Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Getting new heat pump. Need advice.
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kenja
03-26-09, 12:05 AM
I've had several folks come out to bid on a split unit heat pump for my home. They've all sized the pumps at 3 tons and each of them offers a different brand. The models I'm considering all are 15 Seer.
The home has existing ductwork and already has the electrical installed to support the heat pump.
The bids have come in between $8-10k (pre government rebates) for decent models (Trane, American Standard, Rheem). The problem is I have no idea what a fair bid would cost. What should I expect to pay for a decent 3 Ton 15 Seer unit?
Is installing a heat pump a do-it-yourself job? If so, how much could I expect to save?
The home has existing ductwork and already has the electrical installed to support the heat pump.
The bids have come in between $8-10k (pre government rebates) for decent models (Trane, American Standard, Rheem). The problem is I have no idea what a fair bid would cost. What should I expect to pay for a decent 3 Ton 15 Seer unit?
Is installing a heat pump a do-it-yourself job? If so, how much could I expect to save?
dun11
03-26-09, 05:17 AM
Its hard to say without looking at the job and knowing exactly what equipment is being bid. Are there add ons like air cleaners, humidifiers etc ? Pricing also varies on what part of the country your in. Also, not all 15 SEER systems qualify for the tax credits. $8-$10 k sounds a bit high for my area for a change out, but again I haven't seen the job. As far as DIY.....not IMHO.
TigerDunes
03-26-09, 06:39 AM
kenja
Yes, I think your quotes are on high side for a high eff HP system. I would think $7-7.5K would be acceptable before any credit or mfg rebate dependimg on area you live.
in general, these are the minimum specs you should consider for high eff HP systems.
15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching var speed air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for rated size
R-410a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
I personally would ask for a quote on Trane's XL15i(AmStd Heritage 15) and/or Carrier's Performance 15(Bryant Preferred 15) "H" model only. These are the top single stg high eff HPs IMO.
IMO
Good Luck!
:)
Yes, I think your quotes are on high side for a high eff HP system. I would think $7-7.5K would be acceptable before any credit or mfg rebate dependimg on area you live.
in general, these are the minimum specs you should consider for high eff HP systems.
15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching var speed air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for rated size
R-410a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
I personally would ask for a quote on Trane's XL15i(AmStd Heritage 15) and/or Carrier's Performance 15(Bryant Preferred 15) "H" model only. These are the top single stg high eff HPs IMO.
IMO
Good Luck!
:)
kenja
03-26-09, 09:54 AM
Thanks for the replies!
There are no add-ons like air cleaners, just the basic split unit. There is an existing oil tank supplying the oil furnace. The bids include capping off the tank (not removing it), removing the existing furnace, and installing the new one. The existing ductwork is fine and running the line set is relatively straight forward, as the rafters and studs are exposed. There's an $8900 bid for an American Standard Heritage 15 with variable speed air handler. What does a unit like that cost the contractor? Any idea?
There are no add-ons like air cleaners, just the basic split unit. There is an existing oil tank supplying the oil furnace. The bids include capping off the tank (not removing it), removing the existing furnace, and installing the new one. The existing ductwork is fine and running the line set is relatively straight forward, as the rafters and studs are exposed. There's an $8900 bid for an American Standard Heritage 15 with variable speed air handler. What does a unit like that cost the contractor? Any idea?