All good systems. May want to see about getting a thermostat capable of controlling humidity for your climate--one that can slow the airflow with the variable speed motor. Bryant thermidistat or Honeywell IAQ are good models. Otherwise, I see no major issues with these systems. The FV4BNF005 air handler might be a nice in-between model for a little more efficiency, but otherwise I don't see spending $500 for slightly higher ratings--unless you somehow figured they would pay for themselves during the lifespan of the unit (someone else can comment on that). Might be good to have one more set of options from a different dealer. Key is finding the best dealer.

cjtx

let's start with the Rudd quote. Rudd and sister company are an overlooked and underrated brand that does not get the attention that it should. I suppose it's the advertising or in their case lack of brand recognition. One needs to be careful though about their model numbers. this would be the matchup for the Rudd that you would want.

3394192 Active Systems RUUD UPQL SERIES RUUD AIR CONDITIONING DIVISION UPQL-036JEZ RHKL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617 36800 13.00 15.50 37200 10.00

solid numbers across the board. since you live in an area/climate known for summer humidity, you would want a thermostat that has "dehumidify on demand" feature like HW VisionPro IAQ. The Rudd system also has electronic demand defrost feature that eliminates nuisance and unnecessary defrost calls.

now to the Bryant Legacy 3 ton quotes.

I would want the 005 air handler over the 003 without any price increase. see below.

3033135 Active Systems LEGACY 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 225ANA036-B FV4BN(B,F)005 35800 13.00 16.00 35600 8.80

you want to be certain the Bryant stat is the thermidistat.

I would check the warranties for both systems. I assume these quotes came from the same dealer.

don't let any dealer fudge on this lineset business-flushing an incorrect size is a big screwup.

IMO

Thank you..

The Ruud Quote and Bryant quotes are from 2 different contractors.

Great advice - thanks I feel more comfortable that the equipment quoted are good systems.

I'm seeing in other posts about an "H" series Heat pump that might have more heating capacity. The Bryant quotes I received are an "A" series. Is there a big difference to worry about here? Also is there any effect on longevity of equip coils, etc. if I do go with an "H" system? Same warranty as the other "A" units?

I'll see what I can do about getting another dealer to quote. Thanks

The "H" model was only for the Preferred series (not Legacy line) to raise the heating performance on some tonnages. Not needed for the Legacy 225A since the ratings are good enough to qualify in all or most sizes.

for a 3 Ton Bryant Heat Pump system
make sure of the bryant model, bryant just released the 225B
the 225B is a little shorter than the 225A so with that the 225B needs to have the FV4CN(B,F)005 air handler to qualify for the tax credit.
the contractor may have some 225A still in stock but my area we do not.

also check out the 226A with FV4CN(B,F)003

Carrier/Bryant comes out with new equipment so fast. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. What you bought yesterday may not be new tomorrow.

Thank you - More drama..When I contacted the contractor on some of the points that you brought up I was informed that the 225, 265, and 215A are all being phased out and being replaced with a 215B model. Both the 225 and 265 models are not in stock or available any longer.

The new match up being proposed will be a 215BNA036 heat pump with a FX4DNF037 which has a rating of 15.00 SEER/12.50 EER and does qualify for the Energy Tax Credit I'm told. AHRI Certificate number 3647404. The cost for this new combination remains the same as the original option #1 of $7,556.00.

That RUUD unit quoted is the 3394192 AHRI #. Its 15.5 seer and 13 eer. All accessories for that unit will bre replaced to meet code(drain pan, both plenums 5" filter, digital programmable t-stat, float switch), will not be replacing the copper lineset or duct work. Warranty will be 10 year all parts if you register your equipment online at ruud.com, one year labor warranty - $7200

I have never liked buying new production runs..I dont how these new models change in quality from model number to model number..Are there major differences??

I have the same ruud unit 3 ton installed last October that I am very happy with. I think mine is the RHLL air handler that has a single speed x-13 blower motor instead of the variable. I was at 6700.00 installed for it and he wanted 300 more for the rhkl I think it was with variable speed but wouldn't have it in stock in time for the install so I skipped it. I am very happy but might be wishing I did variable come summer. Either way you will be pleased I am sure but I wouldn't think twice about going Ruud.

ctjx,

Find another Bryant Dealer and get another quote,

or go with the Ruud contractor

For manufactures that are changing/upgrading models, it happens all the time. It's just that guys like me telling you about it.
Rheem/Rudd are doing the same thing, York also.

Trane Just came out with the XR-15 model this year, I'm waiting on their new non communicating 2 speed condenser and their new air seal tight air handler.

