2 stage condenser on 1 stage system

[strutaeng]

Hello, I'm needing some help from HVAC techs. My condenser has a leak in the coil and repair estimate is too high. It's a relatively new 4 ton Trane still under warantee, but only on parts. Labor a deal killer.

I can get a used Lennox 2 stage installed for less money. I'm a fan of 2 stage systems; I had one on my old house and really liked it. I know I'm taking a small gamble, but I'm done with this Trane: it's had 3 leaks/recharges in 3 years. The Lennox is being sold charged with refrigerant and it's from a reputable A/C company.

Question: I know the Lennox can be installed on the 1 stage Trane air handler/evaporator, but will I get the benefit of the 2 stage compressor? Or will the condenser compressor just run on "high" all the time? Obviously, the fan air handler will run on 1 speed. I know the thermostat also has to be changed to run the low/high speeds on condenser.

I may consider replacing the evaporator to 2 stage eventually to have a "matched" system...

I'm in the middle of a house addition, and funds are low at the moment, so I need to get my AC fixed.

Thanks!

 

[danski0224]

The single stage air handler (probably) doesn't have the control capability to run a 2 stage condenser. You would have to read the manual or look at the control wiring.

I'd put in a new condenser, even a Goodman, before paying good money for a used unit in unknown condition and probably without anything more than a taillight warranty.

Replace everything, at the same time, if you decide to get the 2 stage stuff. Doesn't make sense to be attaching a new fancy condenser to a 5+ year old evap coil. Or, run the numbers on a 2 stage Goodman setup.

 

[nsula_country]

A new 14 seer unit is better than any used unit... My $0.02.


CT

 

[mustangacman]

Have you called Trane and discussed what all has been done in the 4 years since you have owned it? I would be talking to them. I have called them out for customers on problems like yours and they were helpful.

 

[nsula_country]

I would call Trane. Either you got a pure lemon or it wasn't installed to Industry Best Practices.

CT

 

[strutaeng]

Well, the HVAC tech. that had done the previous repairs called them and they said the coil would be warrantied, but he quoted me almost $1,000 for labor. I had already paid him $600 last year for leak detection and recharge. He had rebrazed the connection and had to go again the same year and changed the Schrader valve because it was still leaking.


There was always oil near the condenser lineset lines, so it seemed the leak was somewhere around there. In reality, the leak was in the coil. I'm not sure why they didn't find it in the first place, but why was it even leaking in a unit so new? Lemon?

I'm glad it is over though. I got the Lennox installed for less than what it would cost to repair the Trane. What a shame that an almost brand new looking unit is getting junked.