If my decision, I would get a competitive quote on Trane XR15 or AmStd Heritage 15 to compare prices.

That is a nice sgl stage HP system from Lennox, pricing not too bad.

839707 Active Systems XP17 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP17-024-230* CBX32MV-024/030*+TDR 25000 14.50 17.50 22200 9.50 14400

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Tue, Apr 16, 13 at 14:55

A nice system and reasonably detailed proposal. The XP17 is a very quiet system and does have electronic demand defrost, which will greatly limit the amount of defrost cycles (better for equipment, efficiency, and comfort). For the most part your proposal seems fairly standard to me (both work scope and price wise).

I am in your area as well (Montgomery County). I suggest you call the following company as well for a proposal (link below) -- do yourself a favor and set up an appointment with Chris. They do good work (and no I am not employed by them :-) ). I would get a proposal for an XR15 or XL15i with matching TAM7 variable speed air handler.

While I do like Lennox equipment, I am not keen on the fact that their coils are still copper/aluminum as opposed to all-aluminum and certainly hope this changes soon as most manufacturers have begun doing so (Trane and Goodman to name a couple). Copper/aluminum coils have historically had leaking issues (as you've seen in your own system) due to pitting corrosion on the copper as well as galvanic corrosion between the Cu/Al. Aluminum coils are immune to the issue (not to say they cannot leak). With that said, Lennox still makes solid equipment, and your primary focus should always be finding the best company to do the work. Most all brands offer a 10 year factory parts warranty now.

Any problematic areas upstairs to heat/cool that may be due to ductwork issues (that can be addressed at the time of replacement)? The variable speed air handler will help move the air better, but proper duct design still matters. Its size, insulation value, layout, etc. all matter very much to the overall performance/efficiency of the system. Many home systems are lacking in this area. Attic in the ductwork especially needs to be sealed/insulated well.

Here is a link that might be useful: HVAC Installation

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Mon, Feb 3, 14 at 19:45

Thanks to tigerdunes and ryanhughes for the feedback.
I just scheduled for Chris to come out for an estimate next week.

The contractor did mention that they will not change the existing duct work in the attic because that would probably cost more than the systems.

Does a 15 seer differ a lot from 17 seer in terms of energy cost saving?

Thanks!
TorroMD

It's unlikely all the ductwork needs to be replaced at 11 years old. However, changes and improvements for better flow can often easily be done especially when in the attic. Good luck and please keep us posted.

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Tue, Apr 16, 13 at 16:42

2 points of SEER mean about 8% lower energy cost.

Hi TorroMD,

May I know where you got your quote from? I was quoted way more expensive for the items you mentioned above.
Did you end up go with Lennox?

Thanks,
Ferry

This is dead thread.

It is unlikely OP will even see it.

Pay attention to the post by RyanHughes, HVAC pro who lives in the same area.

Start your own thread, it is better forum etiquette anyway. Perhaps give a shout out to Ryan in your subject.

Good Luck
IMO

Thanks Tiger. I have updated the link in my original post to reflect the current name of the organization of experienced pros I recommend for residential work.

Ferry, if you do decide to start your own thread, I would be happy to assist you with any questions/decisions as I'm sure Tiger would. I definitely recommend getting in touch with the firm I linked to above if you are pursuing further estimates. I am sure they would be happy to assist you in finding the best system to meet your home's comfort needs.

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Mon, Feb 3, 14 at 20:06