better match?

[tundraotto]

ok since it has apparently been established that the Trane XB13 is a pile of crap. I would like to know which heatpump condenser unit to replace the XB13 with

the XR13 or the XL14i? is there a money/quality difference worthwhile b/w the two? considering the air handler is already intalled with very nice ductwork...

indoor (attic) air handler is a 2TGB3F36A1000A

Thanks in advance - I am putting the outside install on hold until I decide. Money is tight but for the Arkansas summer and a pregnant wife and 1 toddler first things first - I'll skimp on smoething else if I have to - OR do I just take the XB?

[BaldLoonie]

The XR13 is mechanically the same with full compressor cover and longer warranty.

The XR14 gets you a scroll but not 14 SEER with that air handler. With a scroll it will be quieter than either 13.

The XL14i gets you scroll, the funky top, swept wing fan blade for much quieter operation than the XR13. Also the indoor unit will get the XLi's 10 year parts warranty. It will not get 14 SEER with that air handler.

There will be a healthy premium $$$ for the XLi. Probably pretty good bump for the XR14 too. The XB for new home use can get much juicier in price.

[tundraotto]

Thanks a bunch for your help baldloonie. What would you guys do in my shoes? Replace the XB13 condenser with a XR13 or a XL14i?

[xv80satisfiedcust]

My XL14i is a reciprocating compressor I believe. I have no complaints about it. Although, I haven't had a chance to see how it would do at 17 degrees outdoor !

I shopped around. One company was able to install an XL14i heat pump for 27% more than another company's XR13 ac only (2 ton). Both quotes were R22 models.

[tundraotto]

well ended up with the xr13's they were only 3 steak dinners for two more expensive. The XL's were 35 steak dinners for two more than the xb's. Needless to say with the minimal efficiency gains due to the single speed airhandlers it was just not worth it. Too bad I would have loved to have the XL14i - but the airhandlers are already installed so I'll just have to live with it. I would have paid for the XL14i's if the air handlers were different....my screwup I guess.

[Edited by tundraotto on 05-20-2006 at 12:43 AM]

[tundraotto]

just for sh*&^s & giggles - do you think it would be possible to replace the airhandler (already installed) and get the XL14i? I am prepared to pay a little extra for the work involved but the ducts should be the same - correct? so it would only involve ripping out the 2 speed hadler and installing a new VSAH in its place or am I oversimplyfying things? I really like what I read about the XL's compared to the XR/XB's but just dont know when to let sleeping dogs lie....can you give me your professional opinion please. It will be greatly appreciated.

[xv80satisfiedcust]

Did they already install the outdoor unit?

With XL14i, AND variable speed air handler MIGHT give you 15 seer (300 dollar fed tax credit my Trane dlr said). Have your contractor or the pro's look up seer/hspf on the ARI website. (Or they could tell you how to. I did after my contractor gave me the indoor coil number).

I wouldn't say that the somewhat quieter and different style top of the XL14i should be your basis. It should be more on financial savings which depends on climate, house size (many factors). Give the pro's the specifics. They could estimate.

The reason I got the XL14 was to get very close to the highest HSPF for my xv80 furnace / air handler. The TITLE of my earlier post was not like I was "voting" or suggesting XL14i for you. Based on your air handler, it sounds like you made the best choice.

[fixitmanmc]

imho unless the contractor is willing to undo all this and give full credit for 0 steak dinners for two ((new construction; your family will really go to the top of the servcie list)) you made the right choice considering 1.5 seer and 1 hspf delta in performance and a heifer;

[tundraotto]

no outdoor units are installed yet as i sent the xb's back.... the dealer was cool about it. the tgb air hadlers are installed in the attic and the ductwork. what do you think?