The first question I would ask is how did the existing 2 ton mismatched system perform as far as your comfort and operating cost? On your condo, do you have other condos on each side as well as top and bottom. I notice from your post that Trane is quoting a 2 1/2 ton system. If straight AC system, I assume you have a small heat strip for heating if ever needed. Are you in a coastal location?

IMO

Hi tigerdunes

thanks for responding so quickly.

to answer your questions comfort seemed to be ok, yes we have condos either side of us and above. no idea about the heat strip i'm afraid but heat is avaialable if required and yes we are in a coastal location.

Keith

Oh and by the way the Trane Air handler suggested by the installer was a TEM 6

Based on your reply, I don't understand why Trane dealer quoted a 2 1/2 ton system. This deserves an explanation. If my decision and pricing was competitive, I would stay with Trane or sister company Am Standard. Both stand up longer in a coastal location. I can make a suggestion if interested.

IMO

Yes please Tigerdunes your suggestion would be most welcome

Thank you Tigerdunes.

Forgive my ignorance but i'm a 65 year old going senile!!!!, are these 2 ton systems or higher? The seer rating I understand, not sure on the figures following the Air Handling unit i.e 810 24000 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 182 Yes and +TDR 800 24000 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 182 Yes.

Also what does the word Active mean?

Would you mind giving me a brief summary of the benefits of the systems. This would help when I confront the 4 companies coming to quote.

I've seen the word single speed/variable mentioned

Can you also tell me the approximate prices I would be expected to pay for such systems?

The Trane & Lennox system I have already been quoted for ranged from $4,500 for the Trane & $4,900 for the Lennox

thanks once again

Keith

We are of same vintage...these are 2 ton systems basically identical except for air handler models. Same performance/efficiency numbers

To interpret

24,000 cooling BTUs, 13 EER, 16 SEER

Just for education purposes 1 ton=12,000 BTUs, therefore 2 tons are 24 KBTUs

Active just refers to the fact that system is available as opposed to being discontinued or obsolete.

To your other questions, let Google be your friend.

Fixed speed or single speed is just that, a steady constant speed...variable has a ramping up and ramping down profile. Variable speed helps with dehumidification.

I won't discuss prices because they vary so much from region to region. For Florida though, you live in a highly competitive marketplace. I will tell you though whether the pricing you are quoted is good or bad. Fair enough?

Will your job require use of a crane?

IMO

thank you once again tigerdunes

No, thankfully no crane involved.

I will google to my heart's content over the next week!!!

I will be in touch once I have the initial/best prices from each of the companies.

No doubt as you say the market should be quite competitive

which will be next Friday evening.

regards

Keith

Hi Tigerdunes

would you mind if i also asked the same question on the other site I've noticed your also on?

http://hvac-talk.com/

I will understand if not

regards

Keith

I have no objection. Everyone has opinions. Be aware though they have strict rule against discussing pricing. Also, you should know Am Standard is Trane's sister company. They also have the identical equipment to Trane except for XLi condensers but their product lineup is not as complete. Sometimes less expensive.

Good Luck

thank you tigerdunes

I think I will give it a miss, otherwise i will get even more confused!!!

regards

Keith

Hi Tigerdunes and all

I had the four Installers here on Friday and at the moment only 1 has given me a firm quote with the details of the equipment that will be supplied

I had not mentioned in my conversations with you before that the space for the air handler is restricted. The existing air handler is 45 1/4" (H) x 20 3/4" (D) x 16 3/4" (W).

The total height from the plinth that the handler sits on to ceiling is only 48 1/4".

1 installer has suggested:

2 ton 15.5 seer Ruud RA1624 paired with the RHALFR24P air handler at a cost of $3906.

This includes:

A new digital Thermostat

10 year warranty on Parts

2 year labor warranty

and FPL & MFG rebates

Of the other Installers

one has suggested a Rheem 2 ton system at a cost of $4396 and the other Installer

2 Daikin systems

A basic 2.5 ton 16 seer straight cool with Digital thermostat costing $5482 and a

Superior 2.5 ton 16 seer straight cool with digital thermostat costing $6422

I'm led to believe that these are Goodman units, is that correct.

your thoughts on the prices and alternative systems would be appreciated

kind regards

Keith

You should know Ruud and Rheem are sister companies and basically have same product lines. My recommendation stands from earlier post for Trane or AmStd. Not familiar with Daikin plus you did not provide any details. The Ruud air handler is low end, has a PSC motor. If you are btm fishing, I wouldn't have wasted my time.

IMO

hi tigerdunes

thank you for your comment. I am not entirely sure what btm fiishing means? Is it bottom.

You are definitely not wasting your time, as I said before I am a little bit out of my depth regarding air Con systems and your assistance is most welcome.

When I mentioned the trane systems you recommended to each installer 2 of them mentioned that they leaked air primarily because they were made of plastic and the motor had been inverted to pull air up rather than push. They also said there had been so many complaints that trane now say that the unit is designed to do this and now the unit comes out with a sticker on the unit stating this.

Are they correct saying this?

Will the 2 trane system air handlers fit in the space I have mentioned?

thank you once again for your help

Keith

I never recommend anything that I wouldn't want or have for my personal home, vacation or otherwise. As far as physical size of air handler, ask the dealer. I do not know your space limitations or requirements. Dimensions of the air handlers I suggested are on Trane's website. There may be other possibilities as well. I can say unequivocally that i would not want an air handler for your location without var speed blower, minimum high eff X-13 blower. I consider it unethical when one dealer bashes another brand but admittedly it's done all the time, maybe worse in HVAC...I find it interesting that you are taking these comments to heart when you say you know nothing about HVAC...

IMO

I consider it unethical when one dealer bashes another brand but admittedly it's done all the time, maybe worse in HVAC...

It's like going to a Ford dealer and believing him when he says that Chevy's are junk.

I think I heard that Trane/AmStd does better in coastal environments, or at least has an option for that.

I wouldn't increase the tonnage without a dang good reason. Oversizing is a bad thing.

I would pay extra for a variable speed blower, especially in FL where humidity is an issue.