Every manufacture upgrades, many are just slight designs tweaks.

If you really want to see tweaking check out appliances. Those models change all the time.

cjtx

apparently Carrier and Bryant are changing alot of their condensers model numbers which is always confusing to both dealers and hoimeowners.

I would not be scared of the 215B Legacy model. This may be more of a model number change than any improvement/difference with the other model numbers. However, it appears your Bryant dealer is quoting a non-VS air handler which is a mistake. I would not have it. I think I would drop that dealer because it seems he is looking out for himself more than you or simply does not know what he is doing.

go back to the Rudd. That system's performance/eff numbers rock and clobbers the Bryant Legacy 15. Plus it has electronic demand defrost which is a big deal over time/temp. add the HW VP IAQ stat and a staged heat strip and you will be set. check the warranty. if not this you may have to start over.

IMO
Good Luck!

Hope everyone had a Great Easter.

I will probably go with the Ruud HP unit... By the way - I was doing some additional follow-up and updating myself on the TX "cash for appliances" rebate website

Looks like TX has some hefty rebates for replacement coming up here in April for HP and A/c systems.

http://texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/appliances.php

In my case.

For A/C Split systems

15 SEER or Greater
12.5 EER or Greater
CEE Tier 2 - $800 rebate from SECO program Texas add $75 for documented haul away

For Split HP systems

8.5 HSPF or Greater
15 SEER or Greater
12.5 EER or Greater
CEE Tier 2 - $1400 rebate from SECO program Texas add $75 for documented haul away

NOT Bad.Every bit helps..I would think that the industry here will be cranking in the next couple of months..

Keeping that in mind there is another unit in my TH that manages a smaller area and I would possibly like to evaluate a 2.5T Heat Strip unit. Its the living area bedroom, den etc. Prefer heat to be "toasty" Keeping in mind that the Ruud HP is a probable go at this point in the main room....

Can you guys suggest some efficient rugged Ruud Configurations on a 2.5T A/C Heat strip unit (staged?) since we would probably want the same contractor servicing both the units going down the road Might be worth a look now with this rebate. .

Thanks

cjtx

why would you want a straight AC system with heat strip heat only?

it appears the electric company and/or state rebate would be paying for you to go HP over a straight AC system.

TD

Couple of considerations

First of all this unit will cover an area where I need a little extra "felt" heat in the winter and I like it warmer in the winter when I'm in these areas. The warmer air that HS will put out is what I want to feel. The shower has exposed glass block on an outside wall and I need this bath area to be "warm" in the winter. The unit for this smaller living area usually operates a few hours daily.. in the am before I go to work and in the evening when I'm watching TV and getting ready to go to sleep in the PM. This unit covers the TV / den area and the master BR and bath areas as well.

Second, I am getting one large HP unit already and do not have the cash available to flat out buy 2 HP systems and am hoping for an inexpensive alternative to what my spend is going to be.. I'm not too sure about my job...In this economic climate "Cash is King". Any savings offered to step out and extend myself financially I want to pocket on this possible unit rather than putting into equipment. Rainy day fund...

As I said I have a heat strip system already and It seems to do the job fine for what I want. It is old but still works and since this is not the main unit for the house which will be a HP I'm more comfortable with a strip unit in this zone.

Thanks.

An update:
I need some more advice
I did go ahead and buy the 3T RUUD unit last year as guided. It has worked very well and I got the tax credit too.
A/C worked well last summer however this past winter we had a reasonably cold February here in Houston. The HP did have to "work" long cycles to get the area somewhat warm. I am concerned about the unit having to really work long cycles and produce not really warm air. Is running a lot - to warm the space... The performance seemed to be much better when the temperature went to 40F during the day when the units would kick on. During the coldest part of the snap it struggled to get adequate heat into the space. The last heat strip units ran 25 years and did a good job, however much more expensively. Going forward I is trying being as efficient as I can be. I have a second unit to replace...I nursed that old 2nd Lennox HS unit thru this past year and don't believe it will last at all this season. I recognize that I have another unit to buy and the HP did save $$ on the heat and A/C side this year. Markedly... Besides Texas still have funds left for rebates on efficient units. Want to get that B 4 it runs out. So I need to act.

