[tommyz]

I am replacing an older unit and air handler that I understand in its day got around an 11 seer. The choices are (all 5 ton units)

Without mentioning prices - two cost $$$ one costs $$.

4TTX6060B1000A/4TEE3F651000A (XL16I) Seer 15.10
2TTX4060B1000A/TWE065E13FB (XL14I) Seer 14

OR
2TTR4060A1000A/TWE065E12FB (XR14) Seer 14

1. I understand that the first is refridgerant 410?
The second is R22 and Energy Star - but has the same SEER rating as the third... - so whats the diff on the energy star??

2. What is the appreciable difference on a 5 ton unit per additional SEER on the electric bill? I'm trying to figure out if buying a 15.10 seer will really pay off over a 14 seer unit over a 5 year period... (time I'll probably still be in this house)

3. Is there a good reason to buy the XL14I over the XR14 when they get the same Seer? I understand the 5 year additional guarantee on functional parts

4. Lastly - I cant find the TWE065E12 listed on the Trane site - just the TWE065E13... is this an older handler?

Thank you in advance for your comments

 

[tommyz]

Just did a search and found that each additional SEER will save between 7% and 9% on the portion of your Electric bill that relates to AC. Based on this - the difference in year 1 (assuming 80% of my electric bill is AC related) - I would save between 200 and 300 a year with the 15 seer over the 14 seer. So - it would take me between 3 and 5 years to make up the difference in initial cost. I'm not sure that is worth it - considering present value of the dollar and all that....

Now - I just have to figure out why one 14 seer gets an energy star rating and the other doesn't?

 

[BaldLoonie]

I would think your figure of 80% of electric bill is A/C might be too high. I keep my little house cold and it is considerably much less. I'd guess less than 1/3 of my electric bill is A/C. I would question if that 1 little old SEER point would save a huge amount over 5 years.

Remember that the 16i does have the comfort advantage of 2 stage cooling.

 

[xv80satisfiedcust]

My contractor said I will probably save $200 per year in heating costs by getting a heat pump as opposed to regular AC. Maybe ask your contractor for some numbers.

The heat pump was added to my relatively new gas furnace. Without trying to be "trendy", I have "dual fuel".

I have the XL14i. The outdoor unit fan style is very quiet.

 

[tommyz]

Thnaks - think I am going with the XR14

I haven't found any good reasons to go with the more expense 14I - sure it has a "top guard" plastic thing - but my current unit doesn't and was fine for possibly 15 years without it - and the decibals are 2 lower - and it has energy star - but they have the same SEER - and the guarantee on the internal parts is longer (though they list the same compressor type) so I don't see the reason for the hefty dollar increase. I also ran the software on this site and came up with 5 ton - which is what my old air hadler has... though my outdoor condensor is 4 ton.

So - they are coming by this a.m. to pick up the check.

 

[city]

The XR 14 and the XL14i are two great product, i think the major difference would be what some techs in this forum call the "funky top" which is the plastic top, both if paired with a variable speed airhandler, and a new line set if you choose an R410a refrigerant would take care of your cooloing/heating needs. If there is a major difference in price, get the XR. I have the XL14i, it has done an excellent job in keping me cool and warm.

 

[not a filter expert]

XL = 10 year warranty
XR = 5 year warranty

 

[tommyz]

Minor difference in price? There is a MAJOR difference in price.... not saying how much - but lets just say I could take the family of 4 to disney for a weekend on the difference.

 

[not a filter expert]

Go with the cheap one. What is the model number & manufacturer on the 11 Seer older unit you are replacing? Any idea of the age?

 

[tommyz]

its an old TRANE unit - 4 ton compressor (2 stage) with a 5 ton air handler Installed 7/89. I had the numbers somewhere for the models - but I've lost them.... but on another post here guys said it as an amazing unit for its day... achieving at least 11 seer (when new)....