here's your'e shot ...experts

17 years ago

I have read for 6 weeks now, all types of systems and comments. You have helped me narrow down to TRANE dual fuel HP XLi 15 seer or 16 seer. Even though it seems the 16 is losing because of poor BTU's. I have posted and gotten remarks and since have gone to other dealers. If you had carte blance

for a 15seer vice 16seer for a 3 and a 4 ton estimate AND you could match the best in your opinion--- air handle/compressor/furnace whatever (as my brain is now HVACED out to the max) what would you match up? Virginia mixed climate new home. I say 3 or 4 as I am looking at ductless possibly for bottom basement (walkout) that is only used maybe a max of 4 months per year: 6 weeks winter and the rest spring/summer for visitng family. I would DEEPLY APPRECIATE your AFI#'s and comments for a complete system with you having the assumption that all duct work and other J/D figures lead to the two types of tonnage above for. Again a 4 ton supporting 2 floors 2 zone system and a 3 ton for one floor, 1 zone with ductless in walkout basement). Thank-you and my head thanks you.......

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Comments (3)

ryanhughes
17 years ago
Really depends on the amount of heat needed (furnace size), but I'll assume an 80k 2-stage furnace with the 3 ton and a 100k 2-stage furnace with the 4 ton:

4TWX5036A1 - heat pump (3 ton)
4TXCB036BC3 - indoor coil
TUD080R9V3 - furnace
ARI #1384221: 11.5 EER, 13.75 SEER, 8.5 HSPF

4TWX5048A1 - heat pump (4 ton)
4TXCC060BC3 - indoor coil
TUD100R9V5 - furnace***
ARI #1385137: 11.7 EER, 14 SEER, 8.6 HSPF

I chose the coil matchups so they match the width of the furnace and provide the best ratings in that coil width. I also chose Trane OEM coils over any 3rd party coils. I prefer to keep the coil width matching and stick to the same manufacturer. I put asterisks by the furnace to make a note that it comes from the factory with airflow set high for a 5 ton unit. It must be adjusted using dip switches to deliver the airflow for a 4 ton system. Sad, but many installers don't bother touching the airflow and leave it as is. The performance numbers are not bad, but they aren't stellar either. That's typical of Trane in the higher-tonnage systems. You may want to look into Carrier for comparison (or Lennox, Rheem, York). Ultimately brand is going to be your choice. Trane makes good equipment, just pricey.
lisa6801
Original Author
17 years ago
THX for info. If I go with furnace 95% eff are the other matchups still the sasme? I keep getting a recommendation for 95% for furnace. Does that really make a difference vice 80% eff. Looking long range of course. I have priced out 5 TRANE and Lennox. My challenge is the best people are TRANE. They provided all the info,Js&D's and even a layout of the duct work through the floor trusses in various colors for registers returns and by floor. One even said no matter who you go with the duct work is the most important item. Man it costs: $18K for 2 zone 4 ton. I was looking at going with a 3 for main floor and going ductless below (Mr. Slim electric 3 zon). Just trying to stil figure out the best for $$. Thx for the info so far
Lisa
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ryanhughes
17 years ago
I am not sure what you mean by "are the other matchups still the same."

Going with a 95% furnace with a heat pump in my mind wouldn't be the most economical purchase. Sure it would save money on heat, but a 95% furnace costs quite a bit more than an 80% furnace upfront.

If you are asking if the ratings are still the same if you go with the 95% furnace, then no: they differ slightly. For the 3 ton system the heat pump ratings go down (very minimally) to 11.4 EER, 13.5 SEER, 8.3 HSPF. With the 4 ton system, 11.4 EER, 13.75 SEER, 8.5 HSPF. This is still assuming 3 ton/80k and 4 ton/100k, which may not be the actual furnace size you're being quoted (I don't know).

If this were a new home, I personally would try to stick to conventional units. Mini splits are good units, but I consider them more suited to add-on applications where ease of installation is important. Unless the appearance of the unit on the wall is no issue to you.