HVAC Reviews » Central Air Conditioners

Trane XR15 High Efficiency Review

Mark — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:59:02 +0000

The Trane XR15 Offers Good Value and Energy Savings

Trane offers its customers a variety of quality HVAC products. Among the most popular models is the Trane XR15. In Trane's good/better/best product lineup, the Trane XR15 is found in the "better" category. This Trane XR15 is available as a central air conditioner if you plan to match it with a gas furnace. It is also offered as a heat pump, providing both air conditioning and heating, to be matched with an air handler. This review covers the key features of this model that you'll want to compare with others under consideration.

Efficiency
The Trane XR15 is very efficient. As a central air conditioner, it offers 17 SEER performance. As a heat pump, it offers 16.5 SEER for air conditioning and 9.5 HSPF for heating. These outstanding efficiency levels qualify the Trane XR15 as an Energy Star product and make it eligible for utlity rebates and tax credits where applicable. When this unit replaces a central air conditioner or heat pump just 10-12 years old it will reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.

Features
The Trane XR15 is built with several key features that strengthen its performance and durability. The first of these is the single-stage ClimaTuff compressor, one of the highest rated compressors in the industry. The ClimaTuff compressor is efficient and it is also quiet. The compressor compartment contains an insulating blanket to further reduce operating noise. In addition, the spine fin and copper tube condenser coil effectively transfer heat for faster cooling during the warm months. The DuraTuff composite base pan won't rust and is designed to elevate the unit to keep it clear of draining condensate. If you desire exceptional indoor quality, add the optional CleanEffects enhanced air filtration system which is a good choice for those with breathing issues such as allergies or asthma. Finally, the Trane XR15 heat pump and central air conditioner use the new R-410A refrigerant. It does not contain chlorine and it will not deplete the ozone layer. It is also more efficient than R22 and older refrigerants.

Best Climate for the Trane XR15
The Trane XR15 air conditioner, with 17 SEER efficiency, is an excellent choice in moderate to very warm climates. The high efficiency operation will keep energy costs under control and the extra expense paid for this model versus a lower efficiency air conditioner will be paid back in just a few years in the form of lower energy bills. The Trane XR15 heat pump is a good choice for all but the very coldest climates. In cooler regions, adding heat strips to the air handler to provide auxiliary heat will enhance indoor comfort.

Conclusion
Homeowners looking for a good combination of lower equipment costs and excellent energy savings have made the Trane XR15 one of the most popular models on the market. The fact that it doesn't have a 2-stage compressor keeps the equipment costs low. The drawback of a single-stage compressor is that it does not offer as precise control over indoor temperature and humidity as a 2-stage compressor does when matched with a variable-speed blower. However, if your goal is to spend less up front and still cut your energy consumption, the Trane XR 15 air conditioner and heat pump are models worth considering.

Trane XR15 High Efficiency Review is a post from: HVAC Reviews

3 Questions to Ask Your Trane Dealer

Mark — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:02:21 +0000

Getting the best price on a Trane air conditioner doesn't have to be like pulling teeth this summer! All you need to know are the three magic questions EVERY Trane dealer, or ANY dealer for that matter, like to hear during the closing of their sales presentation.

So - let me set this up...

For the past 30 minutes, you have been presented all the reasons why a particular Trane air conditioner is the right one for you and your home. The Sales person has laid out a price in front of you and now you need to decide if you will buy or not.

3 Questions to Save Money on a Trane Air Conditioner

When asked in order, these 3 questions can save you a lot of money on your next system!

1 - How Soon Can you Install the System?

By asking your salesperson how soon they can install, you have actually triggered the "I made a sale" gene in the mind of a salesman! This person thinks they just added another person to the Trane family of owners... and thinks they are in control of the rest of this process!

Ask... and WAIT until they answer. In most cases, they will ask for a minute or two, to call in the question to their install manager just to be sure, but rest assured... EVERY HVAC company can install it today or tomorrow if they think it will help close the deal. Calling in is just a ploy to make you think they are getting an exact date / time for you!

2 - Do You Offer Financing, or Take Credit Cards?

So... now that you know they can get it installed tomorrow for you, lead that sales person on a bit more... and ask them how you can pay for it! See where we are going with this? When can you install it and how can I pay for it?!

Your Trane salesman is going to have a hard time hiding their excitement at this point and you may actually hear a little squeal slip out if he's not careful! In reality, he thinks you are his and he's already thinking of the ways he is going to brag this up later to the other salespeople!

Again... Let him talk and WAIT until he is done!

3 - Will You Take off $1000 if I Buy it Right Now?

Ohhh... You just hit them with the Hammer!

Heck, you can substitute the amount of the discount to whatever you want... but here is a good guide for you:

Price up to $2500, ask for 5-10% off!
Priced from $2500-$5000, ask for 10-20% off!
$5000 or more, ask for 20-30% off!