Since I am all electric (NO Natural Gas), I am looking for another unit at 2.5T for this other side of the home. Manual J says 2.5T is needed. The rooms in this living area are the sleeping quarters, bathrooms, master BR and showers along with the den. I need to make sure that the heating aspect will provide more heat than what I experienced with the 3T heat pump in the main room this past winter.... I need to feel warm in the winter in this other space since there is a risk of catching cold / other by stepping out of the shower. if the heat is not present in qty. AND another consideration - when we get up to go to work its usually in the early AM, when the temps are most likely to be at the lowest part of the day and the HP will probably be the least efficient that is when the heat is needed. I need to address this aspect in the choice I make today...

Contractor who did the last install did a good job... I have no issue on getting another RUUD and using him

He is quoting another RUUD 2.5T HP similar setup as last year's 3T

HP UPQL-030JEZ
AH RHKL-HM3617JA
7.5KW HS
15.5 SEER / 13 EER
New supply and return Plenums
5" Pleated Filter System
New Copper Lineset
Crane for roof Top Mounting
$7,000 installed to code

If I look at the RUUD website, the unit is not rated as an energy credit qualifying unit. In addition the warranty that is published ion that unit is only 5 years as the warranty on the other units is 10years. The last units I had that were HS Lenox units lasted 25 years. I want to make a wise investment so the unit I will buy is a solid sturdy unit that can last a very long stretch.. 5 yr stated warranty seems light to me..

Can you give me some insight on the unit quoted..?and some suggestions on what other Ruud units might be "A Step Up" and sturdier and a "value". Manufacturers update lines all the time. Maybe further improvements were made on some Ruud units ..AND - Maybe he is quoting a good solid workhorse unit and that's fine.. A good solid unit is what I want.

Increase HS capacity to what level?
Can the other unit be retrofitted w additional heat capacity?
Vertical Vs Horizontal
AHRI Data will be a great help on your suggestions.

Thank you in advance...

Seems a little pricey to me. I thought Ruud wasn't that expensive of equipment. I"m sure rooftop mounting adds to cost.

Its true, heatpumps will rune long cycles when it gets colder out.

Running long cycles isn't so bad I don't think. Starting and stopping alot is worse I think.

Make sure your heatpump has demand-defrost to minimize amount of going into defrost. Going into defrost is harder on your heatpump than just running for along time I think.

How are your windows? Make sure your well insulated. $7K buys alot of insulation and windows. This would really help minimize your heat load. How well insulated your house is will determine how long your heatpump needs to run when its cold out. Your heatpump should be able to maintain a comfy temp down to 20 degrees outside temperature if your house isn't leaky. There is people on here with newer well insulated, tight houses that can heat down to much colder with the heatpump.

Keep in mind, heatpumps aren't good at bring up temperature. They are good at maintaining.

cjtx

what size heat strip installed with new system from last year?

what size heat strip do you have with system being replaced?

here are the numbers.

3394121 Active Systems RUUD UPQL SERIES RUUD AIR CONDITIONING DIVISION UPQL-030JEZ RHKL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617 30000 13.00 15.50 29000 9.00 18300

so including heat strip, at 17 degrees, system would have around 43 KBTUs.

I agree with above poster's comment about pricing. what new thermostat will be installed?

ask dealer about warranty. I thought it was 10 yr parts on air handler, compressor and condenser.

post back.

IMO

Thanks

I have done everything I can to insulate my home and this area including weather-stripping / Insulating including replacing all the windows / doors with double-pane energy efficient products and I believe its pretty tight..

FYI - The crane costs about $700 to drop the Condenser on the second story roof - Over power lines.. so its touchy..Quoted Price is "ALL IN" w Crane, Equipment, Labor & Tax

I believe A Ruud HP Thermostat will be installed - HC-TST305UNMS

Last years system was quoted w 7.5KW heat, the same as this years quote.
Old Lennox ECB10-41-471-1P is rated @ 220V = 11.6Kw

My question on warranty was based on the Warranty info on the RUUD website regarding this unit as compared to the other units there.. I recognize that higher end units get better warranties.. The question is really about if this unit is a good solid sturdy workhorse unit or am I setting up myself for a replacement on the short side of the life span when I could have "upgraded" to a better unit for incremental cost and maybe received more unit longevity.

Regarding Warranty - According to the Quote
1 yr labor
10 yrs parts
10 yrs mfr warranty on compressor
10 yrs mfr warranty on Outdoor Coil
10 yrs mfr warranty on Indoor Coil
***Equip must be registered at Ruud.Com for warranty purposes by homeowner .

Thank you for your insight

Rheem/Rudd is quality and has the fewest incidence of breakdown and repair (according to Consumer Reports). You get 10 year warranty as well as limited unit replacement if you register on line. The RPQL is energy star rated