Lennox R22 condensor or R410Upgrade

[zzzzzasst]

Looking for some assistance and guidance.
I presently have two (2) 23 year old condensors and air handling systems - one each 3 ton and 4 ton - that are in need of being replaced. I have had a couple of Lennox dealers to the house and am told that i can replace just the condensors with Lennox Air Flow 13ACD systems or I can opt to upgrade the condensors and air handlers with either a ACX 13 or Lenox Elite XC13.
I live in NH and run the system approximately 20 days per year so high efficiency is not really a play as the pay back would would probaly not come into play.
My question is
1. should I invest in just the condensors with the air handlers being 23 years old.
OR
2. Upgrade the entire system in which case do i go the ACX13 price sensitive route or opt for the XC13 or xc14 system.

Your guidance is most appreciated as i am finding this process to be quite confusing and receiving too many paths with which to proceed.

[BaldLoonie]

I would NOT put a new 13 SEER unit on a 23 year old coil. Your SEER will be far from 13, performance, especially moisture control, can be compromised. At 23 years, the coils likely are rusty or dirty and likely have or soon will develop refrigerant leaks. Why do the outdoor units need to be replaced? The problem may not be with them but the oil or air handler.

The place for units like the 13ACD are when your coil is late model. I have one of them in the back room to go on a matched coil meant for 13 SEER.

The ACX is a low end Mexican unit with a Korean compressor. The XC13 and XC14 are better built, made in Iowa with an American scroll compressor. If budget permits, I'd sure go the XC route.

[zzzzzasst]

Thanks for the feedback.
The 3 Ton condensor and air handler are working great. The 4 ton is not producing cool air. I noticed vapor (of some sort - most likely oil) coming form the copper coil in the condensor which the fan was sending out form the unit.
My thought was that with the age of these units i was working on borrowed time and wanted to prepare accoridingly. Should I have the 4 ton repaired and continue on until the units completely "die." Or invest in new units?

I would NOT put a new 13 SEER unit on a 23 year old coil. Your SEER will be far from 13, performance, especially moisture control, can be compromised. At 23 years, the coils likely are rusty or dirty and likely have or soon will develop refrigerant leaks. Why do the outdoor units need to be replaced? The problem may not be with them but the oil or air handler.

The place for units like the 13ACD are when your coil is late model. I have one of them in the back room to go on a matched coil meant for 13 SEER.

The ACX is a low end Mexican unit with a Korean compressor. The XC13 and XC14 are better built, made in Iowa with an American scroll compressor. If budget permits, I'd sure go the XC route.

[BaldLoonie]

If budget permits, time for 2 new systems. Otherwise, hang on to the 3 ton that's doing fine and boot the 4 ton while saving up for future replacement of the other.

[zzzzzasst]

My thought as well just needed some educated advice. Thank you.
Based on pricing, capabity, and limited usage needed (20 days per year) should i steer toward the XC13 or XC14?

If budget permits, time for 2 new systems. Otherwise, hang on to the 3 ton that's doing fine and boot the 4 ton while saving up for future replacement of the other.

[syndicated]

My thought as well just needed some educated advice. Thank you.
Based on pricing, capabity, and limited usage needed (20 days per year) should i steer toward the XC13 or XC14?

I don't think the price difference between the 13 and 14 justifies the 14, you don't get much more bang for the buck there

[zzzzzasst]

Thanks for the suggestion. This is exactly the information that i was hoping to uncover.
At this poing it looks like i will go with the R410 upgrade with two (2) new systems XC13 configuration. 4 ton to be replaced now and, with any luck, the 3 ton in a year or so.
It appears that Lennox is the way to go. Are there any other manufacturers that i should consider?

I don't think the price difference between the 13 and 14 justifies the 14, you don't get much more bang for the buck there

[catmanacman]

depending on what you use for heat replacing the ac units with a heat pump could save some money ,

[zzzzzasst]

Heat with a stand alone Weil Mclain High Efficiency system that was installed five years ago.
As the systems AC and heating systems are completely seperate i am going to have to go this route.
Any thoughts on Lennox vs Trane vs .....[
QUOTE=catmanacman;16349101]depending on what you use for heat replacing the ac units with a heat pump could save some money ,[/QUOTE]

[timebuilder]

I would consider whether you will be staying in the home for the next several years. If so, I would not spend a ton of $ for 20 days of AC!


If you are selling the home next year, replace both now and prevent having your old systems being mentioned as a bargaining chip.

[zzzzzasst]

I agree and a great deal of thought has gone into what direction to proceed.
We will be in the home for the foreseeable future and as such the investment, although pretty steep, seems not so bad on those July and Augusts days when we do utilize it.

[catmanacman]

A heat pump is nice when you just need a little heat in the morning and evening just to knock off the the chill and they are not that much more .