Lennox vs Trane proposal final decision

[Jake1980]

Here are the final proposals, both are reputable companies so my decision is between these two:

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD ASK OR GET A COMPARISON??? both can start right away.

Lennox
Signature G60V furnace
XC15 AC
3.5 TON
Main trunk line with WRAPPED insulation
26-28 gauge sheet metal that they will tape at seams as well as standard fitting
air cleaner
r8 flex
3 returns (1 in back den, 1 in hallway, 1 master bedroom)
4"-6" collar to attach flex
13 Seer but can upgrade to 14 SEER

Trane
TUD1C1ooA948 (100,000 BTU)
4TTR3048
4 TON
Main trunk line WRAPPED insulation
24 gauge standard fitting (might tape dont remember)
wasn't keen on air cleaner
2 or 3 returns (1 in back den, 1 or 2 in hallway)
8"-12" collar to flex
13 Seer

[Jake1980]

:confused:Looking for input on the two different proposals

[BaldLoonie]

It would help to compare like products.

The G60V competes with the XV80, not the basic XR80 the Trane dealer is quoting. The XC15 is a whisper quiet 15/16 SEER unit, the XR13 isn't that quiet, has recip compressor not scroll and is only 13 SEER.

SO, obviously the Lennox is much nicer equipment. But the price tag should be considerably higher. You'll have to decide if you want the ultimate or a basic system.

[coo tech]

They are exactly that two, different proposals. If the price is the same I would say your getting more for your money with the (cough, cough) Lennox.

[tigerdunes]

Jake

First of all, I don't like 80% AFUE eff gas furnaces unless paired with a heat pump.

But putting that aside for the moment, the Lennox equipment is better and more high end than the Trane.

The Lennox furnace is 80% eff, two stg, variable speed blower. You did not list the complete model number with the size.
The Trane furnace is the XR80, 80% eff, single stg, conventional blower.

The Lennox AC15 is high end sgl stg 3.5 ton. The performance numbers though are not what I would expect. Very quiet.
The Trane is their XR13 model, mid to low end but 4 ton.

what evap coil has been quoted for each system?
what stat has been quoted for each system?
what mdl air cleaner is being quoted?

you want the ductwork both supply and returned wrapped with R8 insulation.

my major suggestion for your area/climate would be to change the AC condenser to the HP condenser model. Drop the XC15 AC and go with the XP14 HP-you get the HP with superior performance numbers, but it will not be as quiet. Check the Lennox site for details and the ARI/CEE directory for the performance metrics.

IMO
:)

http://www.lennox.com/products/list.asp?type=6

http://www.cee1.org/

[petra]

Did both contractors do a heat loss and gain on your house? Properly sized equipment can help with the comfort and efficiency.

[geodude]

Here are the final proposals, both are reputable companies so my decision is between these two:

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD ASK OR GET A COMPARISON??? both can start right away.

Lennox
Signature G60V furnace
XC15 AC
3.5 TON
Main trunk line with WRAPPED insulation
26-28 gauge sheet metal that they will tape at seams as well as standard fitting
air cleaner
r8 flex
3 returns (1 in back den, 1 in hallway, 1 master bedroom)
4"-6" collar to attach flex
13 Seer but can upgrade to 14 SEER

Trane
TUD1C1ooA948 (100,000 BTU)
4TTR3048
4 TON
Main trunk line WRAPPED insulation
24 gauge standard fitting (might tape dont remember)
wasn't keen on air cleaner
2 or 3 returns (1 in back den, 1 or 2 in hallway)
8"-12" collar to flex
13 Seer

Not a even comparison. Look at tranes xl 15i units and TDH xv95 or the TDDR xv80 furnaces, they would be a better match for comparing.

[beachtech]

Not a even comparison. Look at tranes xl 15i units and TDH xv95 or the TDDR xv80 furnaces, they would be a better match for comparing.

i agree!!!

