Dual fuel vs gas and a/c

14 years ago

I live in the Atlanta area and looking to replace my hvac unit since my 9yo a/c system is ready to be replaced. I've had numerous quotes so here's where I'm at;

Installer 1:

Trane XT80 with XR15 a/c unit. Complete 16 seer 3.5 system that qualifies for 1500 tax credit. Price 5900

Carrier 3.5 heat pump system that qualifies for tax credit. Price 8000

Installer 2:

Goodman 13 seer 3.5 heat pump and 80 furnance that does not qualify for tax credit. 4500

Goodman 13 seer 3.5 a/c 80 furnace does not qualify for tax credit. $4200

Getting a 95% furnance in Atlanta doesn't make economic sense so I'm limiting myself to 80% furnance. Installer 1 is strongly recommending the traditional a/c system stating the increased cost of qualifying heat pump doesn't really make economic sense. I'm looking at being in the house maybe 10 years. So what do you guys think, will I recoup cost of heat pump over time to justify install or just go with high efficiency a/c and be done with it?

Thanks

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Comments (4)

tigerdunes
14 years ago
merc

post complete mdl numbers both outside and inside units for installer #1 including evap coil for the XT80 Trane furnace quote. need more detail.

I agree about the 95% eff furnace for Hotlanta area being overkill.

since you have nat gas available, my best suggestion is an 80% eff VS two stg furnace paired with a tax credit qualifying heat pump. second choice, 80% eff VS two stg furnace with qualifying AC condenser.

what stats were quoted? new refrigerant lineset to be installed? any new air filter cabinet?

I will not comment on Installer #2 and the Goodman quotes.

IMO
merc64
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm at work so don't have model numbers handy. Quotes were for flushing lines and replacing condensate pipe. My lines are proper size so ALL of the installer quotes were for flushing instead of replacing. The problem with Trane is that for 3.5 heat pump coil has to be mounted horizontally for tax credit. Thats why quote for Carrier was done. This installer would be happy to install more expensive unit to get tax credit but says I would not recoup my money.

Question about comment on Goodman installer. This installer came recommended by neighbor and others. He is NATE certified and is the only installer I actually somewhat know. Is your comment based on Goodman quality or do you think the price is out of whack?
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neohioheatpump
14 years ago
I think a you should definetly get a heatpump in the atlanta area and not just A/C.

Why don't you ask your contractor #2 who has the goodman equipment to upgrade 13 seer to 14 seer heatpump. I"m pretty sure those 14 seer qualify for TAX credit with a variable speed air handler. They hit 15 seer with the proper air handler and coil.

If the installer has a good recomendation I'm sure you'd be happy with goodman equipment. The equipment is as good as the installer typically.

My parents have an old 10 seer goodman A/C from 1994 that still runs fine. They only had 1 minor problem in all the years they owned it. Granted A/C doesn't get used a ton in my region of the country.
thull
14 years ago
Also in ATL with a dual fuel HP setup. I would definitely do dual fuel again. Ours is Rheem/Ruud 3.5 ton with 80% 2-stage furnace and VS air handler.

Based on the winter this year, I don't know that you can assume a 95% furnace is nuts. But my HP also doesn't put out much heat at or below 30F and is set to shut off there. Newer models do better lower- IIRC ours is only doing 27k BTUs at the low end.

The sucky part is getting a big NG bill on top of a $200 power bill. Some part of that is about $30 in pass through cost per month on the NG. So, going 95% would trim that back about ~20%, but you'd have to do the math to see if it was worth the extra up-front cost.

The most important thing you can do, IMO, is get a good thermostat. My vote is for the Honeywell Vision Pro or IAQ stats with an outdoor sensor so that the stat can stage the system. Equivalent from one of your listed mfr.s is OK, but I know nothing about them (exc a little about the Carrier Infinity one w/ good dehumidifying setup).

I'd also get one of the deep media filters rather than the standard dinky ones- Aprilaire or Honeywell.

I'd want to know about the mfr. warranty on the various parts for comparison's sake. I'd also get my ducts blown to test/fix leakage. No point in getting super efficient equipment if the heat's ending up in the attic.

I also noticed my hot lineset in the attic on IR photos I took a couple months ago. Haven't concluded yet whether it ought to be fully insulated for HP.

I can tell you who originally put in the equipment (douchebag) and who finished the job and has serviced it (good folks) if you want to e-mail me.

Dual fuel vs gas and a/c

Comments (4)

tigerdunes

merc64
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Dual fuel vs gas and a/c

Comments (4)

tigerdunes

merc64Original Author

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thull

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merc64
Original Author