By now, there is no way this salesman is going to let the sale get away from him, and he WILL give you the best possible price you are ever going to get from his company! Period! Whether he gives you $1000 a Trane system or not is purely related to how bad he wants the sale, but rest assured, there is plenty of leeway for travel in the price he gives you first!

How Else Can You Save on a Trane Air Conditioner?

Share your own tips for how you saved..

3 Questions to Ask Your Trane Dealer is a post from: HVAC Reviews

Lennox XPG20 SunSource Solar Assisted Air Conditioner Review

Mark — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Lennox XPG20 Solar Air Conditioner Review

With all the talk about Cap & Trade and Green Energy going on in Washington, one of the more common terms you will soon become familiar with, is Solar Air Conditioning, or Solar Cooling! Lennox, being the innovative manufacturing company it is, decided to get in front of the Green Energy movement and build the first ever Residential Solar Air Assisted Air Conditioner, the SunSource XPG20. This post looks at the pros and cons of the XPG20, as well as the ideal homeowner whom it may benefit.

How Does The Lennox XPG20 Solar Air Conditioner Work?

The first and most important point to make about the SunSource system, is that it is not 100% solar powered. The XPG20 System simply takes the concept of solar energy to a smaller scale, focusing the suns energy to assist the power needed to power one segment of your overall power needs, the heating and cooling system.

From the Lennox XPG20 Product info Flyer:

Patent Pending solar assist technology uses a combination of solar energy and electricity to reduce peak demand on home electric usage.

The combination of the two-stage scroll compressor, combined with the 170 Watt DC Solar Assist Panel results in up-to 8% drop in electricity usage results in one of the most energy efficient home HVAC units you will find on the market today, without going to GeoThermal.

As compared to the same unit with no solar assist, the SunSource unit achieves a higher SEER of 20.00 (compared to 18.2) and EER of 13.7 (12.7 without solar assist)

Keep in mind you are going to need a roof area of your home in constant direct sunlight to gain the true benefits of any solar product.

Lennox XPG20 SunSource Product Specifics

Quiet Operation

SilentComfort fan grille—uses patent-pending, vortex-suppression technology to reduce sound of airflow exiting the unit, providing a quieter environment outside your home
Fully insulated compressor compartment—uses innovative vibration-isolating mounts to muffle operating sound

Home Comfort

Two-stage scroll compressor— runs at low speed most of the time, which means it's less expensive to operate and proivdes more consistent comfort
Designed to work with the Humiditrol whole-home dehumidification system*

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency ratings of up to 18.20** SEER and 9.70** HSPF—can save you hundreds of dollars a year, compared to a standard heat pump
Single solar panel—provides freely available renewable energy to offset the electric usage of the heating and cooling system
ENERGY STAR® qualified—meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency
This product qualifies for a tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.***

Environmentally Responsible

The industry's first solar-assisted central heat pump— uses a combination of solar energy and electricity to reduce home electric usage
Chlorine-free R410A refrigerant—provides exceptional comfort without exacting a costly environmental toll

Reliable Performance

Quality you can trust— constructed of heavy-gauge, pre-painted steel and tested in the most extreme environments to ensure maximum durability
Lennox® System Operations Monitor—first onboard cooling system diagnostics in the industry—continuously monitors system performance and assures reliable operation and fast troubleshooting
10-Year Limited Warranty on compressor and all remaining covered components, excludes solar panel

Information taken from the Lennox XPG Sunsource Product Page

Cost of a Lennox XPG20 SunSource System

At this point, it truly starts to get very tricky! With only an 8% reduction in energy usage, you may want to consider the upfront costs versus the overall savings. With the extra Solar panel and wiring requirements, installation of the SunSource system is going to be considerably higher than a standard installation.

The XPG unit itself is going to run you in the range of $7500-$12,000 (depending on availability, contractor premiums, and where you live) for a 3-ton system, installed. Once you add in the extra costs of the solar assist panel and the added need for the install of those items, you can easily spend an extra $2500-$5000 on the total job.

If You have gotten quotes, please provide further information below. If you want to find a Lennox Approved Contractor to get a price quote, head to the Lennox Dealer locator and search today.

Lennox XPG20 SunSource Solar Assisted Air Conditioner Review is a post from: HVAC Reviews

Trane XL20i High Efficiency Air Conditioner Review

Mark — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:40:51 +0000

I won't repeat their own tagline... but when it comes to Super Efficiency and High Quality, well, Trane is hoping that nothing else can compare! The reality of finding a 20+ seer air conditioner is no longer a myth and Trane hopes the XL21i Air Conditioner will bring buyers in droves!

