A/C unit died on 12/31 - need help with recomendations

[Woodshed]

I live in SW Florida (Bonita Springs) and one of my A/C units died (the hot shorted to ground in the compressir). It was a Rheem, 10 SEER unit. I am going to replace the A/C unit as well as the air handler with a Trane XL16. My other A/C and air handler was replaced four years ago with a XL15 using R22. The existing XL15 has the two bulb UV setup. The air handler for this unit is located in the attic in an enclosed room so to speak.

The air handler that I am replacing with the XL16 is located in the garage hanging from the ceiling.

My questions are:

1. Is it necessary/recomended to install a UV setup in the new air handler or will semi annual cleaning and decent air filters do the job. Our household is two adults and no children. No allergies and no asthma.

2. The Rheem unit that is being replaced with the Trane XL16 has a HRU. The Trane unit will be using R410 refrigerant. Should I have the installer replace the HRU with a new HRU as well as replace the existing refrigerant lines to the HRU or should I pass on this option. I have read the two articles from Florida Universtiy and FPL as well as the postings from Coolguy. If the annual savings is $70.00 and the unit costs $700.00, I'm having a hard time justifying the 10 year payback. The Two Rheem units lasted 10 and 12 years each, so if I'm going to replace the Trane units in 10 to 12 years, it seems like the HRU would be a wash. Also, my water heater will probably be replaced at least once in that time period and each replacement would probably be more efficient by then.

Thanx in adavance for the help,

Rick

[drsmith012]

Just have your installer design into the ductwork a big two inch (or four) thick filter rack and put a merv 11 in there. The bigger it is the longer it will last. I am not a fan of the UV lights but I also don't live in FL. You may need them to keep mold at bay.

[dan sw fl]

I live in SW Florida (Bonita Springs) and one of my A/C units died (the hot shorted to ground in the compressor).

... to replace the A/C unit as well as the air handler with a Trane XL16.

The existing XL15 has the two bulb UV setup. The air handler for this unit is located in the attic in an enclosed room so to speak.

The air handler that I am replacing with the XL16 is located in the garage hanging from the ceiling.

My questions are:

1. Is it necessary/recomended to install a UV setup in the new air handler or will semi annual cleaning and decent air filters do the job. Our household is two adults and no children. No allergies and no asthma.

2. I have read the two articles from Florida Universtiy and FPL as well as the postings from Coolguy. If the annual savings is $70.00 and the unit costs $700.00, I'm having a hard time justifying the 10 year payback.

Rick

1. No, with No allergies.
Small amount of Outside Air could be beneficial with the right set-up.
2. Correct, not economical.

I am next door ( see my profile) if you need a more specific review.