Need help in deciding between Trane and Rheem...

[TomDx]

I have to make a decision between Rheem and Trane within the next day or so and I'd appreciate any feedback.

I have a townhouse built in 1988 that still has the original Rheem furnace and A/C (2 ton I think). This is now a rental unit, so due to conversion expense, I'm stuck with an 80% unit. I've had 4 estimates (including NJ PSE&G) and no one has done a load calc... all say I don't need it. Closest thing that was done is 2 contractors took measurements of the downstairs (said they didn't need to go upstairs). I don't have time for more estimates, so I've decided based on who I think is the best contractor (A+ BBB). These numbers included all costs, including permits (Trane is approx $60 more then Rheem)...

TRANE
XL80 2-Stage (TUD2B060A9362A)
XB13 2.5 ton Condenser (4TTB3030E1000A)
XB series Coil (4FXCB036AC3CAA)

Rheem

3 ton 13 Seer Cased Coil (RCFL-HM3617CC)
2.5 ton Value Series 13 Seer Condensing Unit (13AJA30A01)
RGPQ 2-Stage (75,000 BTU)

Note: Furnaces are not variable speed... the extra cost is not justified in a rental unit.

Thanks

Tom

[tighttommy]

The AOP forums/Ask Our Pro's forums, are restricted to only Pro members that have been vetted by the AOPC to post advise, questions or commentary in a thread created by someone else. You need to apply for your vetting/* if you wish to participate in threads in the AOP forums. Please apply to the AOPC today, thank you.

You can find the rules for posting and qualifications here.

[TomDx]

both are the same 10 years (5 if not registered in 90 days) and life time on the heat exchanger. 1 year labor from the Contractor.

[Timber]

Bump up one notch from the value series condensing unit. Rheem.

[TomDx]

Bump up one notch from the value series condensing unit. Rheem.

Timber, would you be able to direct me to a specific unit?

Thanks

[catmanacman]

Either would be fine ,as i am more familiar with Trane that would be my choice .i would add a 5 inch media filter being its a rental , that way the indoor unit will stay clean also would get the 10 year part and lobor warranty on yhe system

[catmanacman]

Either would be fine ,as i am more familiar with Trane that would be my choice .i would add a 5 inch media filter being its a rental , that way the indoor unit will stay clean also would get the 10 year part and labor warranty on the system

[second opinion]

Either would be fine ,as i am more familiar with Trane that would be my choice .i would add a 5 inch media filter being its a rental , that way the indoor unit will stay clean also would get the 10 year part and labor warranty on the system

You're stuttering again.

[BaldLoonie]

Rheem A/C is a "dry" unit meant to be filled with R22. Did you mean 13AJN low end 410 unit?

[precision hvac]

Ask for a quote on a Rheem RANL condenser

Furnace quoted is an 80% 2 stage w/ PSC motor. I have rentals & I wouldn't waste my money on 2 stage anything in a rental. I'd go with the RGPN furnace.
That would be a good dependable system.
Make sure filters get changed. Upgrade to better filter wouldn't be a bad idea. I'd at least use a filter base.

[Timber]

Timber, would you be able to direct me to a specific unit?

Thanks

Any of the classic series

[TomDx]

Rheem A/C is a "dry" unit meant to be filled with R22. Did you mean 13AJN low end 410 unit?

The 13AJA is what is written in the quote... I have to speak to the Contractor tomorrow... I assume it is just typo.

Thanks

[TomDx]

Ask for a quote on a Rheem RANL condenser

Furnace quoted is an 80% 2 stage w/ PSC motor. I have rentals & I wouldn't waste my money on 2 stage anything in a rental. I'd go with the RGPN furnace.
That would be a good dependable system.
Make sure filters get changed. Upgrade to better filter wouldn't be a bad idea. I'd at least use a filter base.

The reason I'm considering the 2 stage is because the upstairs gets considerably hotter than the downstairs, and I thought it might help. Am I misinformed?

Thanks

[precision hvac]

2 stage furnace is for heat only. 70% & 100% fire.
Won't help for cool.
Existing cooling coil may be dirty, affecting 2nd floor cooling. They need to look at the ducts too when replacing the equipment.

[tigerdunes]

I also would opt for a sgl stage furnace-80% with high eff blower, no more than a 60 KBTU model.

Trane XT80, Rheem RGPT

I don't like that low end Rheem condenser. The Trane is better. And before I went up in size on condenser, I would want to see a load calc in writing to support that decision.

I like the idea of a filter media cabinet for a rental. Changeout up to one year.

IMO
Good Luck!

[precision hvac]

I missed going from 2 ton to 2 1/2 ton.
Increased ESP may make cooling on second floor even more of an issue. Throwing bigger a/c at a cooling issue is rarely a good idea.

[TomDx]

I also would opt for a sgl stage furnace-80% with high eff blower, no more than a 60 KBTU model.

Trane XT80, Rheem RGPT

I don't like that low end Rheem condenser. The Trane is better. And before I went up in size on condenser, I would want to see a load calc in writing to support that decision.

I like the idea of a filter media cabinet for a rental. Changeout up to one year.

IMO
Good Luck!

If I go with the Rheem my choice is either a 50k BTU or a 75k BTU... so do I go up or down from the 60k you suggest?

Isn't the media filter something like $400 to $500 extra? With this being a rental unit, is there a benefit to me in that additional expense?

Thanks

[TomDx]

I missed going from 2 ton to 2 1/2 ton.
Increased ESP may make cooling on second floor even more of an issue. Throwing bigger a/c at a cooling issue is rarely a good idea.

Sorry I wasn't clear. When I said the upstairs was significantly hotter than the downstairs, I was referring to heating in the winter. That's why I was thinking the 2-stage would help. But maybe I need a unit with a high efficiency blower?

Thanks

[tigerdunes]

Take the 050 model in either of the Rheem furnaces mentioned.

IMO

[precision hvac]

Sorry I wasn't clear. When I said the upstairs was significantly hotter than the downstairs, I was referring to heating in the winter. That's why I was thinking the 2-stage would help. But maybe I need a unit with a high efficiency blower?

Thanks

Adding a return to 2nd floor & duct upgrades are the correct way to fix upstairs. Throwing big furnaces & multi stage PSC & ECM motors at it is not the answer.



50k furnace is sufficient. the 75k w/ the 3 ton drive I'd avoid.