New unit question - please help (2024)

New Guest

Hi everyone,
first post here, so please bare with me if my question is too basic. I live in the Orlando area and I am in the process of installing a new AC / Heat pump system. Existing system is a 15yr old Payne. My house is 2800 sqf, with 3 zones. There is only one bonus room (250sqf) in the second floor. I have been quoted multiple systems, mainly Daikin and Trane.

Trane XR15, XR16, XV18 and XV20i.
Daikin DZ7TC and DZ5SE

I have been reading great things about the XV20i, but that comes at a price.

My questions:
Will the XV21 work better with zoning system? (dampener)
I was told that the XR16 and 17 dont work well on humid climates, is this true?
I guess the whole Trane vs Daikin debate is out the door because the installer is more important than the actual brand.
Do you guys think these bells and whistles in the XV21 increase the probability of electronics issues?
Will I benefit more from a variable stage than a 2 stage equipment?
I am tempted to get everything installed: new HVAC, thermostats, and control board. I feel that if I re-use, especially the control board and thermostats I may run into "communication" issues with the parts down the road. But again, all that come at a price.

Anything else you guys recommend that I should ask the technicians?

Thank you

Global Moderator

I moved your thread to the "AOP Residential HVAC (Beenthere Zone)" forum as this is the only place where homeowners can ask non-technical HVAC questions and seek advice.

Please take note of this new location as the "Moved" icon in the other forum will only last a day.

Professional Member*

Anything else you guys recommend that I should ask the technicians?

What’s the labor warranty, are they going to reuse existing lineset or install new lineset, are they going to do a load calculation to really see what you need or just change like for like.

Why wouldn’t a two stage remove RH as long as system is not oversized, and the indoor coil matches with the outdoor unit.

One of the Daikin is a single stage and the other a two stage , which is similar to the Trane XR15 and XR16.

See Also

Trane XR14 vs XR16 Compared - HVAC SolversTrane XL15 (4TTX5018A1) vs Trane XR15 (4TWR5018G1): What is the difference?Trane XR 14 vs. XR 17...is it worth the upgrade?Trane XR15 Heat Pump Specifications & Reviews

Why not get bids for other brands if your considering an inverter, or your stuck on Trane inverters.

BTW the Daikin manufacturer warranty is superior to Tranes manufacturer warranty, and they put more standard features into the outdoor unit than the Trane XR15 and XR16 if your into those two perks.

Tax Credits come into play on all models if the AHRI number meets the minimum requirements.

https://www.bryant.com/en/us/before-...l-tax-credits/

Systems probably meets your states rebates requirements also.

Ask for the AHRI number to compare SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2

Check here for the certificate of ratings

https://www.ahridirectory.org/Search...?ReturnUrl=%2f

Not sure what to tell you about your other questions..

New Guest

Thank you. I have received estimates from 5 companies and for some reason these are the only brands they work with. However, I am not biased towards any specific brands.

"Why wouldn’t a two stage remove RH as long as system is not oversized, and the indoor coil matches with the outdoor unit." I dont know the answer to that question. One of the contractors indicated that because of the multiple zone configuration and duct structure, the variable stage is recommended. I know that the XV21 is Trane's top of the line and I watched youtube videos with positive reviews.

It's such a HUGE expense and I want to make sure I make a somewhat educated decision. My boss and my neighbor use one of the contractors that provided me estimates, so, Im kind of leaning towards them, andthey are the ones recommending the XV21 system. Additionally, the guy spent over 1 hr measuring the vents, ducts, checking airflow, etc. So.. he seemed to be knowledgeable.

Professional Member*

That one hour measurement walk through is added into the bid. If you go Trane XV21 I’d be darn sure this company is well trained on this model in regards to quality install and setup and sizing, and having properly sized ductwork, and even more importantly they have Techs, that can diagnose and troubleshoot and take corrective action preferably the 1st time if system needs tweaking/adjustments, nuisance tripping, modifications etc. during labor warranty period.

Trouble is you will not know how well your system of choice is working to your satisfaction or to the manufacturer advertising hype, until system is installed and up and running. Meaning how many times you have to call them back under the labor warranty period would be a good indication..

If your a proactive person, ask them for the sequence of operation of system in heat, cool operation, things like what happens to the outdoor and indoor section, when room temperature is close to thermostat setpoint and when it’s further from setpoint, will I be able to see and hear, equipment ramping up and down if I’m near each section.

