Need your expert comments on picking a contractor and system

[kenyazumba]

Issue: Second floor AC does not provide cooler air. I had filled Freon for coule of times over last four years. The age of the unit is approx 16 years.
Should I continue to fill the freon and not worry about a new system?

If not, I have obtained three proposals shown below...please let me know the pros/cons for each. Which one you will select and why?

Vendor #1:
To install a 2-ton Bryant 15.5 SEER, 12.5 EER & 8.5 HSPF High Efficiency Hybrid heat pump system with the following equipment for installation:
14.5 SEER Heat Pump - Model 225ANA024 HP
CNPVP3017ACA Evap Coil
315AAV036070 Strip Heaters
Price = $ plus $ for replacement of refrigerant lines
The above equipment will be installed including flushing of refrigerant lines, liquid line refrigerant filter/drier, system evacuation to a minimum of 500 microns, charging per manufacturers specifications, high and low voltage connections, pad for outdoor unit, electrical whip outside, sheet metal emergency condensate overflow pan with safety switch, EZ trap ceiling saver, gas piping connections, furnace vent connections, and digital thermostat. Replace the existing 12” return flex with 16” flex in order to give the proper return air to the unit.
Option #2 -A 2-ton Two Speed tax qualifying unit can be installed for a price of $ (this unit also qualifies for a Bryant Factory Rebate of $1,000.00). The equipment has a 10-year warranty on all parts and labor.

Vendor #2
Install new CARRIER Comfort 15 series ** 2Ton (R410A PURON refrigerant) heat pump w/70K BTU 2 stage variable speed Infinity 80 series furnace. Installation includes outdoor condensing unit w/pad, flush existing refrigerant line-set, Infinity digital thermostat, electrical whip, cased evaporator coil, drain pan w/float switch, gas plumbing requirements, and other material necessary for a complete system start-up. We will also increase the size of return duct to 14” to provide better airflow. Demo and removal of existing gas furnace, and AC system is included. Also included is 10 year parts and labor extended warranty. Condensing unit model 25HCB524A003 Furnace model 58CVA070-1-12 Evaporator coil model CNPHP3017ATA (Ratings - 15 SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF)
Total Cost: $ ($200.00 rebate direct from Carrier if installed by 9/15/09) Cost after rebate received from Carrier: $
** Qualifies for Federal Energy Tax Credit up to $1,500.00 (Recommend consulting with your tax advisor for eligibility and qualification requirements)
Note: If existing refrigerant line-set has a leak (determined at unit start-up), there will be an additional charge of $ and will have to be installed up the side of home and covered in a gutter type enclosure.

Vendor #3 - Trane Dealer/contractor
Install the following...
Coil 2/4 TXC
Heatpump XL15i
Furnace XV80
Cost $ ( also can get $1500 tax credit) so after Tax credit cost = $.


Thanks....please advise.

[beenthere]

Questions and discussions pertaining to HVAC for the home. No pricing, no DIY, please read Site Rules (http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=1241) Thank you.

I deleted them from your post already.

[RyanHughes]

From your first vendor, make sure they install a CNPVP3017ATA coil instead, and not an old-style ACA coil, which (evidently) have been more prone to leakage. The ATA tin-coated coils have a 10-year warranty. It's possible the first dealer intended on using a tin-coated coil since they are becoming fairly standard, but it's good to double check. The Carrier/Bryant systems you're comparing are essentially the same products. The Trane bid isn't very detailed. Does it also include work on the return air from 12" to 14/16"?

[DGIO-Not]

You asked for opinions on both system and contractors. Could I ask that you do the following first? https://www.acca.org/consumer/checklists/

[yourairman]

Both the carrier and bryant systems will work virtually the same. Make sure the bryant bid includes the evolution thermostat(same as infinity on the carrier side). I see 3 different options on the return air issue. Bidder #1 probably got you asking bidder #2 about the return air. If so he than sized it up to 14". Bidder #3 does not list this maybe because you are not interested with his bid or product. 12" can handle 2 tons of air. It may be a little on the high side of friction with a 2 ton airflow. These first 2 bids will not deliver the full 800 cfm from what factory training I have received. If I am not mistaken Carrier/Bryant sets their cfm per ton setting at 365 with their digitally controlled systems. Put that together with lower blower cfm for humidity controls and you have even lower airflow volumes. If your 12" flex run for the return isn't over 10-15' than there is no reason to change it. Other than this get as much info about the dealers as possible to make a decision. Word of mouth is sometimes the best.

[dash]

You asked for opinions on both system and contractors. Could I ask that you do the following first? https://www.acca.org/consumer/checklists/

Best advice above!