Replacement for problematic new HVAC system / elderly parents screwed over (IMHO)
My parent's 2nd home (near me) is 825 sq ft. and only lived in for 4-6 weeks of the year. It has sentimental belongings, and we desire to keep humidity under 50% (eastern NC). My parents do not have internet in this home ,and they do not use smart phones. In fact, They are tech-averse. They told the company that they wanted a simple but reliable system. The salesman was aware of the facts of no internet, flip phone, etc. My dad also communicated that he wanted to make sure my mom had a really great system in place in case he passes away as she will most likely move into the home full time after that time.
In late 2024, the HVAC company installed a Trane XV18 2-Ton Smart system in this home, and it has had nothing but problems since day 1. It is a Smart system without internet, but the company says it should not need internet. I am not sure how well I believe this given the number of problems. A few months after install, it was discovered that there was a wiring issue where the original wiring was not a sufficient gauge. The company said that it was only one size away from what was required and it was not easy to spot or identify as a problem. There were also issues related to needed updates and the techs had to come out and install the updates using a USB, I believe. Supposedly, the last update from Trane fixed all the issues. The company has replaced the insufficient gauge wire, provided updates, replaced components, and more, but there continues to be issues. We had another set of random error codes I discovered today -- High Pressure Lock. While performing a system power down, wait, power up cycle as recommended by the installer over the phone, I just discovered today that the breakers in the electrical panel are both 30amp. The maximum breaker (MOP) according to the nameplate on the panel is 25 amps.
The system was over $12000 two years ago for this small home. Because of the constant problems with this system, we are going to ask for the company to replace the whole system with something simpler (like what they actually asked for).
Specifically, the ideal specs would be something like a reliable two-speed 1.5 ton system or a variable speed 1.5-2 ton system that is truly capable of not having over-sizing issues due to not running long enough. The system should be mechanical 24V, non-communicating. The thermostat should be simple and there is no need for it to be smart. I am thinking the thermostat could have a humidity monitoring sensor that can trigger the system mechanically to continue to run at a lower % for longer if needed.
A system with these specifications for a small home seems to be as easy to find as a mystical unicorn for some reason. Does anyone know of a system that would meet these requirements?
Are there any experts that would like to chime in with advice? Am I right in thinking that the system they were sold was overkill in a home that doesn't have internet and is not monitored by anyone that lives there? Is 8-10 service calls for error messages, wiring problems, sensor and thermostat problems unreasonable in less than 2 years with a new system? Is there any reason or conditions that I need to check for that would allow a 30 amp breaker to be okay and meet NEC code?
Thanks for any advice.