[Jake1980]

Jake

First of all, I don't like 80% AFUE eff gas furnaces unless paired with a heat pump.
I am also using this with my radiant heat. So this furnace is a secondary unit for now.




The Lennox furnace is 80% eff, two stg, variable speed blower. You did not list the complete model number with the size.
G60UHV 60C-110
XC15-042



what evap coil has been quoted for each system?
what stat has been quoted for each system?
what mdl air cleaner is being quoted?.

Coil: CH33-50/60something (couldn't read letter either C or L)2F
I don't know what stat? explain
Healthy Climate HC16 for the air cleaner



you want the ductwork both supply and returned wrapped with R8 insulation..
r6 sleeve for the runs off the main duct
r5 for the wrap insulation



my major suggestion for your area/climate would be to change the AC condenser to the HP condenser model. Drop the XC15 AC and go with the XP14 HP-you get the HP with superior performance numbers, but it will not be as quiet. Check the Lennox site for details and the ARI/CEE directory for the performance metrics...

Lennox guy did the Manual J

Thanks everyone for the input.
Jake

[Jake1980]

I was concerned with the diff in quotes of 3.5 ton vs 4 ton.
I had 4 quotes that used 4 ton and only the Lennox guy used 3.5 ton.

Should I be concerned that 3.5 ton is not enough. Currently we have a 3ton and will be adding another 300 sq ft. to the space for cooling..

[Jake1980]

I was concerned with the diff in quotes of 3.5 ton vs 4 ton.
I had 4 quotes that used 4 ton and only the Lennox guy used 3.5 ton.

Should I be concerned that 3.5 ton is not enough. Currently we have a 3ton and will be adding another 300 sq ft. to the space for cooling..

[tinknocker service tech]

I was concerned with the diff in quotes of 3.5 ton vs 4 ton.
I had 4 quotes that used 4 ton and only the Lennox guy used 3.5 ton.

Should I be concerned that 3.5 ton is not enough. Currently we have a 3ton and will be adding another 300 sq ft. to the space for cooling..



if the 3ton unit has been cooling the house all this time then no you should not be concerned. 300 sf being added and another 1/2 ton should be fine.

I would tend to think a full ton over could leave you with humidity control issues. If they did a load calc then they are sure of what you need and not over sizing to cover thier guessing. Sounds like they trust thier numbers

[Jake1980]

if the 3ton unit has been cooling the house all this time then no you should not be concerned. 300 sf being added and another 1/2 ton should be fine.

I would tend to think a full ton over could leave you with humidity control issues. If they did a load calc then they are sure of what you need and not over sizing to cover thier guessing. Sounds like they trust thier numbers

True calculation of new space is 425 (just measured) It was a space that was there but we were cooling it with a wall/window unit, because the 3 ton never would cool it down. We now are adding duct to it.
I guess Im nervouse to put all this money down and find out I should have gotten the bigger one.
Thanks,
Jake

[neophytes serendipity]

Did anyone do a load calculation?

[Jake1980]

Did anyone do a load calculation?

he said he did a manual J
and when he designs the ductwork he will do a sizing or I guess a load calculation

[tigerdunes]

Jake

a couple of questions.

what is your fuel source for your radiant heat?

what is your electric rate?

You may want to consider dropping the 80% gas furnace in lieu of a high eff heat pump system with var speed air handler. I would expect the operating cost of the HP would be very favorable over an 80% furnace.

I am attaching a fuel comparison calculator.

IMO
Good Luck
:)

http://www.warmair.com/html/fuel_cost_comparisons.htm

[Jake1980]

Jake

a couple of questions.

what is your fuel source for your radiant heat?

what is your electric rate?

[/url]

Fuel source is gas
I don't know what my electric rate is? How do I find this out?

[tigerdunes]

jake

for electric rate, check your utility's website or give them a call in the morning.

IMO
:)

[tigerdunes]

jake

for electric rate, check your utility's website or give them a call in the morning.

also, keep in mind that if you go up in either AC or HP tonnage, your ductwork may need modifications.

IMO
:)