Lennox XC15 vs XC16

[hehner]

I have 2 different contracters quoting me a complete Lennox system. Both quoted me on the G61V variable 2-stage furnace. However, company A quoted me on the XC15 a/c (Signature Collection) single stage A/C unit, company B quoted me on a XC16 2 stage (Elite Collection). Company B was about $500 more than company A. By looking at the Lennox website, the XC15 is the more expensive unit - is this because of the sound dampening?? The SEER rating when paired with the furnace for both of these looks like it would be virtually the same - is that accurate?? Any advice on which would be the better deal would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[tigerdunes]

hehner

what size condenser?

what area do you live?

what is electric and nat gas rate?

Post back and I will advise.

td
:)

[beenthere]

The cost of equipment, does not represent the cost of installing the equipment.

More things are involved with installing 2 stage equipment, then single stage.

[hehner]

Sorry, I should have been more specific
My existing unit is a 3 ton.
Company A quoted me a 3ton XC15
Company B quoted a 4ton XC16 - said based on my square footage (2350) 4ton would be appropriate.

The house is 2 stories, 14 years old. As you would expect, the upstairs does not cool quite as well with our current system. Our current furnace is a base model lennox installed by the home builder - 80% effecient single stage.

[beenthere]

Save your self and other contractors time.
Call some more, and ask them if they will do a Manual J load calc, if not, keep calling.
Your second floor may be more ductwork related then unit size related.

I have done houses roughly the same size as yours, that 3 tons is slightly over sized.

If you can't find any to do a load calc. If you pay the fee, you can use this one. http://hvaccomputer.com/talkref.asp

[tigerdunes]

hehner

Here are the ARI performance metrics on the best efficiencies.

XC15 system sgl stg 3 ton
1134140 Active OEM XC15 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC15-036-230* C33-43+TDR+TXV G61MPV-36B-070* 36200 12.70 15.50 CEE Tier 2

XC16 system two stg 4 ton
1003978 Active OEM XC16 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC16-048-230* C33-62C*+TDR+TXV G61MPV-60C-090* 48000 12.20 15.70 CEE Tier 1

Not a great deal of difference. Keep in mind if you go with the XC16, you will require a furnace that has a 4 ton rated blower.


I would like to know your area and electric, nat gas rates to see if dual fuel might have some advantage.

IMO
:)

numbers from the CEE HVAC Directory

[t527ed]

my cost difference between the 2 units you were quoted is not much different than your price.

my big concern would be taking out a 3 ton and installing a 4 ton. have the man j done.

xc16 is elite series model but it is 2 stage and 1 ton larger.
to compare the xc15 to an elite series it would be a xc14 .
2 stage signiture series would be the xc21.

[hehner]

I live in the Chicagoland area. We probably run the air 3 months total out of the year.

Last year at this time, gas rates were .85/therm, this year .99/therm
Electric rates are about .073/kWh in summer

[tdifan_2003]

A second the advise to get more contractors and discuss with them. You'll be amazed how much you'll have learned in 1-2 weeks of talking to contractors/managers/sales people and READING here!!!!

I am in your position (chicago area too) and I bet I know which is at least one of the companies you are dealing with (kinda has the hand of lennox here ;)).

Also, I could not even stress enough, as everybody on this forum, how much more important is WHO installs it than WHAT exactly brand/model you are getting. As you see, you are down to 2-3 models anyway. Not a HUGE difference, but it can potentially become a very big deal if it's not installed right.

Good luck!