My new system up north is a Trane. Is it a decent machine? Here's the specs:

Air Handler in garage attic is 3.5 ton Trane, Model 5TEM6D05AV41SAA
Heat Pump at side of house is a Trane Model 5TWR5.

This system is for the 1800 sqft upstairs area of a 3000 sqft house in East Tennessee. It replaced an 18 year old system. I'm waiting on the downstairs unit to die before replacing it. Since it is used much less frequently - only when we have guests. Or have to live downstairs temporarily because the upstairs unit died :)

The HVAC guy stated it's a 3.5 ton, Trane 16 SEER II with a variable speed blower installed to existing duct work, thermostat, and refrigerant pipes.

You purchased a single stage heat pump with a variable speed blower in the air handler which is a pretty basic system. Trane is a good brand and I'm sure it will work just fine in your home. Just curious, how much did the whole system cost?

DM Sent.

My experience with our variable speed unit is just as you said. Only coment I would add is to obtain 10 or 12 year warranty (parts and labor) because the systems tend to be very technical with expensive parts. If a company won't give you this warranty, pick a different installer.

Agreed, Sunshine offers a 10 year full labor warrenty to go along with the 10 year parts from carrier at a reasonable price which is included in my costs above just for that reason. Not to have to worry about any repairs. Parts are readily available according to my research and Sunshine.

The fact that the 10 year labor add-on is not that expensive means they feel the system is reliable and easy to repair if needed.

Did you get my DM (Direct Message)?

No please send it again.
Tnx

Down south we have heat pumps vs just AC units. Last winter, I think it went to heat pump less than five times. Any thoughts on replacing a heat pump with just an AC unit? Any cost savings, both initial and cost to run?

I've lived here in the Villages for 4 years and during that time one year as you mentioned the heat went on a couple of times when it got cold in January and Febuary. But last year, it came on more during that time. One year it went down to 28 degress for a day. So, at the end of the day you really can't anticipate the weather unless you live in a very hot climate.

If you eliminate the heat pump you will lower the initial cost of the equipment but you won't save any money in the actual running of the system in A/C mode.

So is the new Carrier thermostat required included in your price calculations from Sunshine ?

Yes, everything is included. Special thermostat, Air Handler with Toptech cabinet so you can use 4inch filter, Condenser and hurricane pad, new line set, new surge, under and over voltage power management device, new lower plenum complete with all new wood base and painted, all new pipe insulation and 10 year full labor to go along with the 10 parts warranty from Carrier. And on this unit, if the condenser fails like the compressor or any other major refrigerant problem they replace the condenser vs repairing it.

I didn't get the special air filter, uv light or any other extras.

You need the special thermostat since that's where the "brains" of the system control is, but all included.

Thanks for your great posts. You and the Tinker are the best people here in helping us to being informed and proactive.