trane xe 1000 compressor bad follow up

This is a follow up post to my two previous ones about my trane xe 1000 heat pump and the compressor having failed.

I got an estimate from my local contractor who installed the xe 1000 to fix the compressor would be $1,775 I’m not going to do that as the air handler is probably over 30 year old.

He proposed two new systems

Rheem 13 seer
Outdoor unit RPNL036JAZ
Indoor unit RHSLHM3617JA

COST INSTALLED $3985

Rheem 15 seer
Outdoor unit RPQL036JEZ
Indoor unit RHKL3617JA

COST INSTALLED $5085

The price for both systems above would be for flushing the current lines, they are the right size according to the contractor. He would charge an additional $355 to make up new lines for either system. The prices also include a basic non programmable digital thermostat.

Are the indoor and outdoor units in each system a good match? And are these prices reasonable? Is Rheem one of the better product lines out there?

I’m leaning toward the 15 seer as I think it qualifies for a 300 tax rebate. Apparently Rheem is starting a rebate program of their own in April but I don’t think I can wait that long. Any input would be much appreciated.

I live in Northern VA near Washington DC

 

I would probably spring for a new lineset. From the sound of your old compressor there is a good chance there is metal filings in the lines. It's hard to tell if you get them all out even with a good flush. If not they will cause havoc and major headaches with your new system. Rheem is fine. Don't worry too much about seer ratings as it is more of a sales ploy than anything. Advertised seer ratings are determined in perfect laboratory conditions (perfect ductwork, perfect insulation, perfect refrigerant charge etc). and are seldom actually ever achieved in an actual installation. Plus it is very doubtful that you would see much of a difference on your electric bill between a 13 and 15 seer unit. I would also consider an extended warranty.

 

NEW LINE SET!!!! for sure. I would go with the higher seer unit. What are the HSPF ratings?

 

chevy

first, I will assume three ton system is correct size.

Rheem is an often overlooked and underated brand. Good HVAC including heat pumps. Premium system has demand defrost which you want. Not certain about budget system.

pls re-check mdl number of outdoor condenser of budget system.

both are priced very good for three ton systems.

Here are the AHRI performance/eff numbers on the premium system.

3393299 Active Systems RHEEM RPQL SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY RPQL-036JEZ RHKL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617 36800 13.00 15.50 37200 10.00 24200

excellent numbers across the board.

what size heat strip was quoted?

I do recommend a good programmable thermostat like HW mdl # 8321 or HW VP IAQ. you might consider an outdoor sensor for heat strip control but not absolutely necessary.

and I always recommend a new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset .

and for the previous poster, the premium system has an HSPF eff of 10.

IMO

 

For some reason I was not allowed to reply to my own previous post I that is why I started a new thread.

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.

To the last post. I checked the model number for the budget outdoor unit on the Rheem web site and it seems correct. I believe the heat strip will be 15 kw. Is that about right?

Can you suggest a basic programmable thermostat that is more affordable than the HW 8321?

I’m leaning toward the 15 seer as I will get a $300 tax credit and the warranty on all parts is 10 years. But I also would mind spending a thousand dollars less.

 

The 8320 not the 8321. I think the 8320 is worth the money.. With that stat, you can have the outdoor sensor on it and lock out the Aux heat help save on energy cost. And If you do get a new 8320 stat, set it as a non-program stat.

You could go to another TH5220 stat and it will try to keep the Aux heat off much as it can.. And If you do get a new stat, set it as a non-program stat.

 

not certain why your thread was closed but I wanted to comment on thermostat selection.

you indicated you live in Northern Va/DC area. as most know, summers there have high humidity. If this is even a concern as far as comfort in the summer and using AC, I would recommend in the following order.

1.HW Vision Pro IAQ that can be wired for DOD-"dehumidify on demand"

2.HW Mdl 8321 that has humidity feature and overcooling.

I don't like the idea of purchasing a nice HP system and then taking a shortcut on the thermostat. And I don't recommend cheap big box store thermostats.

now to size of heat strip. I certainly would not go with a 15 KW heat strip unless it was staged. at 17 degree, the premium Rheem system quoted yields about 23 KBTUs of heating(without heat strip backup). A 10 KW heat strip produces about 35 KBTUs, a 15 KW heat strip produces about 51 KBTUs of heat. Something to think about.

IMO

 

Oops! Sorry, I closed the wrong one..