Can you help me with these Carrier part numbers?

[deckeda]

I asked for, and graciously got, several quotes here for complete systems but am not entirely sure of what I'm seeing. Perhaps you'd lend your opinion too.

The common denominators are:
58CVA070-12 80% AFUE VS furnace
CAPVP3614ATA coil (for 3-ton condensers/heat pumps below)
SYSTXCCU1D01 Infinity t-stat
MPKA1600/66% eff. MERV 8 filter

The variables are condensers and heat pump options. My initial investigation seems to indicate that a heat pump will "pay for itself" in our mild-ish winters here. I can add some rates to this post later on, but right now I can say that our peak electricity bill in the summers is about the same as our peak gas bill in the winters, about $200/month. But of course, we're running the AC longer than we run the furnace here in (north) Georgia --- but we don't get as hot and crazy as does say, Valdosta or some other almost-Florida area.

(offering a 5yr parts/5 yr labor warr.)
1) 13-SEER condenser, 24ACA336A003
2) "to 15" SEER condenser, 24APA536A003

(offering a 10yr parts/10 yr labor warr.)
3) "to 17" SEER 2-speed condenser, 24ANA736A003

(offering a 5yr parts warr.)
4) 13 SEER heat pump, 25HCA336A003

(offering a 5yr parts/5 yr labor warr.)
5) 13 SEER heat pump, 25HPA336A003

(offering a 10yr parts/10 yr labor warr.)
6) "to 16" SEER 2-speed heat pump, 25HNA636A003

Options 3 and 6 are most attractive to me. Option 3 costs a little less, should be a little more cost effective in summers but probably quite a bit less cost effective in winters. On the other hand, option 6 costs more now and should wear out sooner (?) since it runs longer per year, regardless of stage.

[browntigerus]

25HCA: 14.0 SEER /11.5 EER /7.9 - 8.5 HSPF
25HPA: 14.0 SEER /12.0 EER /8.5 HSPF
25HNA: 19.0-13.0 SEER/14.1-10.2 EER/8.4 - 9.0 HSPF

[adrianf]

RE: ref to item 6

The cycling (on and off) of the unit is worse than extended runs time as it relates to wear and tear (mechanical failure).

[deckeda]

Meaning, by being a heat pump item #6 will still cycle more because it's operating year 'round?

Since both are warranted for the same length of time, I guess I'd have to figure out if the extra winter savings would offset the $$$$ it would take to sooner replace it.

Price per therm during highest usage last winter: $1.34
Price per kwH during winter months: $0.8 (it's $0.11 during high summer usage.)

[adrianf]

Maybe just use 10 year period (both units under P & L warranty) when comparing options 3 and 6 because after that things are going to be a little fuzzy.

[dash]

Long run times are a good thing!!Shorter cycling is a bad thing!1

[deckeda]

The units in question (items #3 and 6, 17 SEER condenser and 16 SEER heat pump) are both 2-stage units, and for the sake of conversation let's assume they are both sized and installed correctly.

Not clear on where the perils of short cycling factor into this. I thought adrianf was referring to the heat pump wearing out sooner because it cycles more, by virtue of just having to do more cycles in a year.

[adrianf]

Let's try this.

A simple annual cost of operation on the two referenced systems for the 10 years they are both covered under warranty. This will only provide estimated payback. Don't forget to factor in any applicable rebates.

This way discounts comfort and control which some seem to think are important.