BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-25-2017, 06:06 PM   #1
RickFLM4
Brigadier General
RickFLM4's Avatar
United_States
10884
Rep
4,816
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: PB County, FL

iTrader: (0)

Central AC - Any HVAC Professionals Here?

We have a 12-13 year old Trane 4-ton unit with a non-original motor in the air handler that's been making some noise for a while now. It is the wheel inside the motor that's coming loose. Replacing the wheel will cost $300 but may not resolve the loud operation and replacing the motor will cost about $800. However, given the age of the unit and some awful luck we've had with it, I'm considering biting the bullet and getting a new system (although I haven't ruled out going the repair route). I'd hate to spend the $800 and have the condenser break down a month later.

We have a smaller Lennox unit on the other side of the house that we put in 5 years ago and like so that's where I'm focused. Wondering if anyone has any experience with the following Lennox units (all 4 ton):

Elite Series (16 SEER): EL16XC1-047 / AH: CBX27UH-048
Signature Series (16 SEER): SL18XC1-048-230 / AH: CBX40UHV-48 icf
Signature Series (18 SEER): XC21-048-230-10 / AH: CBX40UHV-48 icf

Most interested in objective information on reliability / longevity as well as efficiency differences between them from a knowledgeable source. These are expensive units and we use AC year-round here. For once, since the AC is still running, I don't need to rush into a decision so I want to gather as much info as I can to make a good decision. Thanks.
__________________
Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP
Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
Appreciate 1
jaye9441007.00
      09-25-2017, 06:33 PM   #2
BOOF-M3
Brigadier General
BOOF-M3's Avatar
United_States
4449
Rep
4,014
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Pasadena Florida

iTrader: (1)

I can't help you on the A/C Rick but is that Patches? What a great tribute. Sorry about your A/C. Hopefully get lucky and someone from here is in your area and can help you out in person.
Appreciate 0
      09-25-2017, 06:49 PM   #3
RickFLM4
Brigadier General
RickFLM4's Avatar
United_States
10884
Rep
4,816
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: PB County, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BOOF-M3 View Post
I can't help you on the A/C Rick but is that Patches? What a great tribute. Sorry about your A/C. Hopefully get lucky and someone from here is in your area and can help you out in person.
Yes that's Patches. I have a few pics of her in my car and actually copied the idea from Delta0311 and MrSugarSkulls who also lost their dogs.

We'll get the AC sorted out. Still working through Patches but getting back to work after Irma and the passage of time are helping. Thanks.
__________________
Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP
Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
Appreciate 1
BOOF-M34448.50
      09-26-2017, 06:26 AM   #4
nyalpine90
Lieutenant General
nyalpine90's Avatar
7385
Rep
11,829
Posts

Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: L.I. NY

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2016 BMW X4  [9.33]
carrier is pretty good and reliable.
our firm always recommend these units.
Appreciate 0
      09-26-2017, 08:04 AM   #5
Fundguy1
Major General
Fundguy1's Avatar
2031
Rep
8,339
Posts

Drives: 335 e93
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Orlando, fl

iTrader: (0)

I have 2 large carriers and they've worked pretty well. 11 yrs old now. Blew a capacitor and had to replace a leaky coil once. But they're getting up there in age.
Appreciate 0
      09-26-2017, 11:21 AM   #6
lakefront
Captain
561
Rep
755
Posts

Drives: 2017 Macan GTS
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: SE Wisconsin

iTrader: (2)

Why not replace the blower wheel and see if that solves the problem. If you do it soon enough, it won't damage the motor bearings any further and you may get away with a cheap fix. Think you are right sticking with Lennox or Trane. Haven't been in residential for a while but Carrier was always overly complicated.
Appreciate 0
      09-26-2017, 07:07 PM   #7
RickFLM4
Brigadier General
RickFLM4's Avatar
United_States
10884
Rep
4,816
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: PB County, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lakefront View Post
Why not replace the blower wheel and see if that solves the problem. If you do it soon enough, it won't damage the motor bearings any further and you may get away with a cheap fix. Think you are right sticking with Lennox or Trane. Haven't been in residential for a while but Carrier was always overly complicated.
That was my original plan - pay the $300, hope it quieted down and get as much life out of it as I could. However, I thought more about it and, although I am not superstitious in general, I am with this AC unit. The original air handler motor died literally 2 days after the 10-year warranty ended so we replaced it with a non-OEM motor 3 years ago. It has also broken down for various other reasons over the years, almost always on a Sunday or other off hour times during the summer. It really sucks when it breaks during the summer.

So earlier today I decided to bite the bullet and get a new Lennox unit (the lowest priced one listed above, which is still not inexpensive). Will be installed Friday.
__________________
Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP
Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2017, 11:05 AM   #8
BUFFLARS12
Private
25
Rep
68
Posts

Drives: 2013 AW f30 328i xdrive M Spor
Join Date: May 2011
Location: new york

iTrader: (0)

I am no professional but having just replaced the central a.c. in a home I purchased about 2 years ago I've done a lot of research. I was in need of a 3.5 ton unit.

I've read that the major difference between brands is the cabinet, the insulation (how loud the outside unit will be) and the warranty. A large amount of the manufacturers use the same scroll compressor.

I purchased a rheem unit for about 40% cheaper than the Carrier/Lennox. As I live in NY I do not have long term reliability to speak of (only use it a few months) but the installer who has been in the business for over 20 years told me he was a big fan of the units due to their ease of install/service.

Just some info for thought. Good luck
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2017, 12:33 PM   #9
bimmer456
Major General
2940
Rep
5,983
Posts

Drives: 340i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA

iTrader: (0)

You should get a home warranty and then file a claim to get a new AC
Appreciate 0
      10-19-2017, 12:42 PM   #10
RickFLM4
Brigadier General
RickFLM4's Avatar
United_States
10884
Rep
4,816
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: PB County, FL

iTrader: (0)

AC was already replaced a few weeks ago.
__________________
Current: 2018 SO/SS F83 ZCP
Gone: 2015 SO/SO F82
Appreciate 0
      10-20-2017, 07:16 AM   #11
jaye944
Captain
No_Country
1007
Rep
638
Posts

Drives: a
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: a

iTrader: (0)

Sorry bro the FIRST bloody thing that came to my mind is this

Nothing can stop a trane

Quote:
Originally Posted by RickFLM4 View Post
We have a 12-13 year old Trane 4-ton unit with a non-original motor in the air handler that's been making some noise for a while now. It is the wheel inside the motor that's coming loose. Replacing the wheel will cost $300 but may not resolve the loud operation and replacing the motor will cost about $800. However, given the age of the unit and some awful luck we've had with it, I'm considering biting the bullet and getting a new system (although I haven't ruled out going the repair route). I'd hate to spend the $800 and have the condenser break down a month later.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:48 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST