HVAC quote, rebate, questions

[sweating_in_AZ]

Hello,

I live in Arizona, and my heat pump system just turned 16 years old. It has a slight R-22 leak, and I'd rather not try to fix such an old system. I've been looking to replace the whole system before it just outright dies. I've gotten some quotes already, but I still have a ton of questions. Mainly, I'd like your input on this one specific quote I got for a Trane system.

This was for a Trane XR14 system. The HVAC guy told me that the right system for my house was:

XR14 3.5 ton heat pump (4TWR4042C)
4TEE 3 ton air handler (4TEE3F39)

The guy said that it would NOT qualify for the tax credit, which was confirmed by me checking on the Trane website. My questions are then:

Does this Trane system (specs) make sense to you guys?

Is the 3 ton air handler correct for the 3.5 ton heat pump?

If I upgrade the air handler to the 5 ton unit, I would qualify for the tax credit...the HVAC guy recommended against this. What are your thoughts on the 5T handler? Is there any other way to make this system qualify?

The other comment I had was relating to price. I know I'm not supposed to put the specific quote prices here, but my question was more generic. I've noticed that the quotes I've received here in Arizona are higher than people are paying in other parts of the country, even for (what looked to me to be) similar equipment. Is there an equipment difference to account for this difference or is it just a premium required for AZ residents?

[beenthere]

Usually. A smaller coil is used when you want to remove more humidity.

Price is an area specific thing.

What it cost n your area, is what it cost.

[sweating_in_AZ]

Usually. A smaller coil is used when you want to remove more humidity.

Being that I live in Phoenix, AZ, I'm not too concerned with removing humidity. I'm concerned that the 3T air handler/coil will not allow me to get the full benefit of the 3.5T compressor sitting outside.

What about the 5T air handler? Would that be a good or bad thing to do? I'm of course most concerned with system performance and comfort, but if I would gladly trade a 5% reduction in performance/optimization if I can qualify for the tax credit.

[RyanHughes]

The 39 is not an acceptable match for that unit. It was for the older revision of the XR14, but not for the newest XR14c which you've been quoted. The 65 air handler is a match for various 3.5-5 ton outdoor units. Air handlers don't really have a tonnage, and this air handler would qualify your system for the tax credit. Going with a larger coil in your case probably will not be a problem since humidity control is not as important. The airflow can be adjusted for the home's needs. The 5 ton air handler is 26" wide x 63" tall, so physical space may or may not be a problem. Curious to know why your HVAC guy recommended against using a Trane-approved air handler to match the XR14 outside and get you the tax credit.

[sweating_in_AZ]

Your post jogged my memory, Ryan. The physical dimensions of the larger 5ton unit may be why he recommended against it. I remember him now mentioning the dimensions of the air handler he recommended, and how it would make stuffing it through my attic hatch much more easy.

What about the 39 makes it a poor match? What is the difference between teh XR14 and the XR14C?

[RyanHughes]

The 39 is a poor match because it's not a rated match by Trane or AHRI. So basically it's not approved to be used with that outdoor unit and would probably void the warranty. The XR14c is an improved model performance/efficiency wise that I like to think of as an "XL15i without the fancy top." The ratings between the two are nearly identical (XL15i and XR14c). The 4TEE3F49B1 is an approved match @ 12.1 EER/14.5 SEER/8.9 HSPF but is 26" wide. The 4TEE3F48A1 is the same size as the 39 quoted and is rated @ 11.7 EER/14 SEER/8.2 HSPF.

Both the 39 and 65 air handlers are 2-piece cabinets. So I'm not sure one would be much more difficult than the other to get up the attic unless 2.5" in width makes a difference, or 5" or so in height does.

[sweating_in_AZ]

Thanks for all the info, Ryan. I think I'll give the guy a call and ask him about this.

[sweating_in_AZ]

One more question....how can I check if a system is a 'rated match' by either Trane or AHRI?

[RyanHughes]

Sometimes Trane lists them in the product data, but you can find them by plugging the model numbers in here: http://www.ahridirectory.org/ahriDirectory/pages/hp/defaultSearch.aspx.

Put in 4TWR4042C1 as the model number for outdoor unit and just 4TEE3F for the indoor unit, and it will list rated approved matches. There are 4.