what climate are you in? Are you getting natural gas?

I like the contractors recommendations. 15 seer is typically about the highest effieciency single stage which is what I recommend.

I'm surprised at the big price differences between armstrong and american std. Almost all new equipment should be good. What is important is the install.

You are going to have fans of all this equipment and detractors also. I would probably go with the armstrong quote based on price but you would want some labor warranty in addition I would imagine.

You might want to research the specific models being quoted. I'm sure you don't want loud outdoor compressors. Some are louder than others. Some are quite loud and that wouldn't be fun to live with.

sprint

what is your location?

you do not have nat gas service to your home?

you need to post mdl numbers of outside and inside units that were quoted. now is the time for a quality ductwork system both supply and return, correct size/design, superior insulation qualities, etc. I would include at the minimum a good 4-5" box filter for each system.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching VS air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant.

I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

IMO

I was leaning toward the armstrong, but I've been told by a few people that it's contractor grade equipment and would be better off with one of the others. Do you know anything about the armstrong? Thanks

I think armstrong is made by lennox. They probably have a good warranty. According to the website their mid-grade 14 seer 8.5 hspf heatpump has 5 year warranty on parts and 10 on compressor. Suppossedly it has a compressor blanket but its decibal rating is 76 and 2-ton and 78 at 4 ton which isn't great.

Ask the armstrong contractor if he can get luxaire. They are inexpensive and widely available. I have one and am very happy with it. They come with demand defrost and are very quiet.

The model #'s for the armstrong units are 4shp16lt124p-2 and 4schp16lt148p-2. From what i've read, they look like 16 seer heat pumps, 2 stage compressors. Just wondering what ya'll thoughts are on these units. Thanks

I like Trane which I think is owned by AS. The other two brands are unknown to me. I did a lot of research, talking to HVAC people when I bought two new units for our rental property. I went with Trane XR-13 for both homes.

- How many returns are you going to get installed? I would think one in each bedroom plus the living room. Did the a/c guys discuss this?

- One feature I love about Trane is it is so quiet. Both the inside air handler and the outside unit.

- Did you consider a higher Seer? I would think with new construction and if you plan on being there for years it would pay off for you.

- I learned that "not all HVAC companies are good". It is all about the installation no matter what brand you buy. The little things can make a huge difference.

you should get a load calculation rather than
the 500 sq ft per ton sizing.
with new construction all the inputs are known.
proper sizing will be less tons and better performance.

windows with shgc & ufactors of .30 or less
will minimize heat/cold gain.
insulation and air tight drywall, air sealing as
construction is done
R-8 ductwork Mastic sealed (not duct tapes)hard pipe
leaks at all seams and joints these should be mastic
sealed before ductwrap is installed.
properly designed ductwork

this is the package I'd recomend.
best of luck