4.0 TON TRANE SYSTEM MOD XL16i
CONDENSER 4TTX6048 12 years Compressor
FURNACE GAS TUD2C080A9V4 10 yrs parts, labor
EVAPORATOR COIL 4TXCC060BC3
TRANE THERMOSTAT 803XL16 , 900 XL20
ADDITIONAL FLUE PIPE TO RAISE 18" ABOVE ROOF
SEAL RETURN AIR FIRSTFLOOR MAKE NEW RETURN AIR PLENUM DUCTBOARD
INLINE FLOAT SWITCH
SECONDARY EMERGENCY PAN
CONNECT PVC TUBING AND INSULATE
CONNECT HIGH AND LOW VOLTAGE TO CONDENSER AND FURNACE
NEW ELECTRICAL WHIP TO CONDENSER
NEW CONDENSER PAD
FLUSH NEW REFRIGERANT LINES AND INSULATE
SECONDRY FLOAT SWITCH
SEAL SIDE RETURN TO ELIMINATE AIR LEAKS
NEW DISTRIBUTION PLENUM SHEETMETAL, INSTALL NEW DUCTWORK R-6, NEW STARTING COLLARS WITH DAMPERS.
"CLEANEFFECTS" HOME FILTRATION SYSTEM Free

Total: $ 10,523.00

Does this price seem reasonable? I know a lot of variables need to be considered, but I just wanted to receive some feedback ( sorry for "all-CAPS" I just copy and paste from the proposal)

Typical Trane pricing.

You are replacing a 4 ton system?

You want to verify that existing lineset is the correct size for new XL16i if you intend to flush and reuse. A big deal and detail not to be overlooked.

Any hot/cold spots in home need to be addressed.

Don't care for the 803 stat. Would want HW VP IAQ for true furnace staging.

Insist on R8 insulation. The cost difference should be inconsequential.

Not a fan of CleanEffects filter. Prefer the pleated filter media cabinet. Reason? Most homeowners will not adhere to cleaning/maintenance schedule which is problematic.

And finally, I would want a completive quote on same equipment from Trane's sister company American Standard.

IMO

I emphasize labor warranty because the price to consumer of labor to replace a failed HVAC component can easily dwarf the price of the failed component.

I speak of this from limited experience. As consumer, I researched 3 years ago, for replacement HVAC system. I read this msg board extensively and chose to have installed 2 Trane XR13 systems. I chose "simplier systems" in favor of reliability banking heavily on Trane quality & reliability reputation. Less than 3 years after installation one system experienced evap. Coil failure (i.e. leak) and while coil part covered by warranty, labor to install is not warranty covered and cost me a few dollars less than $1,200.

I wrote on this msg. board critically of Trane reliability and of the pain I felt from the expense of relacing a < 3 year old evap coil at price of approx. 1/4 the entire system price. In response, others wrote defending Trane reliability, others pointing out that competetive HVAC brands of current vintage exhibit no greater reliability, and finally some pointing out that one of my failures as consumer was in not purchasing an extra-cost Trane labor warranty. In retrospect, I certainly wish I had purchased labor warranty an I encourage you to not overlook the value, if not necessity, of doing so.

Finally, other msg. boards are available providing additional insight into Trane (and competitor's hardware) customer satisfaction regarding reliability. Educate yourself to increase the probability of equipment and installation that will satisfy your needs for performance & reliability.

I am sorry for previous poster's experience. He has been bashing Trane and I suspect there is more to his story than we know. Every mfg has lemons from all brands. Even Trane. This may have been an install issue. But even at that I question the high repair price. Most Trane dealer's I know would go to bat for the customer in a situation described above.

IMO

Can you explain how the 803 stages the 2-stage furnace differently from the VP IAQ? Does the algorithm differ (i.e. the IAQ uses a smarter PID logic) in some way? I know the IAQ is recommended in dual fuel situations since the 802/803 can't stage the backup heat, but I was under the impression the 803 was a fine choice for 2-stage furnaces, air conditioners, or heat pumps.

I was curious about this as I've seen you recommend against the 803 in a previous post for a 2-stage furnace, and thought this question may be relevant to the OP as well.

but...why R-6 ductwork? I know we
here in La. get away with R-6..but
we put our ducts in attics and crawlspaces.
neither are very good locations.
ask contractor to bid with R-8 ducts
price isn't much higher, labor is the same.

on an average, we find 30% duct loss. 30%
of your air leaking out of ducts and return before
entering the house.

the bid reflects return air sealing..but
no supply sealing.
I'd insist on mastic seal of all ducts.
not foil tape, not duct tape but either
paint on mastic or true mastic tape
like hardcast brand 1402.

are you sure you need 4 tons? did contractor
do a load calc?

if you seal the house, then less tons of air
is required.
New Orleans is packed with energy raters.
call one and have a diagnostic performed
on your house. fix the house, then size hvac.
have house and ductwork retested when work
is complete.

here is a link to the state's program for
existing homes.

http://dnr.louisiana.gov/assets/TAD/programs/residential/hero/HERO_App licant_Guidelines_Original.pdf

there are several raters that have been in business
for over a decade. experience in existing homes
is very important. talk to several before making a choice.

as N.O. is not my area I don't know who is still
working that area.

best of luck.

The first brand we ruled out was Trane, when we were told by the Trane dealer/contractor that Trane would not honor their warranty on products unless we could prove that annual maintenance was done by a licensed HVAC service provider.

We see this as a scam to push us into an annual maintenance agreement. Either way, the warranty language is ridiculous and could be argued that a licensed service provider must also operate the equipment.

The very poorly written Trane warranty states under "Eligibility Requirements":

"The Products must be properly installed operated, and maintained by a licensed HVAC service provider in accordance with the Product specifications or installation, operation and maintenance instructions provided by Company with each Product. Failure to conform to such specifications and/or instructions shall void this limited warranty. Company may request written documentation showing the proper preventative maintenance."

The quotes were:

$10,545 for:
Trane XB14 3.5 ton 15.25 SEER, 9.0 HSPF SHRI #5495301
4TWB4042G1000A - Outdoor unit, new lineset & line hide
TAM7A0C48H41SB- Variable Speed Air Handler, 15 kw Heat Strip
Programmable thermostat (unspecified model) and Start Assist Kit
Use existing electronic filter

OR

Trane XL15i 3.5 ton heat pump
15.25 SEE, 9.0 HSPF AHRI #: 5496521
4TWX5042B1000A-Outdoor unit, new lineset & line hide
TAM7A0C48H41SB- Variable Speed Air Handler, 15 kw Heat Strip
Programmable thermostat (unspecified model) and Start Assist Kit
Use existing electronic filter

Thx

there is someone else who has
multiple threads and is also
hijacking threads left and right.

apparently etiquette doesn't apply
to some.

kinda sad IMO

Hikker: I have a 10 year parts and labor warranty.

Energy_rater_La: I will ask for R8 duct work. As stated before, I currently have a 2.5 ton system, for about 1250 sqft, and I plan on adding another 380sqft when I convert the garage to a den area.