Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - New Bryant Heat pump/ac -need help with someone experienced with the models

Hello, I am getting conflicting information from a couple of different installers. I am planning on being in the home for about 5-10 more years and I am looking at the best option that will be the least expensive over that time.

I currently have a 4 ton Bryant 310aav (builder furnace) installed in my garage.

I am looking at either getting AC only, or a heat pump. I live in washington state so the temperature is fairly moderate. I'm not sure if a heat pump could recoup the extra cost over that time or not, depending on the model.

So Installer #1(These are the same installes that installed all of the developments heating) said the Bryant Evolution 286 is the best bang for buck, they stated the 265 is for pairing with eletric furnaces only? The 286 looks to be almost there top of the line model and costs quite a bit.

Installer #2 tells me the evolution models are a waste on my and the evolution control wont work or something like that and that the old furnace would not be able to see the increased efficiency and recommended a 265ana or even a 223ana. They are recommending the prefferred series and if I go with AC the 165a.

The house is 2 years old, all the ducting was made suitable for both to my knowledge as the original installers stated nothing more is needed except the new equipment.

Thoughts/Help? Thanks in advance

if you are not getting an evolution furnace at the same time dont bother you need a variable speed furnace moter to get the rated eff. that they claim but i will say the evolution is a very nice system when installed properly

Shadoh

Here is the product description/details on your furnace. It is builder grade/entry level furnace. Nothing is wrong with it. It just doesn’t have the bells and whistles, conventional blower motor, only 80% efficiency.


310AAV Bryant 80
4-way Multipoise Gas Furnace
80% AFUE

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310AAV - Description
The 310AAV 4-Way Multipoise Gas Furnace was designed by Bryant dealers for Bryant dealers. Applications are easy with 4-way multipoise design, through-the-furnace downflow venting, 13 different venting options, and a door designed for easy service access. An inner blower door is provided for tighter sealing in sensitive applications. The 310AAV furnace is approved for use with natural or propane gas.
Standard Features
• Noise elimination combustion system
• Four-position furnace: upflow, horizontal right, horizontal left, downflow
o Thirteen different vent options
• Shorter in height-only 33 1/3" tall
• Microprocessor based control center
o Adjustable heating air temperature rise
o LED diagnostics and self test feature
• Patented blocked vent safeguard to ensure proper furnace venting
• All models are Chimney Friendly when used with accessory vent kit
• All models twinnable in upflow, downflow & horizontal orientations
• Heat pump compatible
• Hot Surface Ignition (HSI)
• Residential installations eligible for consumer financing through the Comfort Credit Program


Installer #1 is giving you incorrect information or is ignorant. You can not pair high eff HVAC condensers without a var speed blower. Send him packing.

Installer #2 is correct. Pair a compatible 13 SEER AC or Heat Pump condenser with matching evap coil. You may need a new thermostat as well. I would look at Bryant’s Preferred 13 series condenser.

Heat Pump mdl #263ANA
AC mdl #163A

You could also drop down to the Legacy series if budget/price is a concern.

Heat Pump mdl#223ANA
AC mdl #123A

IMO
Good Luck!
:)