Trane XV95 or Carrier Infinity 96

I live in the tri-valley in California and thinking about replacing my HVAC unit. it is a single story about 1600 sq ft. It is a upflow system with all the duct work in the attic. Both of the companies has high marks and is similar in price about $200 difference. Any Suggestions?

I am replacing the HVAC system and the Ductwork with R-8

Option 1
Trane XV95 -
Trane A/c Evaporator Coil
Trane XB300 13 SEER condenser - 3 Ton

Option 2:
Carrier Infinity 96 -
Carrier Evaporator coils
Carrier 14 SEER Condenser - 24ABC6 - 3 Ton

The XV95 is a great machine but the XB300 is not. I'd boot that option in favor of the XR13 which likely will get 14 SEER with the 95.

The Infinity 96 is equally nice and can use the Infinity control. The 24ABC6 is a basic 16 SEER unit so a long way from the XB300.

How did they determine A/C size? Is this desert climate? 3 tons for 1600 sq ft is a lot. Be sure they are using R8 flex ducts. That helps keep attic heat out of the ducts.

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Originally Posted by BaldLoonie

The XV95 is a great machine but the XB300 is not. I'd boot that option in favor of the XR13 which likely will get 14 SEER with the 95.

The Infinity 96 is equally nice and can use the Infinity control. The 24ABC6 is a basic 16 SEER unit so a long way from the XB300.

How did they determine A/C size? Is this desert climate? 3 tons for 1600 sq ft is a lot. Be sure they are using R8 flex ducts. That helps keep attic heat out of the ducts.

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Thanks. The original AC was 2.5 Tons and original to the house in 1977. They calculated 600 sq ft for each ton and factored in that we had high ceiling. The weather is about 85-95 in the summer and maybe 10-15 days out of the year reaches over 105.

Many times, the ducts in the house aren't big enough for the house let alone going bigger. So just throwing 3 tons at it may not accomplish much.

Duct Layout improvement and some building envelope sealing would likely enable you to use a 2.5 Ton unit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dan sw fl

Duct Layout improvement and some building envelope sealing would likely enable you to use a 2.5 Ton unit.

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Thanks! I am replacing my current ducts with R8 flex. Out of the 4 contractors i saw 2 quoted me with 2.5 tons and 2 quoted 3 tons to factor in the high ceiling. I know both are great systems but not sure to go with which one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ET914

I live in the tri-valley in California
it is a single story about 1600 sq ft.
It is a upflow system with all the duct in attic

I am replacing the HVAC system and the Ductwork with R-8

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I don't SEE the layout.

Has anyone installed an UPflow in an attic?
Seems rather rare.