1. In my opinion, salesman 2 is right. Unless the coil is going UNDER the furnace, you wouldn't want the hot furnace air passing over the coil. Wouldn't be good for the system operation. With electric heat strips, they are ABOVE the coil, so they can run simultaneously.

2. Some houses have 2-3 returns for the whole system. It's really the duct sizes leading to the returns that matters. Does he think each supply needs a return? That's just not true. If putting returns in the basement, I'd want to make sure there wasn't a negative pressure issue--i.e., there would be supplies down there as well. Systems are not always sized properly for the home--maybe he was speaking of this particular builder. Do not increase tonnage by 1 ton, or even .5 ton, without making certain the ductwork is sized appropriately. Higher tonnage on a system that can't handle it does you no good.

3. With the way utility rates are climbing, I would recommend it. There is a $1500 tax credit for 95% furnaces or heat pumps with 15 SEER/8.5 HSPF/12.5 EER efficiency ratings ($1500 total, not per appliance).

4. I've heard more negative about attic fans than I have good.

Post the model numbers you were provided on the estimates for the equipment.

Sorry I see salesman #2 was the original installer, so it makes sense why he would say they sized the system right the first time. Ask, "Did you size it originally based on a heat load/loss analysis?" If the answer is yes, then you can be more certain that the system was sized properly if he's being honest.

I had the previous post "gas furnace with hp or electric heat with hp" and have decided to go with heat pump and electric heat back up. This is what I am replacing as we have very cheap electric rates. I am staying with the 3 ton and am NOT adding any extra returns or insulation. I have been told that in upstate NY it is difficult to get a heat pump unit that is efficient enough to qualify for the stimulus rebate and that it isn't worth it because the number of months that we use the heat pump as an A/C is minimal. (maybe 3 months per year). Does this sound reasonable?

I have been quoted $6,613 for installation on either a Rheem system or American standard. here are the part numbers quoted. They mean very little to me, any input greatly appreciated!!

Rheem RHKLM3617JA variable speed air handler (3 ton, 14 SEER)
RPNL036JAZ (heat pump, condensing unit with 410A)
RXBH-24A20J (electric heat)

OR

American Standard 4A6H3o36A100A (heat pump)
4Tee3F37B1000A (variable speed air handler)
don't have part number for electric heater

Both $6,613 in Rochester, NY suburb.

Is it true that it isn't practical to try and qualify for stimulus rebate with electric heat pump in upstate NY?

Thanks!!

Here are the specs on the American Standard System:

1106415 Active Systems HERITAGE 13 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H3036A1 4TEE3F37B1 35600 12.00 14.00 34000 8.20 19900

I could not get the rheem system to pull up on the ARI. Anyone else?

Rheem - 11.85 EER, 13.5 SEER, 9 HSPF. The 9 HSPF will be better for heating efficiency, and it puts out more heat (the Rheem) than the American Standard setup, but either setup will be a good system if installed properly. Did any of the contractors above quote these systems, or another contractor altogether? Finding the best company to do the work is key, as you know.

Thank you so much for your replies!

This quote is from Salesman #3. He is the grandson of the man who started this heating and cooling company in 1945. His dad and 3 brothers all still work there. They were voted "Contractor of the Year" in 2002 and won an "Ethical Business Award" in our area last year or the year before. I thought they would be the most expensive, so I had him come out last, but his quote is the best. (he said he could do gas heat with heat pump,but doesn't recommend it based on our cheap electric. He said you have to set a temp where heat pump turns off and gas kicks in, same as Salesman #2)

Last question - Does it seem reasonable that in this area people haven't been spending the money for a higher SEER unit because we only need to cool for 3 months or so? (it takes too long to get back the initial added cost) He said there hasn't been the demand for these units in this area, but I wonder if the stimulus rebate changes that. The $1500 rebate is pretty new, do they just need some time to catch up? Is it worth pushing him to quote me something from Rheem that does qualify? From what I can see on the Rheem website they have a 3 ton system that qualifies, in their high-end systems. It has lots of "bells and whistles" and I can't tell how much more it will cost. This contractor has said that he prefers to "keep it simple". less areas to have problems down the line. Do you think it is worth pursuing this in light of the new rebate?

linfairport

since you have nat gas service available, for your area/climate, I would recommend dual fuel system. and please don't leave that tax credit lying on the table.

BTW, what is the cost/therm for nat gas?

run the numbers on attached fuel calculator.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

linfairport

i agree with tigerdunes. the $1500 should be more than enough to offset the higher cost of equipment. targets for the tax credit is 15 Seer / 12.5 EER / 8.5 HSPF. your contractor should be able to provide the ARI ref # for your 2009 tax credit. you can print the cert on line.

I have a suggestion for you regarding insulation. Lay a radiant (foil) barrier over your existing attic insulation. We did it three years ago and it made an immediate difference. Our old and very noisy furnace did not cycle on anywhere near as many times during the evenings. We were able to watch something on TV without having to turn volume up and down as often as before because the heat was being held in (reflected) the house rather than float away through the attic. The hard result is that our natural gas use is way less also! I've included an link to one of the companies that produces such a product.

Here is a link that might be useful: rFoil Insulation Products