Heat Pump Model and Brand Advice

[langdon125]

This is my first time posting and let me first say this is a great site and resource and thanks to all who provide such valuable advice...

I am looking at replacing an existing AC system with a Heat Pump ( I am new to all of this and unfortunately am in crisis mode as I have no AC with temps now hitting in the 90s). As my furnace is still in good shape (hopefully should get another 5-10 years, of course no guarantees), I am only doing the compressor (not the inside fan)...so I know I won't get all the efficiency I could by going to a variable or dual speed blower, but maybe that will come later (hopefully a long time later). I have approximately 2900 sq ft on two stories and the proposed size is 5 ton. Location - Omaha, NE. Our fuel rates also point to worthwhile savings by going with a heat pump...so that is a given. I am in the process of getting several bids and following the advice of having a manual J load analysis (as well as checking other advice given on this site - vents and ducts checked...). Given these assumptions, I have several questions:

1) Most importantly, I am trying to decide between Trane, Tempstar, Ruud, and American Standard products. Is there any experience one way or another that anyone has that would lead me down a particular manufacturers path versus another (eg. repair record, efficiencies, reliability, ease of repair, length of usable life...). Any thoughts on each of these brands is most appreciated...knowing this is opinion only and not a hard and fast product endorsement.

2) As it appears that Trane and American Standard are manufactured by the same company, is one better than the other?

3) I have had conflicting advice with the following: A couple contractors have recommended I not go with a SEER rating below 14, another (different product rep) recommends I go with a 12 SEER. I assume part of the recommendation to stay at 12 is based upon not being able to take advantage of a variable speed blower and therefore not reaping the full efficiencies, ... while I assume the other advice to not go below 14 is partially due to staging me for the future whan I do replace the blower (furnace). Any thoughts on this....I hate to invest without some thought to looking longer term and getting the right mix of efficiency vs. cost given my situation. I'm leaning in the direction of going with the 14 SEER rating as it is not the most efficient (not the most costly), but not on the lower end either.

4) I also know that SEER ratings of 13 or better are to be mandated in the near future - will this make getting parts for a lesser efficient model more difficult in the future as models with a 12 and lower rating are phased out?

5) The models I am looking at are the Trane XL14i ( or XR12 if I go the lower SEER route), the Tempstar Comfort Series 2200 Series (TCH260AK - 12 SEER), American Standard Heritage 14, ot the RUUD 12 SEER rated model. Any thoughts on any of these...

Any other things I might consider...thanks for any help!!

[TigerDunes]

langdon125,

Since you are getting a single HP for both floors of your home, air flow is balanced properly between floors and rooms-no hot and cold spots? If there are areas of concern, make certain these are addressed by dealer.

What kind of furnace do you have-gas? Homes in your area use heat pumps?


Climate average for: 68182 - OMAHA, NE

Number of days / year above 75° 122
Number of days / year below 40° 152

Typical hot days temperature 87.4 F
Typical cold days temperature 21.7 F


You will require a matching evaporator coil to achieve the rated operating efficiencies in both cooling and heating. Also insist upon a new lineset. Do you have a high efficient air cleaner-if not look at AprilAire,Honeywell, Air Bear 5" pleated models.

I would prefer the Trane XL14i or AS Heritage 14. Both are basically same model except for cosmetics/cabinetry. They are workhorse dependable models with high SEER 14+ and HSPF 9.8. I know Trane/AS has a kit for dual fuel operation and I assume you intend to set your furnace up as the heat to use on cold days-below economic balance point and the HP to operate above balance point. You have researched fuel comparisons between HP(electric) and your furnace(gas?)? A good dealer can help provide data and potential savings. It is important that they be experienced in dual fuel installations.

http://www.warmair.net/html/fuel_cost_comparisons.htm

Good Luck!
:)

[langdon125]

TigerDunes -

Thanks very much for your reply.

Yes, we currently have a gas furnace and plan to use dual fuel solution - this is a very common installation in our part of the country...HPs are starting to be used more frequently as we get a break from our power utility on rates when using a HP...so the fuel cost comparison works out.

I'm not sure exactly what the evaporator coil does or where it sits in the installation, and therefore what is meant by a "matching coil". Would this be something that would naturally be expected that a contractor would typically plan to do?

Again thanks very much for the information!!

[TigerDunes]

langdon125

Do not assume anything.You will require a new evaporator coil that matches with your heat pump to get your rated operating efficiencies in both heating and cooling. It has to be sized properly in both tonnage and SEER. The evaporator coil will be installed in front of your furnace. A reputable and professional dealer most certainly will ask you about this. You don't want to use your old coil. Definitely insist upon new lineset as well. Ask your quoting dealers about their experience with dual fuel installations.

Evaporator coil (or indoor coil) The other half of your air conditioning system located inside your home in the indoor unit. This is a tubing coil in which a volatile liquid evaporates and absorbs heat. This is where the refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs heat from the indoor air that passes over the coil.

Good Luck!
:)