time to buy our new heat pump

[phillygal]

This past summer I posted some questions we had regarding purchasing a
heat pump. Thanks to the helpful responses we received from this forum,
we have narrowed down the contractors to two. One of the contractors is
offering us a 4 ton Lennox XP-13 for $x less than another contractor is offering us a 3.5 ton Carrier Performance 24HPA342. This includes all installation expenses. We already have all necessary ductwork, since we are replacing an old central air cond. unit with the heat pump. This seems to us to be a substantial price difference. The Lennox contractor does most of their business installing high velocity units, which ours is not. Should we trust that the Lennox dealer will be able to install our unit as well as the Carrier contractor, who does most of their business with standard installations? Obviously, price is important, but so is getting a job well done. Thanks for any help.

[Edited by BaldLoonie on 10-09-2006 at 01:43 PM]

[BaldLoonie]

Rules say I had to edit your mention of price. But since I saw it, that's a huge difference. I found a 25HPA3 which should be similar to the XP13 though it appears the Carrier has more features like pressure switches to protect the compressor. I'd go over the bids carefully to be sure both are doing identical work such as pads, heat pump legs, linesets, disconnect, dual fuel kit or thermostat that does dual fuel.

[phillygal]

Thanks for your response, Baldloonie.
What do you think about the fact that one company installs mostly
high velocity systems, while the other standard systems?
Should that matter to us?

[tigerdunes]

philly

Was a heat/cool load calc performed and given to you in writing? That's 6K BTU diff in AC and heat between the two models.

Standard or var speed air handlers?

Any warranty difference?

What are the rated SEER and HSPF efficiencies for both systems? This is important as to operating costs.in AC and heat mode.

I prefer a new lineset on a new system and consider it mandatory if system has new R-410(Puron) refrigerant.

Just a couple of ideas to think about.

[phillygal]

Yes, a Manual J heat load calc was performed by the Carrier dealer. The Lennox
dealer wanted to give us a 5 ton, using, they said, there own calculation system, but we insisted that we wanted a smaller unit, so they said they would come down to a 4 ton, but could not in good conscience go any smaller.
We got four estimates; 2 were 3.5 ton, one was 3 ton, one was 5 ton. Boy, were we confused!
One more bit of information that may or may not be important -
we presently have an old central air system with ceiling registers and a single hallway return in the ceiling on the second floor. The unit is in the attic. Our heat is baseboard electric resistance. Will we likely have problems with comfort in the winter, since our registers are in the ceiling? This has been fine in the summer with air conditioning, but I am concerned that because hot air rises, we will have cold floors, especially on the first floor. I guess we could always turn on the baseboard heaters for comfort if necessary. I'm just afraid that will cancel out the savings we hope to get by using a heat pump. Any thoughts?

[BaldLoonie]

Yes, heating from ceiling registers leaves the floor cold. Especially bad if these are round and not the standard rectangular that blow down better. Are they putting heat in the air handler for backup? Below the balance point of the house which is likely around 30, some kind of backup will be needed so running the baseboards along with the heat pump would make for comfort.

[phillygal]

Yes, there will be back up heat.

[comfortdoc]

Ceiling fans will be helpful with the diffusers in the ceiling. It works out well in my house. A/C was more important to me so the duct system is designed to maximize the A/C efficiency. Consider a system that is more efficient (higher SEER and HSPF). There might not be a huge difference in price and there may be a rebate available on the more efficient system. Luxaire has a 15 SEER 2 stg heat pump. Beautiful unit.

Did you think of performing the Man J yourself from this sight just to double check the sizing? I only mention it due to the large difference in sizing suggestions you received.

[Edited by comfortdoc on 10-09-2006 at 05:57 PM]

[aircooled53]

From what you have posted I would go with Carrier and maybe up-grade to variable drive air handler. This will increase the Rating and comfort level.

Carrier Infinity system would be my next choice in system.

[heatpumpguru]

What part of PA?? we serve some parts.

[phillygal]

Thanks to everyone for your many helpful suggestions.
We live right outside Philadelphia.

[docholiday]

It's tough to tell which contractor is going to better from here. Or at least I thought so until I saw where you said the lennox guy use his own sizing calculation, then it became apparent he used the bubba-calc and wanted to stick a 5 ton on an exsisting duct system that likely was not designed with 5 tons in mind. Thus, he probably has no clue what he is doing. The red flag is up and waving.

I do agree with considering a air handler with an ECM motor. You will appriciate the ability to control the humidity come summer when your load is pretty much a latent one.

[beenthere]

Any way they can run a return down a closet to the first floor.

[comfortdoc]

If you are still unsure about the contractor or system give me a call. I will perform the sizing calcs and give you a couple options to make your house as comfortable as possible.

[heatpumpguru]

In which county????????????

[phillygal]

Montgomery county

[heatpumpguru]

Did you call OLIVER???610-544-4884-134

[heatpumpguru]

Yo Phillygal,thanks for picking us. I spoke to Dan and was glad we could help you out.We do not take this stuff lightly.