[researchmom]

Hi all --

We live in a 10 yr. old Single Family Home in suburban Philadelphia, PA. We have zoned gas heat/AC, Lennox builder's grade split systems original to home. We run the AC consistently all season. First floor plan is open with 2 story ceiling through the middle of the home. Windows get late afternoon sun thru rear of house. Some mice decided to move into our 1st floor's 3 ton AC unit (what a treat) plus a freon leak was discovered, so we have decided to replace that AC unit, which has been shut off completely because of the stripped wiring. (Of course, forecast is calling for 90 tomorrow!) We just used most of the Federal Tax credit on new windows before discovering the AC surprise. We are down to two bids and could use guidance on the better way to go. Both are similarly priced.
Option 1: New Trane XLi 15 SEER AC and A-coil, new line set, pad, disconnect and electrical whip; 10 yr. parts and labor warranty.
Option 2: Bryant Condenser 126BNA036 (16 SEER), Bryant Coil CNPVP6036, Bryant Thermostat T2PAC01, incl. all duct transitions, condensate drain, refrigerant line set, condenser pad, plus all piping & wiring; 10 yr warranty on scroll compressor and all Bryant parts, 1 yr. labor.
My HVAC knowledge extends to the education I've gotten just through this process.
Which is is the better way to go? Thanks in advance for the wisdom...!

 

[BaldLoonie]

Which dealer do you like better?

The Trane has a 10 year labor vs 1. Ask if that is through Trane's own extended warranty dept. That could tip the scales Traneward.

 

[researchmom]

Good point

Both dealers seem ok and established businesses. I'm more concerned about the equipment. I am waiting for the Trane vendor to forward me a copy of the warranty, but he said that even if a rock flew into the unit while mowing the lawn, labor and parts would be covered - only "acts of God" like a flood would be excluded.
I'm also wondering, the Bryant vendor said the 16 Seer was a single stage (I asked specifically and made a note) , the Trane guy said he knows of no Bryant 16 Seer that is single stage, unless you take a unit that had a lower factory Seer and put a larger condenser in it -- what sounds correct?

 

[dash]

Trane guy said he knows of no Bryant 16 Seer that is single stage, unless you take a unit that had a lower factory Seer and put a larger condenser in it -- what sounds correct?


No that doesn't sound correct at all.


Also no need to replace the line set,IMHO after installing 100's of them ,without doing son.

 

[researchmom]

What part sounds wrong to you, dash? Trane guy's explanation, or is there no such thing as a Bryant 16 Seer single stage?

Which do you think is the better way for us to go? Thanks.

 

[Edwin73]

TRANE

 

[researchmom]

because of reliability or warranty?

Thanks for the feedback, Edwin. What are your reasons for picking the Trane system? How much difference do you think the 15 vs. 16 SEER will really make for us?

 

[RyanHughes]

Bryant has two single stage 16 SEER condensers in their product line now that they recently introduced (116BNA and the step up 126BNA which you were quoted). Helps meet tax credit requirements.

 

[researchmom]

Which do you think is the better choice for us, Ryan?

 

[RyanHughes]

I really like the XL15i -- have seen a few in person and they are quiet, durable units. I'm not a pro though, so take my opinion for what it's worth. I like the idea of an aluminum condenser coil on the Trane which has been promoted for years. It has the features of any premium unit (compressor sound shield, pressure protection, etc.), but the Bryant should as well. Tough call -- really depends on which dealer you feel more comfortable with. I haven't seen a Bryant 126BNA in action yet, but I have read the specs on them and they appear to be good units. If it were my house, the Trane would be going in, provided I was in your position and both dealers were equally competent. Just make sure the indoor coil with the Trane is a genuine OEM Trane coil and not one made by a third party.

Trane's XR15 may be more comparable to the Bryant 16 SEER model. The XL15i costs a bit more, has a little longer warranty on the compressor, and has a fancy black top to keep leaves out. The XR15 is a fine replacement in my mind, if costs is higher for the Trane.

 

[researchmom]

Thanks. Ryan. (My bad on the edit -- I didn't see the last graph..) The prices for the two units is virtually identical..so dollar for dollar it sounds like you think the XL15i is a better choice than the Legacy Pref. 16...

 

[Big]

Get

a AHRI printout to see true ratings

 

[Edwin73]

Thanks for the feedback, Edwin. What are your reasons for picking the Trane system? How much difference do you think the 15 vs. 16 SEER will really make for us?

I would go with the Trane because I believe Trane will hold up better than Bryant. I base this on my experiences of installing and servicing both brands. I do not care for Bryant products. Trane can take some abuse. That warranty on the Trane sounds good as well. Whats the current SEER rating on yer equipment?

 

[1maytech]

Deal with the Trane guy. Better bulit and wothr the extra money hands down. Bryant is Carrier's cheaper brand.

 

[seatonheating]

Are you guys really that misinformed??

Researchmom, shoot me an email if you want the proper advice...sheesh guys.

 

[Edwin73]

Are you guys really that misinformed??

Researchmom, shoot me an email if you want the proper advice...sheesh guys.

Who is misinformed?

 

[Gilligan36]

I've installed and serviced both systems as well and I am 100% certain that Bryant has single stage 16 seer equipment and is every bit as reliable as Trane.
The problem I have with Trane outdoor units is their overabundance of possible leak areas, including the so called Rotolocks(nothing more than a pipe fitting) and the dissimilar metal splice joints and leak prone hot gas mufflers.

 

[Gilligan36]

:bsing:

Deal with the Trane guy. Better bulit and wothr the extra money hands down. Bryant is Carrier's cheaper brand.

I've toured the Bryant factory and you couldn't be more wrong.
Bryant equipment is made by the same people in the same lines and the only difference is the finish paint and the nameplate.
When you make a generalization about equipment by insisting it is "better built" there should be some substance to accompany your rhetoric.

 

[seatonheating]

Who is misinformed?

The last 5 posts were about how great Trane was over Bryant. No mention of anything other than that.

Misinformation period.

 

[Gilligan36]

Researchmom: my best friendly advice to you is that you should consider which contractor will perform the services you require and stand behind their work the best.
ANY equipment that you decide on is only going to be as good as the company that installs and services it.