trane replacement for twe031e13fb1 - gam5 or tam7?

9 years ago

I have a Trane air handler installed in 2005 (TWE031E13FB1), blower stopped working and the tech who diagnosed it advised me that either the blower motor or module went bad. Repairs are estimated at $1100 for motor and module - seems outrageous, but I've gotten the same estimate from multiple contractors. He indicated both parts have to be replaced as they were originally manufactured as an integrated unit, whereas now they are separate. Only other option they suggested is to go with a fixed-speed motor that they could rig to work, still a $500 repair.

I'm considering replacing the unit with that kind of repair cost - have an estimate for a GAM5 @ $1900. My old unit has a variable speed motor, so have asked the rep about the TAM7. The outside condenser is an XR15 installed in 2009 or 10.

I have 3 air handlers in my home (all Trane TWE's) - this one manages the upstairs.

Any recommendations on the TAM7 vs GAM5? Other posts seem to recommend the TAM7, but this unit is just for the upstairs master bedroom and office. Will one perform more efficiently? Sales rep is pushing the GAM5. Home is located in South Florida, so I need to move fast after several hot nights without air upstairs.

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Comments (5)

tigerdunes
9 years ago
TAM7 var speed would be the replacement.

IMO
KenR1
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Tigerdunes. Any thoughts on which of the TAM7's would be appropriate? I don't know how many ton or BTU unit my TWE031E13FB1 is, but I'm matching the unit to an XR15 4TTR5030E1000AA 2.5 ton outside condenser. Would it be the TAM7A0B30 which is a 30000 BTU air handler? Just want to make sure my installer isn't cutting corners on me...
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tigerdunes
9 years ago
4385353 Discontinued Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5030E1 *AM7A0B30H21 965 29600 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 229 Yes

4385354 Discontinued Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5030E1 *AM7A0C36H31 925 29800 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 231 Yes

4150908 Discontinued Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5030E1 GAM5A0B30M21 1030 30000 13.50 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 233 Yes

4150909 Discontinued Systems XR15 TRANE 4TTR5030E1 GAM5A0B36M31 1080 30000 13.50 16.25 1 RCU-A-CB 229 Yes

I am a big believer in the AHRI Directory numbers. Generally you will get better dehumidification with a var speed air handler. I would want to know the upgrade cost from the high eff GAM5 air handler to the TAM7 var speed air handler. The 030 size for either would be just fine.

You have better performance/eff numbers with the GAM5 air handler but the difference is really inconsequential. I probably would let the cost be the driving decision maker between the 2 air handler models and what your budget is. I would want the HW Mdl 8321 thermostat. I assume you might have a small heat strip if heat is ever required. Maybe a 5 KW.

I would be curious about the price difference.

Post back and I will give you my best advice.

IMO
KenR1
Original Author
9 years ago
Tigerdunes - Thanks much for the detail, this was very helpful. I ended up choosing the TAM7 030 primarily because of what I've read about dehumidification and the fact that the old unit was variable speed. Was hoping for a higher SEER, but based on the numbers you provided looks like they're in the same ballpark.

I was quoted $1974 for the GAM5 unit and $2195 for the TAM7 which included the heat strip - so roughly a $200 difference.

The old unit has a 8 KW heat strip, but the contractor recommended just a 5 KW in the replacement, said I'd trip my 30 amp circuit breakers with the 8 KW.

I wanted to keep the cost low as this was completely unanticipated, never would have thought a motor repair was be over $1,100 - but figured the better unit was worth the extra $200 since I was already spending 2 grand.

Thanks again for your help!
tigerdunes
9 years ago
I agree with your decision based on what I see as a very fair upgrade price difference. Surely a 5 KW heat strip should be more than adequate-FYI that's about 17 KBTUs for heating.

I would recommend the HW VP MDl 8321 thermostat with overcooling feature for dehumidification. You can find them priced very reasonable on Ebay.

Can't understand why you would be disappointed in a 16 SEER, 13 EER efficiency rating.

You will now have a very nice matched system.

You want to verify the warranty on new air handler. Get it in writing and make certain it is registered properly. Those true var speed blower motors are expensive to replace, the X-13 high eff ECM motors (GAM5) about 1/2 the price.

IMO