Original message
| Fred97
 |  "Trane heat pumps XR-13, XR-14"
, posted Thu 31 Jul 12:04  
I am looking at bids for these 2 heatpumps with identical coil= 4TXCC049BC3HCA to go with my exsisting 13 year old single stage Trane furance XE-90 hybrid propnae backup system.
I have some tell me there is virtually no diff esp in my application ( siteing the older furnace) saying I can only achieve 13 SEER AND 8.5 HSPF. In fact, spec wise they are both SEER 14 units with the XR-14 having A HSPF of up to 9 instead of 8.5 ( XR-13). Can I really achieve a '9' with my setup?
In additon I have wide price swings...some charging alot more for the XR-14 ( $1000) over the XR-13 and others charging a nominal fee for the upgrade ...about $150...siteing it doesnt perform better, sayig TRANE knows this, and will be discontinuing the XR-14 in the near future.
Is this true, and what are the ramifications? Is it worth it to get the better unit anticipating a replacement variable speed furnace in the future, or do I risk being stuck with an obselete unit? .. or should stick with the XR-13 and or its ANERICAN STANDARD twin = HERITAGE 13 ??
THANKS
F
|
|
Replies:
|
| Banger
| "Re(1):Trane heat pumps XR-13, XR-14" , posted Thu 31 Jul 19:58
First, forget about acheiving 14 SEER unless you replace all the ductwork and properly sealing and insulating everything. The requirements for duct sealing and duct insulation EXCEED mechanical code requirements for all SEER ratings above 12 (and that comes from one of the mechanical engineers at Ingersoll Rand, who now owns Trane/American Standard)
All that aside, in the field the difference between the XR13 and the XR14 is negligible, especially when paired with a fixed speed blower. If you might plan to replace the furnace too, even at some later date, definately go with a variable speed furnace, but with a heat pump you don't necessarily need two stage. Remember the first stage of heat is always the heat pump, and if it's so cold out the heat pump locks out, you couldn't heat on only low stage gas heat anyways.
I am not aware of Trane's plans to discontinue the XR14. But even if they do, it will not be obsolete. 90% of the parts are interchangeable with the XR13 and even with the 15 and 16 seer equipment and by law, Trane would be required to continue to supply replacement parts for a minimum of 10 years from the date of manufacture.
Usually I would advise to buy the most efficient equipment that would fit your budget, but in this case I would say 13 SEER makes more sense.
Matt
|
|
|
