'm not sure how much electricity even an inefficient fan would use.

In case it has any bearing, we also have a Carrier central a/c system that my hubby does not want to replace because it was still working last summer and he thinks we could get by if it retires. I know it would help to have it when we sell in three to five years (not to mention our comfort factor!) but money is still very tight.

Any suggestions and insights would be appreciated. Thanks!

Comments (6)

  • 16 years ago

    calantha

    what size has been quoted?

    I like the XV95. this is a two stg VS furnace. I would think the small 60 KBTU model would be fine for your moderate winter climate. you will need a two stg thermostat like the 802.

    I would want a good pleated filter media cabinet like the Perfect Fit or Honeywell model.

    IMO
    Good Luck!

  • 16 years ago

    Have you looked into just the 80% gas furnace?
    I will say,
    If price is a factor and you plan to move in 5 years,
    I would go with a 80% furnace and for go the tax credit
    you would be better off cost wise to do so.

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  • 16 years ago

    calantha

    it has been said that because of PNW moderate climate-both summers and winters-a dual fuel system with 80% VS furnace paired with qualifying heat pump is a preferred system.

    but if you do intend to keep existing AC, then go with correctly sized XV95 and take the apprx $1000 tax credit. While the furnace may be overkill for your area/climate, I see nothing wrong with that strategy.

    IMO
    Good Luck!

  • 16 years ago

    Since the 80% furnaces don't qualify for the tax credits and rebates, they actually cost more than the 95%. All furnaces quoted are 3 ton. The Trane is a 60 btu, the Lennox 71 is a 70 btu. I'm really liking the idea of variable speed fan rather than a two-speed, since my desk is over a vent and the cold air when the furnace first comes on was always annoying and uncomfortable. Like stepping into a shower before the water's warm. But I haven't experienced a two-stage fan.

    Talked to a few friends who have heat pumps, and they all had problems during the Arctic blasts. We usually get at least one bad storm each winter, and we have a toddler in the house (who will *not* sleep under a blanket) to consider.

    I found one forum where a customer had serious, repeated problems with a Lennox, but haven't seen any feedback on Trane. I think it was the Trane rep who told me Lennox had been having quality control issues. Does anyone have any independent info to agree or disagree?

  • 16 years ago

    have you tested the $1500 tax credit with your 2009 taxes?
    I did, I would have got back $418 for a 5,000 dollar tax credited system.

    food for thought.

  • 16 years ago

    We're both self-employed so a tax credit means less money we have to send in ... we haven't had a refund in over 20 years.

    No one has commented on Lennox vs Trane. Are they that equal?

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