BRYANT or TRANE?

[CLL]

Hello. I am trying to make a decision, and I could use some objective advice. I am looking at 2 AC units for my home.

Option 1: Trane XB-300-030, 21/2 ton central air conditioner, 13 seer.
10 year compressor warranty, 5 year parts warranty, 1 year free service.

Option 2: Bryant 113 ANA030, 2.5 tons, 13 - 14 seer.
10 year parts, labor and compressor warranty.

According to Consumer Reports, the Bryant has slightly fewer problems than the Trane but I can find a lot of info on the internet about the Trane but nothing really on the Bryant. I thought I would come to the PROS!

Thank you!!

[BaldLoonie]

Dealers being equal I think I'd go the Bryant route. The XB300 is a real cheapo. Our supplier sent them back for rework due to noise. They use a Chinese microchannel outdoor coil, no louvered cabinet that has been GE/Trane's hallmark for decades. Same compressors but no rotolocks to attach them, another hallmark. Might ask the dealer about stepping up to the XB13, much nicer unit.

The Bryant 113A is comparable to the basic Carrier. No frills but personally I'd suggest it over the XB300. Sounds like the Bryant dealer is including a 10 year labor warranty. Good idea, ask if it is his coverage or Bryant's.

[mark beiser]

To be honest, we are an American Standard dealer but do not offer the XB300 product ever. If I need a smaller footprint unit for an application, I go to another brand.

The XB300 may be just fine, but it is manufactured for AS/Trane by Danfoss in China, and uses a Danfoss compressor that I believe is also made in China.

The XB300 also has an unusual charging procedure that is very critical to get right.

[catmanacman]

The xb300 is a piece of crap

[catmanacman]

If your looking at a budget unit the xb13 or xb14 is a good unit

[BaldLoonie]

The XB300 uses Climatuff compressors, just no rotolocks.

[duckman06]

To be honest, we are an American Standard dealer but do not offer the XB300 product ever. If I need a smaller footprint unit for an application, I go to another brand.

The XB300 may be just fine, but it is manufactured for AS/Trane by Danfoss in China, and uses a Danfoss compressor that I believe is also made in China.

The XB300 also has an unusual charging procedure that is very critical to get right.

Agreed!!! I have never sold a xb300 for many reasons. The main 3 are charging this unit is harder due to set up, the looks and sound don't reflect train to me, and for a little, I mean little amount of $ you can get a XB13 model. The XB 13 is a proving unit.

You might ask Trane Dealer to quote a XB 13 with 10 year labor warranty. If you have the unit matched with a Trane furnace/coil or air handler you would get 10 year parts, coil and compressor warranty.

[mark beiser]

The XB300 uses Climatuff compressors, just no rotolocks.

Trane calls the compressors in all of their residential units "Climatuff" compressors, regardless if it is one of the recip compressors they manufacture themselves, a Copeland scroll with orange paint, or a Danfoss scroll with orange paint.

[BaldLoonie]

True, but we were told by our very knowledgable tech rep that the comps in the XB300/7M were the same as used elsewhere, just no rotolocks. The big old recip is used in smaller sizes, just like with XB/XR.

[SkyHeating]

As a Trane dealer I also only offer the xb300 in extreme circumstances, plus the Bryant has abetted warranty. But most importantly which contractor do you trust most?

[mark beiser]

True, but we were told by our very knowledgable tech rep that the comps in the XB300/7M were the same as used elsewhere, just no rotolocks. The big old recip is used in smaller sizes, just like with XB/XR.

When they first came out I was told by a questionably knowledgeable tech rep that they would all have Danfoss scrolls, but looking at the specs it seems they use a recip for the 1.5 through 3 ton units, and a scroll for the 3.5 through 5 ton units, so my info was definitely bad.

I'll have to take a look down in one sometime to see if they are using their ginormous recips, or something else.

[BaldLoonie]

COMPRESSOR; RECIP, DP25A-AA1-LB, 2.1 TON, 200-230/60/1, R410A, BRAZED-STUB TUBE

That DP25 etc. part # looks like a Climatuff recip part #. Just no rotolock. Picture in webcats shows the big old monster, not your usual tin can like a Copeland or Bristol.

[CLL]

Hope I reply to this correctly. Thank you for your response. Sorry it took so long to reply. Couldn't find my ID and password. I will ask about stepping up. And the Bryant guy said it was a manufacturer warranty.

Dealers being equal I think I'd go the Bryant route. The XB300 is a real cheapo. Our supplier sent them back for rework due to noise. They use a Chinese microchannel outdoor coil, no louvered cabinet that has been GE/Trane's hallmark for decades. Same compressors but no rotolocks to attach them, another hallmark. Might ask the dealer about stepping up to the XB13, much nicer unit.

The Bryant 113A is comparable to the basic Carrier. No frills but personally I'd suggest it over the XB300. Sounds like the Bryant dealer is including a 10 year labor warranty. Good idea, ask if it is his coverage or Bryant's.