Trane XB13 + 2TEC = Good System OR just bottom of the line?

I am in the process of getting quotes to replace my good old York 4 ton (15+ years old). I am on a VERY tight budget so I am limited to entry level sytems.

I have gotten a few quotes on the Trane XB13 Condenser (2TTB3048A) and 2TEC Air Handler (2TEC3F48A1000A).

I am about to pull the trigger on this system but I have read mixed reviews on the XB13 being too loud (which is of no concern to me because it will be located too far away from the home to hear anyway) and not reliable/robust, is this true? Also, how do the 2TEC air handlers compare to other air handlers?

Am I better off just going with a different brand that might have a better system for around the same cost?

Thanks for any input and/or guidance.

there is nothing wrong with that setup. The condenser will be no louder than what you have, and the a/h shouldn't be louder unless you have an old belt drive motor(direct drive always sound louder IMO)

for a tight budget they are a great system.

Trane doesn't make a bottom of the line system, just lower cost

The XB13 is a good condensor. It is Trane's entry level model, but the compresor in that unit has proven itself for 40 years. Another plus is that the coils are very easy to clean, lending itself to longer life and efficiency. The air handlers all use the same case and coils, just different motors. If you are worried about repairs ask your salesperson about the 10 year extended warranty. Its not a lot of money, and in the long run you will usually come out ahead.

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Originally Posted by Joe Harper

The XB13 is a good condensor. It is Trane's entry level model, but the compresor in that unit has proven itself for 40 years. Another plus is that the coils are very easy to clean, lending itself to longer life and efficiency. The air handlers all use the same case and coils, just different motors. If you are worried about repairs ask your salesperson about the 10 year extended warranty. Its not a lot of money, and in the long run you will usually come out ahead.

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:D I agree a very good basic system, but why not a heatump?:(

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

jimj, please excuse the stoopid question...but what is a heatpump?

In all the years I have lived in Miami I have NEVER used a heater...we get maybe a day or too of cold weather ;)

Also, do you guys know if the 2TEC3F48A1000A has the Vortica blower?

Thanks again

Have someone bid an American Standard system. Same equipmnent,should be a bit less cost ,as they don't have as big an advertising expense.

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Originally Posted by the dangling wrangler

Have someone bid an American Standard system. Same equipmnent,should be a bit less cost ,as they don't have as big an advertising expense.

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Good advice, Wrangler. The guy is on a very tight budget (with the word "very" in all caps).

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Originally Posted by treedog

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

jimj, please excuse the stoopid question...but what is a heatpump?

In all the years I have lived in Miami I have NEVER used a heater...we get maybe a day or too of cold weather ;)

Also, do you guys know if the 2TEC3F48A1000A has the Vortica blower?

Thanks again

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If you NEVER need heat forget the heat pump. If you think you would ever like heat, now is the time for very few additional $’s. The model would be a 2TWB3048A1000A. It matches up to the air handler you have specked.

No the 2TEC air handlers are not Vortica blower, the 2TEH air handlers are.:D

Once again thanks for the replies. I was not aware that Trane and American Standard were the same...I will try to get some quotes for them too.

Jim....Regarding the Vortica blower, I just looked at the Trane website and the 4 TON 2TEC has an asterisk by it and the asterisk means Vortica blower...could this chart just be wrong or maybe that is an option or something?

Here is a link to the page: http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...dlers/TEC.aspx

2TEC AIR HANDLERS
Model Nominal Cooling
Capacity (BTUH) Nominal Tons Height
(in.) Width
(in.) Depth
(in.)
2TEC3F18A1000A 18,000 1.5 43 21.5 21
2TEC3F24A1000A 24,000 2.0 43 21.5 21
2TEC3F30A1000A 30,000 2.5 45 21.5 21
2TEC3F36A1000A 36,000 3.0 45 21.5 21
2TEC3F42A1000A 42,000 3.5 51.75 23.5 21
* 2TEC3F48A1000A 48,000 4.0 57.9 23.5 21
* 2TEC3F60A1000A 60,000 5.0 57.9 23.5 21

* Vortica Blower

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Originally Posted by treedog

Once again thanks for the replies. I was not aware that Trane and American Standard were the same...I will try to get some quotes for them too.

Jim....Regarding the Vortica blower, I just looked at the Trane website and the 4 TON 2TEC has an asterisk by it and the asterisk means Vortica blower...could this chart just be wrong or maybe that is an option or something?

Here is a link to the page: http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...dlers/TEC.aspx

2TEC AIR HANDLERS
Model Nominal Cooling
Capacity (BTUH) Nominal Tons Height
(in.) Width
(in.) Depth
(in.)
2TEC3F18A1000A 18,000 1.5 43 21.5 21
2TEC3F24A1000A 24,000 2.0 43 21.5 21
2TEC3F30A1000A 30,000 2.5 45 21.5 21
2TEC3F36A1000A 36,000 3.0 45 21.5 21
2TEC3F42A1000A 42,000 3.5 51.75 23.5 21
* 2TEC3F48A1000A 48,000 4.0 57.9 23.5 21
* 2TEC3F60A1000A 60,000 5.0 57.9 23.5 21

* Vortica Blower

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:o Sorry you’re correct, the Vortica is used in the 4 and 5 ton .

Is the Vortica blower much better than their standard blower?

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Originally Posted by treedog

Is the Vortica blower much better than their standard blower?

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:)That’s Trane’s claim, this series of air handler (2TEC) replaced the old TWE-P series. The 4 and 5 ton are now two pieces which really helps with an attic install. I’m also told that the Vortica blower is what allowed the 5 ton cabinet to be shrunk in length almost 5 inches.:D