I installed a new 14 SEER Goodman heat pump in June and kept the R22. It wasn't an issue for me. R22 systems will be around for a long time.

There are more important issues than refrigerant type.

Installation makes or breaks the system.

On your quotes (get at least 3), make sure you get the model numbers of both the condenser and air handler. This way, using the ARI website, system efficiencies as well as btu output can be determined.

Your cooling costs are determined by EER and not SEER. Make sure that you get an EER of at least 12 regardless of SEER rating. Also, you want full system btu ratings for cooling especially with your climate. Anotherwords, a 3-ton system should be 36,000 btu cooling (some systems are weak on btus - they sacrifice btus for higher SEER numbers).

Make sure that your ductwork is in good shape and has no leaks, especially if it is run in the attic.

Note that American Standard and Trane are the same, Carrier and Bryant are also the same.

Best to you.

Thanks Gary. I've already spent several hours studying past threads on this forum which thankfully has given me some good info to get started with. The original installation was a mess and the quotes I'm getting is to replace everything, including the ductwork. Where can I find the "EER" rating for AS and Carrier, all I'm finding is their SEER and HSPF ratings?

What are the model numbers of the condensers and air handlers?

The link below is for the ARI Directory website.

Take care.

Here is a link that might be useful: ARI Directory

I just got back from looking at a new heat pump installation one of the contractors is doing at a local restaurant. Everything looked neatly laid out and secure. I'm no expert, but his work looks about 10x better than the job that was done in the house I'm buying. I didn't get the model of the air handler yet, but I'm pretty sure the heat pump is this model: American Standard 2A6H5024. I'll probably get the air handler model info tonight.

That's a 15 SEER, 24,000 BTU (2 ton) outdoor section split heat pump unit.

There are 233 possible air handler/furnace matches for that heat pump condenser.

I am just a Joe home owner looking into a new system but I was told the r22 will become more costly as it gets phased out. The 410A operates under more pressure and generates more heat at less cost. That is what I was told and just passing it on.

I am just a Gary G homeowner, not a pro.

"The 410A operates under more pressure..."
- Correct. This is one of the reasons I chose R22 as the coils are the same for both systems. All things being equal, lower operating pressures = lower stresses = lower failure rates (hopefully for me).

"...and generates more heat at less cost."
- No. System btus are based on the condenser and air handler/coil match-up regardless of refrigerant type. My 3-ton R22 Goodman is rated at a full 36,000 (3 tons) btu of cooling and 34,600 btus of heat at 47F outside. Cooling costs are determined by EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio).

Take care.

Actually I've pretty much decided to go with R-22. I know that it's being phased out, but that's 12 years down the road and installing new plumbing is really going to bugger up the outside of my house.

Regarding the American Standard model number, you're right, that is a 15 seer model. After talking to the contractor we decided that for $300 less than the Seer 14 R-410 system we would get a Seer 15 R-22 system.

FWIW, the price he's quoting me (including the 15 Seer system, new ducting, registers, programmable thermostate, taxes and permits) is just over $5600. Seems pretty good to me.

I was quoted $5600 for a 3-ton Trane XL14i heat pump in May of '07 in Baltimore. Your price looks good.

I would recommend a PARTS AND LABOR warranty for your peace of mind.

Thanks Gary, just got off the phone with the contractor here's what he quoted:

Compressor: 2A6H5024A1
Air Handler: TWE031E13
Heater: BAYHT1410

In addition to looking at this guy's current install job, I also spoke with a couple references (mostly general contractors here) and everyone had glowing reports. I think I've found the right guy for the job.

TWE-

Thats the old part number for the 2TEE, variable speed air handler, great coil size for 15 SEER unit.

Good Choice!

Heres a question-

If Trane/American Standards price to the distributor is the same on R22 & R410 units (trust me I know), why is it $300 more for the 14 Seer?

(Note: Trane-AS doesn't have a 15 SEER R410 unit)

Last I payed attention the units avail were-

In R22:
13,14,15,18 SEER (2stg-dbl comp)

In R410:
13,14, 16 (2stage comp)

Why is R410 in general priced higher?

There is no ARI match for that condenser and air handler combo.

There are matches for 2 similar air handlers, both listed as discontinued models:

2TEE3D31
25,000 btu cooling (1000 more btu than 2 tons), 12.5 EER, 14.5 SEER, 22,800 btu heating at 47F, 8 HSPF.

2TEE3F31
25,000 btu cooling, 13 EER, 15.1 SEER, 22,800 btu heating at 47F, 8.05 HSPF.

Outstanding EER, a little weak on HSPF which is the cost to run the heat pump in heating - 8 is OK, 9 is excellent.

Take care.

Looks like it's the heat pump condenser that is discontinued.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but I would want an ARI matching air handler. I would ask Trane/AS for the ARI# for that proposed match.

Good luck.

I know you have had alot of back and forth on this subject so you probably don't need anymore but when I council people on this it all depends on their long term strategy (how long are gonna live here) it is true that r22 systems will be around for awhile but in two years US production will be halted so if we go by past history (this happened when they discontinued r12) while you could still get r12 the cost became so prohibitive that replacement was the only option so if you are planning to sell your house in the next couple of years then you may want to stay with 22 also before you take the first guys word that we have to run the lineset outside your house you may want to ask for another opinion.
Finally if you are thinking of having to sell your house in the 5 to 10 year efficiency and environmental impact will be one of the first questions your prospective buyers will be asking and dollar for dollar there is no more effective way to Green Up your home and positively impact your carbon footprint than properly upgrading your homes HVAC system.

To clarify and relieve some of the scares created:

R-22 used in production of equipment ceases (if not earlier by manufacturer choice) Jan 1 2010. From then on till 2015 the gas will continue to be produced and imported for servicing existing equipment.

Jan 1, 2015 till 2020 it will be produced and imported for servicing existing refrigeration and air conditioning applications only.

Jan 1, 2020 production and import is banned and only recycled/reclaimed and stockpiled R-22 quantities available for servicing existing equipment.

Yes the first CFC phase-out caused some panic and I remember $50 jugs of R-12 selling for as much as $900 but, the industry was sleeping and the manufacturers were not prepared, perhaps in denial. I even kept one for years to service my autos and refrigerator but guess what, never used or needed it since I realized I didnÂt own anything that used it. This scarcity eventually instituted excessive pricing/reclaiming & recycling costs and forced the development of "drop-in" replacement refrigerants, some good some bad, however with testing comes success. I remember the early days when you could sell back used refrigerant until they realized itÂs cost to transport & process was more than it was worth, leading contractors to have to pay to dispose of legally. While any intelligent HVAC dealer would have access to R-22 till at least 2025, the advancement of drop-in R-22 equivalents will surely be available.

Puron refrigerant (R-410) started its usage and marketing to the environmentally conscious person. While R-12Âs make up consisted of considerably more CFCÂs than R-22, making it first on the hit list among a few others, it is now known and shared that the effects of refrigerants play a minor role in the ozone layer depletion. The effects of refrigerants and their release (intentional or not) is minor compared to a volcano eruption, manufacturing and factory discharges and every day uses of aerosol products in and around the home.

Here is a link that might be useful: CFC Phaseout

My new Trane 19I has R22. As far as the future I just purchased a 50lb cylinder of R22 which should outlast the heat pump. Cheep insurance as I see it.