York --> Lennox or Trane?

[4LeggedRunner]

Hi everyone.

I have a 15 year-old York HE 2 ton heat pump system for first floor only (approx. 1400sq ft) that is in need of replacement. Located in PA, my significant usage is during winter, with little usage during summer. I have decided to go single stage with non-variable air exchange. I am torn between Lennox and Trane.

Stats:

Trane - XR13 w/ 3F24A and BAYHTR1410BRKA coil.
Lennox - XP14 W 26UH-024

Lennox is about $XXX higher in price. I have to say I am leaning towards the Lennox. A couple of questions:

1. Is the Trane a scroll? I cannot confirm that it is.
2. HVAC comp-A provided me a Trane quote that looks like they are buidling in 10-year UNLIMITED warranty at a $XXX premium over HVAC comp-B for the exact same product. Does anyone think that the 10-year unlimited is worth the dollars?
3. York has a failed discharge muffler resulting in freon loss. Yorkguard is installed on the system. Is this a salvageable porduct or is it a loss? I am not against a repair. Is this a catastrauphic failure?
4. Is the Lennox worth the difference in price?

Hopefully I have provided enough necessary info. My thanks to all who take the time to reply.

M

[RyanHughes]

Insufficient model numbers to tell if the Trane is R-22 or R-410A refrigerant. The Lennox uses R-410A. The Trane won't have a scroll at 2 tons, but I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor. Either brand would be fine by me. Any reason why you're avoiding variable speed inside? No mention of heat strips included for the Lennox package (would be ECB29-10CB I believe).

[4LeggedRunner]

You are right - my quote for the Lennox does not mention the strips. It is the same company that indicates 10kW strips for the Trane.

I am sort of suprised by the reciprocating compressor not being of concern. I would expect better life from the scroll.

Since it is a two-zone home, we do not use the first floor level (the level we we need to replace) as much. We turn the first floor down during the night and during the workday. Summertime sees little use on the first floor. I am trying to keep my cost down and avoiding the variable speed. What am I missing by not utilizing the variable speed indoors?

Any input on the York?

Thanks,

M

[RyanHughes]

Scroll is preferred by many, but that's not to say the recip won't do a good job. Plenty of reciprocating compressors out there that have done their job. Carrier's popular Infinity 16 heat pump uses a reciprocating compressor. Trane uses them in the lower-tonnage units in some models.

The variable speed is more efficient, provides more comfort by running at a low speed with the fan on 24/7, can compensate for slightly deficient ductwork by varying its speed, and can control humidity better if configured to do so. With your situations, most of these don't apply to you most likely.

Sorry, I don't know what YorkGuard is.

[4LeggedRunner]

YorkGuard is a control mechanism that seems to shut the compressor system down if there is a loss of pressure.

[Kevin O'Neill]

I would avoid setback for a heat pump. Why not higher efficiency? Is your electric rate that low?

[RyanHughes]

YorkGuard is a control mechanism that seems to shut the compressor system down if there is a loss of pressure.

So it's just a low pressure switch? Virtually all new units have a low pressure switch, and some have a high pressure switch.

[4LeggedRunner]

I would avoid setback for a heat pump. Why not higher efficiency? Is your electric rate that low?

Sorry, but what do you mean by "setback"?

[4LeggedRunner]

So it's just a low pressure switch? Virtually all new units have a low pressure switch, and some have a high pressure switch.

Yes, but it is a 15 year old York system I am replacing. Or trying to decide if I want to replace.

[RyanHughes]

Thought you were asking if you should transfer the YorkGuard to the new unit. At 15 years old and being a heat pump, I would consider replacing before repairing. Discharge mufflers can be replaced, but it would require quite a bit of labor that would be costly (taking apart the unit, vacuuming down system, replacing muffer, brazing the copper, leak testing, etc.), and it's only a matter of time before something else goes wrong in a 15-year-old unit.

[4LeggedRunner]

So to understand this: The Trane XP13 w/410a IS NOT a scroll, but rather a recip compressor?

M

[RyanHughes]

In the 2 ton size yes. Scrolls in 3-5 ton.

[4LeggedRunner]

Insufficient model numbers to tell if the Trane is R-22 or R-410A refrigerant. The Lennox uses R-410A. The Trane won't have a scroll at 2 tons, but I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor. Either brand would be fine by me. Any reason why you're avoiding variable speed inside? No mention of heat strips included for the Lennox package (would be ECB29-10CB I believe).

Heat strips = supplemental heat, correct? So air handlers DO NOT always include heater/heat strips? That is a required item that needs to be part of the estimate?

M

[RyanHughes]

Yes air handlers, unless ordered with factory-installed heat strips, don't come with them; they are field-installed and ordered separately. Supplemental heat is another name for them. You'll want to have this in the estimate.

[Freezeking2000]

Your York was a recip and it made it 15 years. Do not think to much about the compressor. How about another York?