Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Heat pump prices...is the upgrade worth it?

I'm looking into replacing my existing baseboard electric heating system with a heat pump. I've received one quote and was wondering about the efficiency difference in two systems. The first system is an Aireflo 13 SEER, 7 HSPF unit for $5300 dollars. The second is a Lennox 13.5 SEER, 7.5 HSPF system for $6600.

Is the extra $1300 for another 0.5 SEER and HSPF going to save me any money in the next 5 years? It seems like a sharp increase in cost for not that much more efficiency.

I live in Oregon, east of the Cascades and it's a pretty moderate climate. It drops below 15 F for about a week in the winter and goes over 100 for about a week in the summer. So I'm thinking there's not much reason to get the upgrade.

Nate Morrow

While you don't provide model numbers or size, I don't like either of these brands for heat pumps and particularly the low HSPF(heating) rating. I would want a system with a minimum rating of 13-14 SEER and 8.5-9 HSPF rating for the size system quoted. Check around. You can do better than this. And have your ductwork inspected and compare warranties. Have a Manual J heat/cool load calc performed.

BTW, Trane/AS make the best heat pumps, Carrier/Bryant have the best system control.

My opinion.

If you are going to stay in the home for some years. Id look into a Trane and go for the XL15 . As you are doing it all you can get a 10 year warranty.With a SEER of 15.10 and a HSPF of 8.05. Also might check in with the IRS. there is a $300. tax credit when you upgrade a AC unit to over SEER of 15 in 06 or 07.

ED;)

I have a baseboard electric system right now so these quotes include running ductwork, if that makes a difference. It's the first estimate I've received, but it seemed like a pretty sharp cost increase for not much efficiency.

IF the HVAC guy is on the ball he can show you what the pay back is for the different SEER on the units. On his shop PC. You say you will be there a longtime. Go fo a good job and the good stuff now . Fuel cost for any fuel LP or per KW will keep going up. Think about that Also R22 and parts for it will be here till 2030. The new R410a cost like H**.

ED;)

Ok, I just got finished with a fourth contractor and he really seemed on the ball compared to the first three. He quoted me $8300 for a Trane XL 14i system and ductwork and ran all the numbers specifically for my house. Does this sound like a good system?

Also he was telling me about the Trane CleanEffects filtration, which would run another $1200. I did a bit of research and it seems like a pretty cool system...especially with 2 dogs in the house (it gets a little musty). What are your thoughts on those?

Clean effects is so new! Id install a good media filter like a space -guard! No parts to break!