New heat pump

[Cwgibson]

Hello, I have received 3 quotes on a new heat pump and am looking for some advice since I know nothing about the different brands. The only definite advice I can find online is the installer makes a big difference. All of these guys have been in business for 10+ years so I feel comfortable with all of them.

Carrier 25hcc5248 with fv4cnf002t $
Carrier 25hcc524a with fx4dnf025t $

Trane xr15 4twr5024e with 4samsa24m2sa(Hyperion) $
Trane xr15 same pump with 4tee3f31b $
Messing writing hop the numbers are right

Lennox 14hpx-030 with cbx27jas0 $
Lennox 14hpx-024 wih cbx270hz4 $

Any guidance would be most helpful, it's a big investment with money I don't really have.

[Cwgibson]

How much more would that be; ballpark figure.

[Cwgibson]

Well I'm glad you learned good manners along life's journey.

[jpsmith1cm]

Doug Lockhart,

This is the Ask Our Pro's forum. In order to post a response here, you must have verified qualifications and have been approved by the AOP Committee. You may ask a question by starting a new thread.

You can find the rules for posting and qualifications here (http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=957002).

[tigerdunes]

Gibson

Here is my spec sheet and ideas about a new HP system.

First here is my personal spec sheet for heat pump systems.

there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork system.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and
inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching VS air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset
10 yr warranty compressor and parts

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.
any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant.

For your location/climate,I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

Now a few ideas on your post.

Correct sizing
Pay attention to the matching performance/efficiency numbers from AHRI HP directory
For your location, I would want electronic demand defrost to eliminate/reduce unnecessary, nuisance, and expensive defrost calls
Compare warranty both the manufacturers and dealer warranty
I prefer a small shop dealer where owner is directly iinvolved in all facets of business, ie sales, service, etc
Don't overlook a thorough ductwork inspection like most homeowners and some dealer's do. A 5 minute looksee is a joke.
Ask about codes and any necessary permits from the local governing authority.

Do you mind sharing your location?

On your quotes, they are all two ton systems with the exception of Lennox, one 2 ton, one 2 1/2 ton system.

Out of those listed, I like the XR15 best but you do want the 7 series Hyperion var speed air handler. The Lennox HP quoted is low end. Carrier has quoted their Comfort 15 model.

And depending on your location/climate, I would not purchase a new HP
system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

What size systems are you replacing?

IMO

[BaldLoonie]

Look at the stuff carefully. Look at all the numbers, SEER, EER, HSPF, capacity.

Carrier and Trane quoted mid line, as Tiger pointed out, Lennox quoted low end with a fixed speed high efficiency air handler. The top Trane quote looks like a PSC air handler which certainly won't get the efficiency.

Tiger & I both like demand defrost which eliminates hundreds of unnecessary defrosts each winter. Trane would be the only one with it. But probably won't get a scroll compressor in a small Trane. But their recip is a tank and holds up well.

[tinknocker service tech]

look into the extended warranty as part of the sell

not a fan of carrier but all three and really good units and will give years of comfort


since you are content with all contractors then IMO use the one with the best service department. If one has only 2 or 3 guys you may have to wait a while for service
if one has 5 or 10 techs you chances or faster service are much greater

ask the sells person about the extended warranty so you will have no out of pocket expenses for ten years except routine maintenance

[catmanacman]

i would go with the Trane with the Hyperion with a 10 yr part and labor warranty ,also might ask about the xl15i

[Cwgibson]

Thanks guys appreciate it, I am in ga by the way. Everyone that came told me I needed to add a return and the first lennox listed is a 2.5 ton where as all the others are 2 ton. From what I could tell I was thinking the Lennox was a lower end system and you confirmed that.

[Tempted]

Thats not a low end Lennox thats a next to low end. Twice. lol

[Cwgibson]

I had my Doubts about the Lennox; my gut feeling was to go with the trane.