The XV21i looks to come in even tonnage, some side discharge inverters come in .5 ton increments..

Shows a 12 year compressor warranty and 10 years parts on the XV21i once registered.

New Guest

One of the guys who came only looked outside. I dont even think he measured the area where the new unit will be installed. He is the most 'cost effective' option but he didn't inspire confidence. This other guy measured every single room in the house, every single vent, etc.. the only issue is: least cost effective.

Professional Member*

If you are going to put in the XV20i then you would be smart in upgrading the zone to Trane where the dampers will modulate with the needs of the space.

Most systems will dehumidify well if they are installed and set up properly.

If you go with a high end system have a surge protector installed to help avoid some problems with electronics and voltage surges.

Zone duct systems are complicated and most dealers do not understand a standard duct system so forget about them doing a zone duct system correctly. If you are keeping the duct system make sure the dealer can check the current set up out and see that it is operating correctly before you have them making changes to a system.

New Guest

I have had issues because of the zoning system not functioning properly e.g airflow, noisy vents, uneven temperatures which leads to believe that the existing unit handles the zoning capabilities properly, but Im no expert.

I feel like my current set up is like frankstein, (parts from a bunch of different manufacturers) except I dont know if they integrate well. In other words, I think if dont install something that will work well with the zoning system I will regret later.

Which is why Im trying to collect as much info as possible.

Global Moderator

Has a blower door test been performed so the amount of house leakage is known? How about a Manual J load calculation to determine how many BTU are needed? Oversized equipment is a waste of money and does not dehumidify well.
Be very careful with zoning. The equipment requires a certain amount of air flow, but a small zone such as your bonus room is likely to have too little air flow for the equipment to operate properly. If you decide to use zoning, I recommend the same brand as the equipment so it has a better chance of communicating.

Sponsor & Professional Member*

Originally Posted by lisilv

Hi everyone,
first post here, so please bare with me if my question is too basic. I live in the Orlando area and I am in the process of installing a new AC / Heat pump system. Existing system is a 15yr old Payne. My house is 2800 sqf, with 3 zones. There is only one bonus room (250sqf) in the second floor. I have been quoted multiple systems, mainly Daikin and Trane.

Trane XR15, XR16, XV18 and XV20i.
Daikin DZ7TC and DZ5SE

I have been reading great things about the XV20i, but that comes at a price.

My questions:
Will the XV21 work better with zoning system? (dampener)
I was told that the XR16 and 17 dont work well on humid climates, is this true?
I guess the whole Trane vs Daikin debate is out the door because the installer is more important than the actual brand.
Do you guys think these bells and whistles in the XV21 increase the probability of electronics issues?
Will I benefit more from a variable stage than a 2 stage equipment?
I am tempted to get everything installed: new HVAC, thermostats, and control board. I feel that if I re-use, especially the control board and thermostats I may run into "communication" issues with the parts down the road. But again, all that come at a price.

Anything else you guys recommend that I should ask the technicians?

Thank you

Single stage a/c setup well will maintain 50%RH during significant sensible cooling load. Keep in mind that sensible cooling is required for the a/c to remove moisture. As the sun sets, the sensible load declines to near zero, but the moisture load from outside air and the occupants continues over-night and on rainy days. During a 7-10 mph wind, you home will a fresh air change in 3-5 hours. Indoor air quality experts suggest that you should have a fresh air change in 3-4 hours when occupied to purge indoor air pollutants and renew oxygen.
If your home gets the fresh air needed when occupied, you will have 3 air changes over-night with very little moisture removed. When the outside dew points are normal in green grass climates, your home will get damp by morning. On a rainy day, expect even higher moisture levels inside the home when getting fresh air as suggested.

Two speed a/cs do remove a more moisture than single speed. VS a/c removes a little more than 2 speed. None will remove adequate moisture to maintain 50%RH evenings and rainy days in a home that has occupants and a fresh air change in 3-4 hours when the outdoor dew point is +60^F and occupied. Get humidity control assurance in writing.

Suggest getting a slightly oversized single speed a/c and adding whole house dehumidifier to remove the evening and rainy moisture to maintain 50%RH. Units like the Santa Fe Ultra, Broan, and Trane are units that have merv 13 air filters and blower control to provide fresh filtered air to the home while maintaining humidity evenings and rainy days.

Your thoughts?

Regards Teddy Bear