Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Dual Fuel Unit Options

Is there anyone out there in DIY land that is familiar with the Frigidaire Dual Fuel Hybrid 15 SEER system Model DF6SF? I am studying about purchasing one and I am not familiar with the brand. I do know that it is a division of Nordyne. This is a 4-stage heat/2-stage cool with variable speed blower Hybrid Package unit with R-410A. it seems to be more reasonably priced than the Trane/Carrier/York etc systems and meets the criteria for the Federal Tax Credit. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Have heard good things about Frigidaire. My only concern would be the install. Lesser named equipment most of the time comes with a lower quality install, which leads to higher energy cost and a less reliable unit.

I agree with the comments about the install. It typically takes them about 30 minutes and then they blast off in their raggedy van squealing the tires with caulking dripping off the back bumper, their eyes glaze over and get a faraway look when you start talking about balance points/algorithms and IAQ tstats. Since I am replacing a 17 yr old gas pack with a similar orientation and the ductwork is already sized. I will have to watch the setups. I am simply planning on doing the research and basically taking charge of that part myself. My experience is pretty much limited to commercial but I am interested and willing to take the plunge . The more I read on the Nordyne Oops I mean Frigidaire/Tappan/Westinghouse/Maytag dual fuel Hybrid units the more I am pleased so far with my current choice, hopefully some other people who have these Nordyne type units in the dual fuel configuration will chime in. I am not planning on placing the order until monday afternoon. 4 day delivery that way I can set it in place next weekend. Anyone out there interested in a 5 ton Heil gas pack no charge just come pick it up in Middle TN area. AC side is good HX and all other gas heat parts rusted out. let me know who wants it.

Most reliabily information you will find is largely anecdotal, so I would focus on finding the best installer you can as any good system can be turned to junk if installed wrong.

Since you are going with a system that is quite different than what you have now, and you are going with a VS blower, I would make no decisions unless you've done a Manual J and Manual D. It is all too common for systems to be wrong-sized without a Manual J and ductwork in need of remediation when going with a VS blower.

It's a packaged system, it's not about the install as it is to the service after the install if you need them.

This system was scheduled for release in august/Sept so they are new. Nordyne has been making packaged systems for a long time.

Looking at this package system the advantage is the 2 stage and the variable speed blower plus with the Honeywell 9421 tstat w/outdoor temp sensor we have enough computing power to run the space station man. This should be a lot more efficient plus tons of fun to setup and play with. The ductwork system is early 70's vintage, this is the real metal duct. Metal main trunk line tapered down with angled metal taps and all metal runouts (NO FLEX) pretty amazing stuff it would probably cost more than a new Mercedes to build a system like this for a 2800 sg ft crib nowadays. The duct is sized, per my ductulator, for 5 tons. Manual J is close but there are some questions with the windows and wall insulation that really cannot be nailed down 100%. I can manipulate the numbers up or down a little by changing some of the guesses. On a older home where all the factors cannot be identified a manual J is not going to be 100% but it is useful for approximations. I feel confident on the sizing since the old system has always worked well. The Obamer Tax credit is sweet plus the factory has a rebate program, total cost should be under 3k once all the credits and taxes are factored in. I gave 3.5k back in 92 for the old raggedy gas pack, aint technology great?

Update. Nordyne appears to be running behind schedule on production of the new iHybrid Dual Fuel 15 SEER package units. I cannot get a date of delivery yet. Carrier has a 48Vt but it is old style and does not even have a SS HX it looks like a dinosaur beside the Nordyne and cost 1/2 as much more.

newest update unit order placed today the 5 ton is the one that is on production hold it maye be 3 weeks before I see this puppy. I can hardly wait.