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Posted by on December 6, 2006, 3:58 pm
Thank you very much for not ridiculing me, like some people tried to.
I am quite clueless in HVAC and I know that there very many options.
The HVAC guy first replaced the electrical board in the furnace
(charged $105 for parts). The unit still did not work. The gas would
ignite and immediately turn off. Also when the gas would ignite, the
flames would shoot out somewhat. It didn't look to me like they shoot
out too much, but I am not a pro and don't know what's normal. So the
guy said the heat exchanger is cracked and in this high efficiency
furnace (I think it's Trane XL90) you cannot replace the heat
exchanger, only the whole unit. (???) But since we have a heat pump
system that means the outdoor and the indoor units have to be both
replaced. So instead of several nundred dollars of repair costs, I
would be looking at several thousand.
He sounded sincere, but not terribly professional to me. He also
doesn't deal with Trane.
I am wondering if the diagnosis makes sense and whether you really
cannot replace the heat exchanger in the high efficiency furnace.
Also, I really need to replace the entire system, where can I get
educated in plain English about different options that are on the
market (variable speed blowers, dual stage, etc.)
Thanks!
gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:
> smanilov@gmail.com wrote:
>
> >I have Trane XL1200 heat pump with High Efficiency furnace gas backup
> >system, which is 19 y.o.
> >
> >The system refused to heat the house today (32F outside) and HVAC guy
> >after tinkering with some electrical board diagnosed that the heat
> >exchanger is no good and the whole system needs replacement. He does
> >not specialize in Trane, but in York and Carrier and promised to quote
> >prices for those. He asked what SEER do I want and whether I want
> >variable speed blower. I told him I want a high quality system, since
> >I am not selling this house any time soon.
> >
> >1) Should I replace Trane system with another Trane system?
>
> sure, why not. It lasted 19 years, thats a proven track record.
> why re-invent the wheel?
>
>
>
> >2) We have separate units for 1st and 2nd floors. The other one works
> >well so far. Can only one be replaced now or do the need to be
> >replaced in pairs?
>
> replace them as they fail. or if you love throwing your money away,
> replace them both. Install all new windows while you're at it.
>
>
> >3) What SEER do I want nowadays? My house is 3,500 sq ft, if it helps.
>
> you want to educate yourself, so that you can make intelligent
> decisions on your own, without having to rely on strangers on the web.
>
> Go to this website: http://www.aridirectory.org/ari/ac.php
> enter in the Furnace model #, the Evaporator coil model # and the
> condensing unit model #. ARI will tell you what the SEER rating is
> for that system. You want the highest SEER your money will allow,
> based on HOW MUCH you USE your ac system. Look into factory and
> utility rebates. Some Tranes have up to $1000 in factory rebates.
> Get a minimum of 3 bids.
>
>
> >4) How can I tell if the guy is a real pro? He was very honest and
> >said it will take 3 days to install and he will take $1,200 for labor
> >(for one system, not both). The rest of the cost is hardware. I
> >understand his price is not high, but how do I know he will do the best
> >job?
> >
> >I am lost (and cold). Please help.
> >
> >Steve
>
> Gut instinct Steve. If you shop price, you WILL get screwed. Which
> guy makes you feel good? Do just a tiny bit of homework and soon
> you'll be able to tell when someone is bs-ing you or isnt. Go with
> the honest guy, regardless of what his price may be. It will pay for
> itself in the long run.
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