Trane XV90 2 stage furnace - Should I purchase?

[brazeau6]

Considering an upgrade to the XV90 from the XR90 and my dealer/builder indicated the Trane would run me about $650 - $150 rebate in WI for net upgrade of $500. What I am trying to determine is if the upcharge worth it and at what point would I break even for the $500 based on savings from motor running constantly vs single stage and what is the savings in my LP consumption from the gas heated with lower stage flame. I am total rookie here on furnance but given the mild to harsh WI winters I want to make a wise decision. I am also getting a 13 SEER Trane AC unit. Dealer indicated the upgrade in the furnance and combo with the AC would give me the ability to remove 20% more humidity from home because of furnace and also said something to that effect in their marketing brochures. Please help as I need to make a final decision in next 2 weeks and let the contractor know my decision.

Regards - Brazeau6

[m Ransley]

First off go for the highest efficiency trane makes, isnt that 93% or so, your overal efficency is the most important number. For a VSDC motor get the 10 yr warranty, even though the GE motors are redesigned there is no telling how long they last. VSDC is great but at your electric rate today you will only likely have a 500$ payback in 6 years and that is Not running it 24x7. But the extra humidity removal when used properly, having it kick on low speed will make the VSDC worth it. You probably need a special humidistat-thermostat to make it run correctly. Of course electricity is going up everywhere so your overall savings on a VSDC being 10-25% more efficient make it a smart purchase, as long as you bought the additional 10 yr warranty, which is often free if you negotiate

[m Ransley]

I have read humidity removal on low can be double-50% more, a good thing to have when its not hot inside but humid.