Trane VS Rheem

**carestx** · 10-12-2005, 01:51 PM

OK guys,

With both contractors being equal (both highly recommened)and priced in roughly the same ballpark, Trane slightly higher..

I am having to choose between:

All Trane XL19I system (2x3ton + 2.5ton) with 90% XV90 Furnaces
OR
Rheem Prestige (2x3ton 18 seer & 2 ton 16 seer) with 90% RGTA Furances

Located in Dallas, TX 3,400 Sq. Ft. Two Story Home

#1 concern is comfort and humidity control
#2 long term performanace reliabilty
#3 Economy of operation

You comments and suggestion are encouraged...

**BaldLoonie** · 10-12-2005, 02:30 PM

You need a variable speed blower for the high SEER Rheem units. The RGTA is a standard furnace. Trane should be considerably higher if comparing an XV90 to these basic Rheems.

Now if you put the RGGD 13 stage Modulator against the 2 stage Trane, the Rheem will blow the choo choo away in COMFORT!!!!! plus give the performance & SEER the outside units are capable of. Also the 18 SEER 2 stage units really need a variable speed blower for best performance.

**carestx** · 10-12-2005, 02:59 PM

Yes, Trane is 25%-30% more but after you factor in current rebates we are only talking about 14%-15%

I made the mistake choosing on "price" before and want to keep an open mind.

Each contractor was given the same list of concerns so it sounds like the Trane quote hit the mark and the Rheem vendor tweaked it on price VS performance?

Rheem bid shows RARL036JAZ as a 17.10 seer (not 18)but he teams them all up with RCQD2417AS 16 Seer Coils (now I'm confussed) Also quoting Honeywell tstats?

Also, would the DGGD units level the cost playing field VS the Trane.

Humidity Control is "BIG" here in Texas

PS: Any thoughts on adding humidity back in the winter?

**BaldLoonie** · 10-12-2005, 04:26 PM

To compare like products you'd need to compare the Rheem RGGD (downflow) or RGFD (upflow) to the XV90 Tranes. Also, to get high SEER out of the quoted outdoor units, you would need a variable speed blower, either 80% or 90%.

The Rheem variable speed 90s have variable input, not just 2 stage like the XV90. They have a comfort that the 2 stage can't begin to offer.

With the 2 ton RARL, RGGD06 and RCHL24 coil, you end up with 16.45 SEER. The RCQD probably would rate a hair lower but isn't listed with the downflow 90. The RARL36 cannot be used with a 24 coil at all. With the RCQD36 and standard blower, you get 14.9 SEER. With the RGGD06 furnace and RCHL coil, it is 15.35 SEER.

So when getting a SEER rating on high end equipment, you need the outdoor unit, indoor coil and indoor blower to know for sure. Same with the XV90 and XL19i.

Are you cold enough in TX to justify using 90+ equipment?

**carestx** · 10-12-2005, 04:35 PM

Once in while, but when I have asked about the differce in price from both groups I don't really see any great savings. Plus, don't fore see gas prices dropping, we are already being told by gas company to expect 50-75% increases this year...OUCH! So with the way things are in the Middle East thought it best to make the investment?

Going back to the Rheem dealer and asking some more question. Don't see to much Rheem out there, mostly Trane on all my neighbors homes...

**Steve Wiggins** · 10-12-2005, 05:08 PM

Tom, I think it would help to post the pics I took of your home and the load calc results. Someone here might have an idea that no one has seen yet. Might not answer the Rheem VS. Trane question though.

**ruud-man** · 10-12-2005, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by carestx
Don't see to much Rheem out there, mostly Trane on all my neighbors homes...

MARKETING LOL

**airworx** · 10-12-2005, 05:24 PM

you will come closer to the rated seer with variable speed,
keep in mind that rarely will you get the seer stamped on the unit. i would go with carrier infinity series that controls temperture,humidity and comfort.
both trane and rheem will eat your savings when the condenser coil gets stopped up and because of the outer metel coil guard coils are hard to clean and keep clean.the trane evap coils are very tall and if your installing the furnace in a closet you better not have a coil leak which is very likely because youl have to remove the furnace to get the coil out and that means extra repair dollars waranty or not.
youll also need the variable speed for better humidity removal and a hunidifier for winter humidity.

**carestx** · 10-12-2005, 05:25 PM

GOOD POINT

No marketing intended, guess I need to give equal time to all the other mfg. out there? Or at least, all the ones in the Dallas market.

**andserco** · 10-12-2005, 05:37 PM

Dont know if I misssed it or not..Was a load calculation done, 8 ton is a hunk of cooling...(Rule of thumb used in reading his post--equipment size/square footage

...)

**dash** · 10-12-2005, 05:52 PM

Since one of your cocerns is dehumidification,check out the Carrier Infinity.Use the search function on this site"Infinity" and see what other homeowners think of theirs.Many were here because they had a problem,most resolved and few or non due to the equipment ,usualy the design or install.So seek a great company to do the design and install,load calcs,etc.,regardless of the Brand you choose.

**jmb** · 10-12-2005, 06:02 PM

carestx,
I would like to know the names of the contractors you are looking at if you do not mind. I live in Rowlett and I am looking for contractors. Thanks, jmb

**2hot2coolme** · 10-12-2005, 06:55 PM

You guys sound like a bunch of Salesmen...

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