Trane vs. Carrier or others

[Techgal]

Good Morning,

Well our 12 year old heat pump is on it's last leg, and we need to replace it. We started looking at Carrier systems about a year ago, but wanted opinions on Trane or any other descent systems.

We live in West Central Florida, so we want to make sure we are purchasing a good, efficient, and reliable system for our climate, but don't want to buy a Mercedes if we can get the same from from a Cadillac...if you know what I mean. We were told that we need a 3.5 to 4 ton system and somewhere between 14.5 and 16 SEER. Would defitinely like to purchase a system that is eligible for the government tax rebate too.

Any help is truly appreciated.

Thanks!

[21degrees]

Chosse a company that you can trust and gives you everything in writting, look at warranties and professionalism. Appearance, promtness, listening ears, not just telling you what you want to hear and service hours. Carrier and Trane are pretty equal.

[dash]

2,3,and 4 ton Infinity 25HNA9 series will get the tax credit and provide superior dehumidification,which is key to indoor comfort here in Florida.

The Comfort and Performance models will too,and can be installed with the Infinity air handler and control.

Use the search function on this site to see what other home owners think of their Infinity.

To be clear the Infinity outdoor unit has a two stage compressor ,the other two are single stage.


I think you find Carrier has more choices,good,better,best,then Trane for units that get the tax credit.

[Techgal]

This is great info, and quite helpful. Thanks so much for the quick response!!

[Techgal]

Thanks Dash...I am assuming that the 2 stage is both better and more expensive. Can you tell me the specific benefits of 2 stage vs. single stage? Just want to know if it will be worth the added expense to get a 2 stage system.

[dash]

It will run longer ,in low,this provides more even temps. room to room,and better filtration of the air.

Control can be set for desired indoor humidity,system will reduce air flow to try and meet this,plus it can "cool to dehumidify",running in low to reduce the humidity,even to the point of cooling a couple of degrees below set point.This usually occur in mild ,wet/rainy weather,or at night when it's humid.

It's quieter inside and out when in low stage.

Customers are amazed by the difference in comfort,often raising the stat a degree or more,as it feels cooler when the air is drier.Reported benefits,no sticky bed sheets,bath towels dry faster,feel cooler.only negative reported ,have to water the indoor plants more often.

Many brands can offer this in one way or another,the Infinity Control System is superior,IMHO.

[Techgal]

Thanks again Dash....you have been a great help. Now I feel that I can make a more informed choice.

Don't suppose you have an opinion on air duct cleaning..our house was built in 1957, and it always seems to be dusty inside, even right after cleaning. Was considering having the duct work inspected and cleaned. Any thoughts?

[dash]

I'm not impressed with duct cleanig.If there's something bad,mols,etc., after testing to prove it's bad,then okay.They can't get 100% of the stuff out,so is worth it,maybe.

I'd have them look for duct leaks,and seal if needed. www.aeroseal.com

Plus buy a very good wholehouse filter,or even an Infinity Air Purifier.

Filter should be attached to or near the air handler,to catch anything that may come thru return duct leakage.Minimum merv 8 (industry rating,higher # is better)or better.

Most common source of dust is an older or defective vacuum cleaner.You need one with a HEPA filter on it's exhaust ,to prevent putting the smallest particles back in the air.

[Techgal]

Again...Thank you. I appreciate the time you took to answer all of my questions.