Trane/Am Standard SEER 14 v 16 Eval

[nelife07]

I am new to this forum – a residential heat pump customer in MA. Have learned a lot from comments on this site. I’m aware that a heat pump may not be best for our area, but it’s what we have in our condo (2500 square feet, 3 floors). We are replacing our 3T system – outside unit and inside air handler. Our most important criteria: heating, a quieter unit, and reliability of equipment and installer. We’re deciding between Trane and Am Standard (and installers). Leaning toward the XL 14i/Heritage 14 (with variable speed air handler) and changing to R410. A few questions.

1)Big price difference between 14 and 16 series, payback questionable. Thoughts on difference in noise levels between the two? Current contractor indicates that Trane 14i does well in a local town with strict noise ordinances.
2)Second contractor tells us he may be able to get a "great deal" on a 16 SEER American Standard. I’m always skeptical of words like this – and wondering what questions I should be asking to be sure we are really looking at comparable equipment.

Thanks for the advice and information.

[RyanHughes]

I think I recall it being stated that the Herritage 14 uses a reciprocal compressor. The Trane XL14i would use a scroll compressor I believe. I'm not fully sure on this, though. Any one of the units you're looking at should be plenty quiet for most people.

[BaldLoonie]

The equipment is identical between the 2 brands. Trane gets the funky top and a better 10 year parts warranty. There's nothing wrong with an American Standard Hertiage over a XR or XLi.

You'll get better heating out of other brands however. And while the 14 & 16 are fairly quiet, there are others even quieter.

[RyanHughes]

BaldLoonie, does the Heritage 14 use a reciprocal compressor in all sizes?

[jimj]

BaldLoonie, does the Heritage 14 use a reciprocal compressor in all sizes?

I don't know about AS but Trane's XL14i HP's come with a scroll in 2 1/2 thru 5 ton (2 ton uses recip)
XL15i - 3 thru 5 ton has scroll (1 1/2 thru 2 1/2 ton has recip).

[BaldLoonie]

Both use recip 1.5 ton 2 on the 14. I thought the 15s used scroll at 2 ton but haven't checked lately.

[RyanHughes]

That clears it up. Is it the Heritage 13 that uses a reciprocal compressor in all sizes or am I just mistaken?

[BaldLoonie]

13 A/C scroll in 3 & 5 ton
13 pumps 5 ton only

both brands

[second opinion]

Both use recip 1.5 ton 2 on the 14. I thought the 15s used scroll at 2 ton but haven't checked lately.

All 15i's have Climatuff scroll

[jimj]

All 15i's have Climatuff scroll

Well that’s true today, but it won’t be in 45 to 60 days when the R410A XL15i arrives in a showroom near you. The 1 ½ thru 2 ½ ton HP’s and AC’s will be recip’s and 3 thru 5 ton (yes I said 5) will be scroll’s.
If I understand correctly the XL14i will be shortly phased out as will the R22 XL15i. The XR14 will also have 14 SEER nonvariable air hander matchup’s thru 5 ton’s.

[gary_g]

Big price difference between 14 and 16 series, payback questionable.

Post model numbers of condenser and air handler for btu ratings and performance data.

[nelife07]

"Post model numbers of condenser and air handler for btu ratings and performance data."

Specific information: Comparing the XL14i: Trane 4TWX4036B1000A with a variable drive air handler 4TEEE3f37B1000A. We are comparing this system with an XL16i with the same variable drive air handler.

FYI, we are replacing a system with a 21 year old air handler and 12year old heat pump.

[gary_g]

Comparing the XL14i: Trane 4TWX4036B1000A with a variable drive air handler 4TEEE3f37B1000A. We are comparing this system with an XL16i with the same variable drive air handler.

XL14i:
4TWX4036B condenser with 4TEE3F37 Air handler:
35,400 btu cooling, 11.6 EER, 14 SEER, 8.7 HSPF, 32,000 btu heating at 47 degrees.

XL16i:
4TWX6036B condenser with same air handler:
34,400 btu cooling, 11.4 EER, 16 SEER, 8.75 HSPF, 32,000 btu heating at 47 degrees.

The 16i is weaker on cooling btus and EER. The 16i has a 2-stage compressor. Do you need 2 stages in MA? Is it worth the difference in purchase $$?

Best to you.

www.aridirectory.org