TRANE 20 LXi HELP!

[OZARKSGUY]

I purchased a Trane 20 LXi Heatpump, matching coil and 95% efficient variable speed propane furnace in Nov 2009. In the 15 months I've had the system the HVAC contractor who installed it has been here 15-20 times.

Some of the issues have been:

• Incorrect refrigerant pressure
• Flame rollout errors due to propane pressures not set correctly on burner valve.
• Icing up of condensor unit in heat pump mode not defrosting
• Furnace condensate drain cracked and leaking into blower cabinet - replaced
• Clean Effects not working at all - secondary transformer not installed on circuit board during initial installation
• Water dripping off coil into transitional 90 degree return ducting
• After coil was replaced bad weld on 5/8 line caused refrigerant leak. System had to be evacuated and weld repaired, system recharged

This was the top of-the-line system and very expensive. Since it is in my basement and there wasn't enough room to set the coil on top of the furnace, they placed it just below the Clean Effects air cleaner and atop a 90 degree transition duct in the return or neg air pressure side of the system. Water drops are coming off the coil ending up in the transition duct below the coil when the system runs on high speed and at times there is enough water pooling in the duct to leak out on the floor. They replaced the drip pan on the coil as there was a hairline crack, replaced the coil, and still there is water dripping down. The condensate drain is trapped correctly. My feeling is that the water is a result of the air rushing down through the coil along with the gravity. If the coil was installed above the furnace any droplets that left the coil would fall back on the coil. So my question is this..... Is this a standard practice to install a coil vertically on the return side of the air handler? The contractor tells me they do this type of installation all the time, but I can't help but think this whole installation is botched and the system is going to be problematic from here on out. the labor warranty runs out in two months. Any ideas? What should I ask for here. I would appreciate any input on this. I've used this contractor previously and had not one service call in 10 years on my Bryant system, so I'd like to think they will make this right, but I'm beginning to wonder if the problems will ever cease .

[beenthere]

No, it is an improper install, if the coil is on the return side of a gas or oil furnace. And can damage the furnace.

[catmanacman]

The evap coil shoul be installed on the supply side of the furnace ,it does sound as if the install was botched post a picture

[OZARKSGUY]

I have uploaded a photo. Hope this helps.

[SkyHeating]

I have uploaded a photo. Hope this helps.

That is a no go... If that was an air handler then yes they can be split but not with a gas furnace. Ask your installing contractor have Trane confirm this will work because I know they won't. While I think the XL20i is the best system available... There are certain times they just won't work and this is one of them. Is this a 3 or 4 ton system.
Please post model numbers of furnace, coil, thermostat and heat pump.

[lynn comstock]

No, it is an improper install, if the coil is on the return side of a gas or oil furnace. And --- WILL damage the furnace.

Looks nice, though. I guess that they could have installed the furnace downflow (if approved for downflow application) where the coil is and installed the coil where the furnace is. Swithceroo.

[OZARKSGUY]

It is a 4 ton system, variable speed, communicating system.

Here are the Model Numbers as listed on the rebate forms:

COIL: 4TXCC060BC3HCA
FURNACE: TVHMC100ACV4VA
HEAT PUMP: 4TWZ0048A1000A
T-STAT: TCONT900AC43UA

Guys I really appreciate your input because as I feel that it is an improper installation, I'm not a trained professional in this field. I do understand how it all works and am fairly mechanical, but common sense says this isn't right. I'm wondering what I should do to get this resolved. Bottom line, I'm going to have to work with the contractor to get this resolved. They have been very nice thus far, but I'm not sure what the resolve should be.

[timebuilder]

It is a 4 ton system, variable speed, communicating system.

Here are the Model Numbers as listed on the rebate forms:

COIL: 4TXCC060BC3HCA
FURNACE: TVHMC100ACV4VA
HEAT PUMP: 4TWZ0048A1000A
T-STAT: TCONT900AC43UA

Guys I really appreciate your input because as I feel that it is an improper installation, I'm not a trained professional in this field. I do understand how it all works and am fairly mechanical, but common sense says this isn't right. I'm wondering what I should do to get this resolved. Bottom line, I'm going to have to work with the contractor to get this resolved. They have been very nice thus far, but I'm not sure what the resolve should be.

You might want to talk to Trane. They may agree with you.

[Stamas]

From the Install manual, which you should have a copy of along with all the other install and paperwork for your system.

"B. APPLICATION INFORMATION
1. FURNACE AND COIL
The coil MUST BE installed downstream (in the outlet air) of the furnace. The coil apex can face into or away from the direction of the airflow, depending on horizontal left or right application."

I'd suggest trying to get the Trane FSR in on this but not with the heavy stick approach.

[motoguy128]

Yikes. Sounds like thsi installer is not very familiar with the newer equipment. 15-20 times! Wow. Are there any othe Trane contractors in your area?

You situation sounds all too familar with the company that installed a Trane system at my last house. Their service techs didn't have a clue.

You're already paying a hefty premium for the Trane badge on there. You deserve a compitent contractor. I'd get the Trane regional rep involved for sure.

[OZARKSGUY]

I met with the owner of the company today. He is a great guy and said the install was improper right off (he wasn't involved in the original installation). He was very thorough and designed a new configuration (switching the coil and furnace positions) that will put the coil in proper relation to the a new down flow furnace. He indicated there were more issues than just the coil...that some of the duct transitions were not designed well and would cause turbulence. He also wasn't aware of some of the other issues/service calls I had. It is good to know there are still businessman out there that stand behind their product and offer real customer service. Thanks to all of you who gave me insight into the problem. I'm not a HVAC professional, but I do have mechanical ability and felt things weren't as they should be. Have a great day and thanks again.

[timebuilder]

You are welcome. It's why we are here.

[Southern Mech]

nice install. too bad he installed it wrong though

[lynn comstock]

I met with the owner of the company today. He is a great guy and said the install was improper right off (he wasn't involved in the original installation). He was very thorough and designed a new configuration (switching the coil and furnace positions) that will put the coil in proper relation to the a new down flow furnace. He indicated there were more issues than just the coil...that some of the duct transitions were not designed well and would cause turbulence. He also wasn't aware of some of the other issues/service calls I had. It is good to know there are still businessman out there that stand behind their product and offer real customer service. Thanks to all of you who gave me insight into the problem. I'm not a HVAC professional, but I do have mechanical ability and felt things weren't as they should be. Have a great day and thanks again.

Wow.