Heat Pumps and Electric Home Heating - Trane Multi-speed Air Handler vs. Variable Speed Air Handler

I recently got quoted for a

Trane XL15i 15 SEER 2-ton Heat Pump (4TWX5024A)
Trane Multi-Speed air handler (4TEC3F30B1)
Honeywell Focus 5000 Thermostat
New Outdoor Disconnect
New Outdoor Condenser Pad
New Copper Line Set
New Wiring
All Labor Incl.
Removal of Old Unit
10 year Parts and a 12 year Compressor Warranty

for $5250.

However, I have the option of upgrading to a Trane Variable Speed Air Handler (4TEE3F31B1) for an extra $450. The duct work is already in place. Is there really a difference between the 2 air handlers because they both will vary speed? Thoughts? BTW, I am from Lancaster, PA in a 1600 sq ft home if that helps!

With that combination the system is rated at 14 SEER. With the variable speed you will get 15.25 SEER.

Go variable, might save that $450 in a year with lower elec bills.

kewldog

OMG. That's really a no brainer.

The multispeed does not qualify for the fed govt tax credit of 30% up to $1500 max. The var speed system does. see the AHRI HP numbers below.

1382156 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5024A1 4TEC3F30B1 24000 12.00 14.00 24000 8.50 14300

1382158 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5024A1 4TEE3F39A1 25000 13.00 16.00 24000 9.00 13800

Have you had a load calc performed? I question the size of a two ton for 1600 sq ft.

and certainly don't cripple a nice system with a mediocre thermostat. The thermostat of choice in the Honeywell line is the HW VisionPro IAQ.

IMO
:)

Agree with above. Definately go VS. Definately go Honeywell IAQ. However 2 ton does seem about right to me. The heating specs take priority over AC with a HP so follow whatever your heat-loss calc number is. While youre at it, you might want to inquire about adding whole-house humidifier into the package. Should only add about $200-300 to the cost and provides alot of benefit in the winter.

Thanks for your input! I'll be sure to inquire about the HW IAQ T-stat! I have the last GE Model ever made from the early 80s before GE sold it to Trane! I can't wait to see and feel the difference.

kewldog

insist on a professionally performed load calculation for correct sizing. request it in writing. I certainly would not want to be borderline undersized and a 2 1/2 ton system would help you immensely on heating operational costs.

BTW, what size heating strip is your dealer recommending?

Do you have any other source of heating other than your HP system?

IMO
Good Luck!
:)

I received a couple of quotes and they all gave me 2 and 2.5 ton systems. The duct work size is 20 inch by 8 inch. Also, the quote was for a 10 kW aux, which to me didn't sound that bad. Currently, I have electric baseboard and am debating on keep those in.

kewldog

10 kw strip seems about right. Unfortunately when heat pump mfg tell you it's a 2 ton or 2.5 ton they are referring to the cooling spec - not heating. To make matters worse the heating spec varies wildly among different units in the same category. So for example a Trane 15i 2 ton might put out 22,000 BTU @ 47' while a Trane 19i 2 ton might put out 26,000 BTU (these are not the actual specs-just making a point) --AND-- these numbers also vary greatly depending on the air handler you match it with.

The right way to approach this is to get heat load calculation done. Depending where you live it might be impossible to find a pro willing to do it (or who knows how). If thats the case you can get the hvac-calc program for $50 or the slant-fin free program and do it yourself - it will probably take a couple hours to figure it out and feed in the data.

Once you have the design heat load number you can go to the ARI database and look up the heat output number for almost every system made. Output is listed at 47' and at 17'. Use the 17' number.

My father in law has the HVAC-Calc Program because he is a commercial estimator. I got the program from him and it stated 35000 BTU Heat Gaim (3 ton). However, my concern is the size of ducts only being 20inch by 8inch. What do you think?

20x8 supply trunk? I wouldn't put a 3 ton in. Make sure the calcs were done right. And definitely go variable speed. The 4TEC will not vary its speed; ignore "multi-speed" as that just implies more than one setting available.

Doesn't the Calc program give duct sizes for the different rooms? Mine does.

kewldog

you need a professionally performed load calculation both for HVAC equipment sizing as well as ductwork sizing.

however, if you don't have this done, I would go with the following:

2 1/2 ton XL15i Trane HP or equivalent like AS Heritage 15
best rated matching var speed air handler
10 KW heat strip staged with two 5 KWs
Honeywell VisionPro IAQ stat
new lineset
and keep baseboard electric for standby

IMO
Good Luck
:)