Trane XL21i Air Conditioner Review

The XL20I Air Conditioner is available in four different sizes, 2 ton, 3 ton, 4 ton, and 5 ton. In order to achieve anything close to the manufacturer SEER ratings, they must be matched with a variable speed indoor air handler or variable speed Trane gas or oil furnaces. If your installation requires a gas or oil furnace, you must also have the matching coil per the manufacturer recommendation, or the efficiency is not guaranteed. In other words, like any other high efficiency system, all components must be matched!

Trane XL20i Features

Efficient performance

The XL20i’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of up to 20 SEER is among the highest energy efficiency rating of any air conditioner available today. The XL20i has two compressors: one for milder weather and a second larger compressor for those extremely hot days. It’s like having two units in one.

ComfortLink II Communicating Capability

When matched with other communicating components, the ComfortLinkII connects all of your key components so your system automatically charges, configures and calibrates for optimal performance and efficiency through the lifetime of your products. When the optional Telephone Access Module (TAM) is added, you can conveniently adjust settings and receive system updates wherever you are by phone.

Economical, Quiet, Durable and Cleaner

Increased efficiency may substantially lower your home cooling costs.
Multi-stage fan motor adjusts speed to quietly provide maximum comfort.
Materials for all components are tested again and again for long-lasting performance and durability.
Add Trane CleanEffects to your system for advanced air filtration that removes more dust, pollen and other irritants from your conditioned air for a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home. And Trane CleanEffects is now proven to remove more than 99% of the common flu virus from your home’s filtered air.

Read the detailed technical specs at the Trane site

Trane XL20i Cost Estimates

There are many different combinations of AC, furnace, Heat Pump, etc, to give an accurate cost estimate of the Trane XL20i System, but as some of you begin leaving your own reviews below, please make sure to let us all know where you live, the size of your system, and the cost you paid.

To have a general XL20i cost estimate before you go about pricing one of your own locally, I can tell you that here in the Charlotte NC area, a 3 Ton XL20i would cost between $8500-$12,000, including the variable speed gas furnace, matching Trane coil, thermostat and installation in a utility closet. Some of the things that affect that estimate the most:

Location of the Unit - an Attic or crawlspace with limited room, could add to the cost.
Ductwork - If rebuilding of the duct, replacement of duct, or overall duct sealing is needed, it may add.
Clean Effects air cleaner - if you want to go with a clean air solution, plan to pay a bit more.
Size - 2-3 ton units are generally about the same price, but if you need a 4-5 ton unit, you can expect a slightly higher premium, as well as quite a bit larger footprint for the unit itself.

Trane XL20i Rebates

The cost estimate above does NOT take into account both Trane rebates and energy efficiency rebates being offered locally or nationally. Trane offers a $1000 rebate on the full system, and the unit also qualifies for the Energy Tax Credit. Check with your local Trane dealer for a more detailed quote, as well as all energy rebates the unit you need may qualify for.

Trane XL20i Owner Reviews

Owners, please write your reviews below...

Trane XL20i High Efficiency Air Conditioner Review is a post from: HVAC Reviews

Goodman SX Series Central Air Conditioner Review

Mark — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:24:28 +0000

The Goodman SX14 14 SEER Air Conditioner uses the environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410A and features operating sound levels that are among the best in the heating and cooling industry. R-410A is chlorine-free to help prevent damage to the ozone layer. The SSX14 features a high-efficiency Copeland scroll compressor and is designed for the consumer who desires superior comfort, quiet operation, and environmentally friendly performance.

Goodman 14 SEER SSX140421 Central A/C Specs

High-efficiency Copeland® scroll compressor with internal pressure relief valve
Factory-installed liquid line filter dryer
850 RPM condenser fan motor
High-efficiency copper tube/aluminum fin coil
R-410A refrigerant charged for 15’ of refrigerant line
Brass liquid and suction line service valves
Contactor with lug connection
ARI Certified
ETL Certified

Goodman SX Series Central Air Conditioner Review is a post from: HVAC Reviews

Goodman GSC13 Central AC Review

Mark — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:14:25 +0000

The Goodman GSC13 13 SEER Air Conditioner features the unique Goodman® sound control top design for quiet operation. In addition, the unit has an attractive louvered metal guard that protects the coil from damage plus a powder-paint finish that provides premium durability and improved UV protection. Unique Goodman sound control top design with steel louver coil guard. Heavy-gauge galvanized-steel cabinet and attractive Architectural Gray powder-paint finish with 500-hour salt-spray approval.

When properly anchored, meets the integrity requirements for hurricane-type winds.

Goodman GSC13 Central AC Specs

Energy-efficiency compressor
Copper tube/aluminum fin coil
850 RPM condenser fan motor
R-22 refrigerant-charged for 15’ of refrigerant lines
Factory-installed liquid line filter dryer
Brass liquid and suction service valves with sweat connections
Contactor with lug connections
Ground lug connection
ETL Certified

Goodman GSC13 Central AC Review is a post from: HVAC Reviews