Hybrid vs Electric/Gas Package

[bgrey]

We live in the Raleigh NC area and are replacing a packaged gas/electric unit 2.5 tons. We plan to live in the house for at least 10 more years and are looking at the Carrier Infinity series using Infinity controls.

Question is will the Hybrid unit be a better fit than a straight Electric/Gas replacement. Our electric cost is approximately 10.1 and gas seems to run around 140 to 160 per therm in the winter. Cost difference quoted is around $700 for the unit. Gas useage last year ran around 160 to 190 therms per month in the cold months.

Second consideration would be reliability as the Hybrids are new technology. Any thoughts on the advisability of the Hybrid? What should we expect in terms of energy savings vs any additional maintenance?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

[shaac]

bgrey, I am from North Carolina and I am a Carrier dealer. The hybrid heat has several benefits that homeowners love. The Infinity Control is the smartest control on the market today. A heat pump is more efficient way to heat in temperatures down to around 40 degrees and the gas heat is more efficient in temperatures below 40 degrees.

[hivacer]

As far as the technology, it really isnt new, it is just the terminology they use for it now thats new. So I wouldnt worry about reliability. The controls are new but very reliable in my opinion, the only thing is that they require a better trained technician which sometimes can be hard to find. It is usually worth it to go with the heat pump, but it is sometimes just a numbers game, which I am not good at!

[htrguy]

The Rheem RQPW is alot cheaper.
Same/better efficiency.

[docholiday]

Originally posted by shaac
The Infinity Control is the smartest control on the market today.

Not to split hairs here but why has Rheem won the showcase awards for controls twice now?

[bgrey]

Thanks for the responses. I had been looking for another quote so I will contact a Rheem dealer. Had looked at Bryant contacted local dealer twice and no response back. I got a feeling they did not have enough experienced technicians so I'm not going to contact a third time.

Definately will look at both the Carrier and Rheem hybrid units.

Does Rheem have the same humidity level control that Carrier does with Infinity? That is a fairly big selling point with us.

Also in looking at Carrier site it listed a 20x24 return ours is 20x20 does this need enlarged to provide proper airflow?