Thread: New HVAC and Humidifier Advice?

Well, our 5.5 year old home's AC compressor unit called it quits and with an estimate of $4000 to get it running again, I figured it's time to upgrade the crappy builder's model. We live in a 3 story 2300 sqft townhouse in the DC area, where we get both hot summers and cold winters.

I've heard that the Trane units are the best for the money when it comes to residential. We've decided to go between an XL16i (2 stage scroll compressor - 16 SEER) or XL15i (single stage conventional -16 SEER) in either the 3 Ton or 3.5 Ton. Both will have 10 years parts and labor warranty in addition to a maintenance contract for the first 3 years. Is a 2 stage scroll compressor worth the extra $600 or almost 10%?

Here are the links.
XL15i http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...r-Conditioners
XL16i http://www.trane.com/residential/pro...r-Conditioners

We originally have a 3 Ton unit and I've been advised both ways whether to upgrade to 3.5T or not. What are your thoughts.

Lastly, we are considering a whole house humidifier. Our contractor is offering a Aprilaire 400 with automatic controls for $300. Anybody have any experience with this? How's this for pricing?

Here are the links.
Aprilaire 400 http://www.aprilaire.com/index.php?z...ory=5&item=400

So far we're leaning toward the Trane XL15i 3Ton with an XV80 80% furnace with variable speed blower, Trane XL803 touch screen thermostat, 10 year parts and labor warranty, Aprilaire 400 humidifier, and 3 year maintenance contract for just under $7000. We'd hopefully get the $1500 fed tax credit and a rebate from our electric company for $225. This would effectively make this setup just under $5300.

Here are the links
Trane XV80 Furnace http://www.trane.com/residential/pro.../XV80-Furnaces
Trane XL803 Thermostat http://www.trane.com/Residential/Pro...00-Thermostats

Thanks for any advice! We're out of AC and staying at a friends house until they can come out to replace the system on Tuesday. Great friends are priceless!

Originally Posted by fookie

So far we're leaning toward the Trane XL15i 3Ton with an XV80 80% furnace with variable speed blower, Trane XL803 touch screen thermostat, 10 year parts and labor warranty, Aprilaire 400 humidifier, and 3 year maintenance contract for just under $7000. We'd hopefully get the $1500 fed tax credit and a rebate from our electric company for $225. This would effectively make this setup just under $5300.

This would be the way to go.

It is important to make sure your equipment is sized properly for your house. I'm guessing you are running your entire house with one unit? Make sure your contractor does the "Manual J" which is the load calculations for the house to size appropriately. Many inexperienced companies will over size the equipment for fear that it won't cool the house enough, this is a bad move. Over sizing equipment can lead to humidity problems because the air temperature in the house drops so fast the equipment doesn't get to run long enough to pull enough humidity out.

Humidifiers are great, we always recommend them, the Aprilaire is a good one.

Trane is good as well. You can also check out Rheem, we use that as well. But my suggestion is go with the one your service company is most familiar with so if there is any issues they know how to fix it.

Inquire about using a MERV 10 (or higher) filter. I always suggest these, it's a big upgrade from the cheap ones (probably what came in your house if it was a spec house) but only a minor cost upgrade. This will greatly improve the air quality of your home by filtering out dust and pollen much better. (Your nose filters at about MERV 8, and hospitals use MERV 16, just to give you an idea on MERV ratings).

Also, make sure they are properly matching the condensing unit with the air handler.

Thanks for the info, JO8M3! I really appreciate it. We signed on with the Trane XL15i 3Ton & XV80 Variable Blower, Trane XL803 Touchscreen Thermostat, full 10 Part/Labor warranty, 3 year maintenance contract, and an Aprilaire 600 unit (for $50 over the 400). This setup will just a few bucks over $7k.

We decided on the Aprilaire 600 (instead of the 400) because we've heard they work a little better because you can use warm water and have it run on just the blower itself. They are going to tap into the condensate drain pipe and have it flow to the sump pump. Is this okay? Particularly in the winter when it's freezing outside? It isn't going to tax the sump pump with the extra water will it?

Would you recommend an air filtration system or will the MERV 10+ filter be effective enough? Thanks again for your insight.

MERV 10 should be plenty. You can always go MERV 13 or 16 if you really want better filtration. I'm not sure exactly how the climate/air quality is where you live, but if you're concerned about mold or similar you can add a UV light to the system which will kill anything in the air. We've only installed those on houses that have had mold issues in the past due to excessive humidity. They usually run around $200 or so.

You should be fine having it drain into the condensate line. The 600 having the ability to run with just the blower is probably overkill for Maryland, I would only think you need this if you live somewhere very arid, like Colorado or something, but you'll be fine and for the $50 I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks again for your advice. I think I'll sleep well knowing I made a good decision. I hated making a decision on such short notice. I also hated trying to save some dough on the XL15i (as opposed to the XL16i) but I think in the end I really won't notice the difference. I could always use the extra $600 toward some new Run Flats that I sorely need for my car.