Heat Pump advice

[motown92]

Hello all,
I am purchasing a rancher in N Myrtle Beach. One heat pump is shot so I plan on replacing both of them. The units there now are two 2- 1/2 ton goodmans.The house is 17yrs old and I am confused on which brand and what SEER to buy. I have gotten estimates for 15SEER variable speed and 13SEER not variable speed air handler. So I am asking should I just go with the 13SEER and save . Thanks

[tigerdunes]

motown

just to clarify, these prices are for one system or two?

td

[air311]

You better remove the prices. The people that run this site have this thing against pricing for whatever reason. I don't see what the problem is, but they don't like it.

[beenthere]

Remove the prices or the mods will.
Whats the problem with posting prices.

One contractor might come on and say that any company installing 2-2.5ton 19i's for that price are lowballing scum bag hacks. Not possible to get them installed properly for that hack price.
Then the next contractor might come on and say thats too much, any company charging that much is ripping you off.

Now how will the poster asking the question know who to believe.
In one situation, one is correct, in another situation, the other is correct.

[beenthere]

To the OP.

Your not comparing apples to apples.
The Tranes are 2 stage, the Goodman single stage.

Is the Goodman contractor having the coils coated to protect them from the salt air if your near the actual beach.
The Trane aluminum coils should hold up ok without coating.
Get prices of other 13 SEER units.
If you want them to last, you'll get them coated.

Get prices on comparable equipment, and them come back and ask questions about the units.

[gary_g]

Your true cooling costs are determined by the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and not SEER. Whichever SEER systems you get, make sure the EER is 12 minimum. This will provide you lower operating costs in the heat of the summer when you need it the most.

In my opinion, a heat pump with 14 SEER / 12 EER / 9 HSPF provides the best combination of purchase price and true operating costs.

FYI: 19 SEER units have two compressors, 16 SEER units have one dual-speed compressor, and 13 thru 15 SEER units have one single speed compressor (as do most residential systems in use today).

A good install is critical, regardless of brand chosen.

Good luck.

[motown92]

Prices are removed...sorry

[beenthere]

HSPF is to heating, what SEER is to cooling.

On a heat pump, look for high HSPF and COP ratings. Not just HSPF,

[beenthere]

Then why do I still see them?

[motown92]

is that ok now?

[Garc33]

is that ok now?

No, it's still there.

[beenthere]

You still got the VS lowest price, and the Goodman price.

[motown92]

I took all references to prices out.

[beenthere]

Now you got em.

[air311]

Good thing. You might be one of those gullible ones who would believe it when someone tells you that anyone selling that unit for that price is a hack. That said, Trane is usually pricier than Goodman, you have to consider what you're getting. Remember, you get what you pay for.

[beenthere]

For 19i's that was a low price.

[air311]

Depends on where he's at. I can never see where someone is located for some reason. Around here that would probably be about average.

[gary_g]

On a heat pump, look for high HSPF and COP ratings. Not just HSPF,

Most manufacturers do not provide COP info to the public.

ARI requires SEER, EER, HSPF, and btu ratings for cooling and hi/low heating. No COP required.

Since COP varies with outdoor temps, what temperatures should be used?

[beenthere]

The areas bin data, should be used to determine which temps are more important comparison of operating cost.
Areas that have extended amounts of time under 30*F, should used 17*F COP ratings.
Areas that the OD temp seldom drops below 30*F, should use the 47*F COP ratings.
This is for units that don't have extended COP charts.
Some brands have charts in 10* Increments.
Along with COP, the actual BTU output of the unit should be considered.

[motown92]

I've gotten 5 estimates for replacing the 2 heat pumps. They are vary in price as to SEER and variable speed air handlers. The 13 SEER of course is the lowest price but the 14 SEER with variable speed handler is almost twice the price! We plan on living at this house for approx. 10 yrs or more. We also have to rehab the kitchen so price is a big factor in our decision.Any info on Payne heat pumps would be appreciated. thanks for all your responses.