Eddie

Why the water coil? You have a boiler?

That second quote sure looks like an AmStd HP condenser model. Please re-check the mdl number.

there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by
dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork system.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching VS air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
new and correctly sized refrigerant line set

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes.
see mfg websites.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant.

Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

On the Trane quote, you could drop down to the XR15 HP model and save some money. New lineset included? What thermostat mdl? 10 KW strip heat is large considering two ton condenser. I might drop down to a 7.5 or 8 KW size.

How are you filtering your return air now?

Post back.

IMO

Thanks TD!

I do not currently have a boiler, but we plan on one in the future. That will be a work in progress.

The second quote was from an American Std guy, somehow I forgot to mention that. Guy 1 is Trane, Guy 2 is Amer. Std.

What is the real scoop between the XL15i, XR15, and American Std 15?

Currently there is a central return in the hallway with a 20x20x1 filter. I want to add a large media filter in the attic since my experience with the clean effects isn't so good.

New line-sets are out. They are embedded in the wall and I have no desire to rip walls open to replace and my wife would kill me if I suggested we run them down the outside of the house.

Does the trane/Am.Std have a scroll compressor?

Thanks Again!

Eddie

So other than the water coil, what would be the purpose of the boiler?u
I am having a difficult time understanding your thinking.

You still have a gas furnace for lower level system?

The XL15i, XR15, and Heritage 15 are all similar HP condensers.
You do get the proprietary weather top and extra 2 yr warranty on the compressor with the XL15i condenser. Those are the major differences.

As stated in first post, you want to re-check the mdl number of the AmStd condenser quoted. You want the AS Heritage 15 mdl if going with AmStd.

On the smaller condensers, I believe they are all recip compressors. Best to verify this with dealer. As far as I am concerned, this is not an issue.

The return you refer to is for upstairs system only? Correct?

How bout the thermostat mdl quoted?

IMO

The lower system currently has switchable electric or hot water as auxilary heat (currently an oil fired hot water heater is acting as a boiler). The end goal is to have a true boiler installed to feed the 'hot water heater/exchanger', the downstairs water coil , the upstairs water coil, and a bonus room above the garage that is not finished yet.. (so 3 separate systems)

I was looking at zoning the new upstairs unit to include the Bonus room, but the trane guy talked me out of it. The room is sandwiched between an attic and a garage, so the most comfortable solution was believed to be a separate system.

Electric heat is expensive. Oil is also expensive, but the btu output is high making it an attractive alternative.

Each system has it's own return. So the hallway return is just for upstairs air handler. I had a clean effects installed on the lower system when it was replaced and was unimpressed.

Sorry for adding more confusing info, but hey if it helps...

As far as thermostat, all that was mentioned was a "Trane touch screen programmable comfort control", if more detail is needed, I can ask.

I'll have to check with the Am. Std. guy about his part numbers.

I also received a quote for the XR15 and the difference was only $150, vs the XL15i.

4A6H5024E should be the Am. Std. Part number.

Trane guy got back to me.

The stat is TCONT802A.

Eddie

You want the 803 Trane stat that has humidity control or exact same mdl HW mdl #8321. They are basically identical.

IMO

Done. Dealer will swap the 803 for the 802 at no cost.

Did the trane guy match up the hp and air handler for the best performance?

Eddie

What condenser mdl and brand did you decide on?

Post back and I will look up the best matching air handler model.

IMO

I am going with the trane guy. Since the XR vs XLi is only $150 difference I'm going with the Xl15i.

4TWX5024B TAM7A0B30H2I

I will have to discuss with them about the heat strips. I want staged 10Kw or 8Kw.

Eddie

That is correct matching condenser and air handler. AHRI #5020850.

Dealer is providing new lineset?

Trane offers a 7/12 KW 2 stg heat strip.

You might ask dealer to install 2 5KW heat strips and wire them staged with full 10 KW for a defrost call.

IMO