You need to get updated model numbers, since those aren't what you would be quoted today. Things change quickly in this industry it seems.

To answer your questions, the 15i is usually the one to go for if looking for the tax credit. The XR15 has similar ratings.

A central return can work if properly sized and the rooms have undercut doors and/or ways for the air to make it to that central return. If possible, returns in each room would be preferable. Wherever there is supply air, there needs to be a return path.

ravmd

what is your location?

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

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

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

the XL16i is a problematic unit-I would not have it. Plus it does not qualify for tax credit.

I believe the XL14i is being phased out and discontinued.

I suggest Trane's XL15i or XR15 and AmStd Heritage 15. All are solid heat pump choices.

Generally speaking, return air has to be equal in CFMs to supply air. Properly located and sized return will offer better airflow and comfort. I would prefer two smaller returns over one large central return.

IMO
Good Luck!

We are located in Baltimore , MD.
When you say both inside and outside units should be replaced... do you mean on the old system. We were planning on keeping that -just using to heat the main and basement floors.
Then purchasing a new air handler and new heat pump to heat/cool the bedroom floor.

And was also curious of thoughts on if we will notice better efficiency cost with having 2 sep. units. A few of our neighbors have done this and it seems to make sense to be able to not heat/cool the bedrooms as much during the daytime. And then vice versa at night. Obviously I hope that our $8K investment will get us more than just removing some awful bulk heads /duct work on the main floor.
Thank you!

ravmd

better efficiency cost? probably better comfort for top floor.

2 things to consider.

1.with a new HP system for upstairs, dealer will need to inspect and verify capacity in breaker panel to handle new condenser, air handler, and backup strip heat.

2.the downstairs system will in all probability be oversized. you may experience shortcycling. suggest you review carefully with quoting dealer.

what size is existing system?

IMO

Ok, now have 2 more current quotes.
Both recommended a gas furnace for the attic vs. the heat pump. Which I think we would prefer as our neighbor did what we are looking to do and says they are not happy with the heat upstairs.

So now I have the following quoted for our upstairs unit:
Company C:
Bryant furnace: 353AAV036040 (37K BTU) 16SEER, 13.2 EER
Bryant A/C: 126BNA024 - 2 Tons
Full price (incl. electric, gas, etc) - $10,900 (less $300 rebate, less $750 BGE rebate , less $1500 tax credit) = $8350

comp D:
Trane XL15i AC 4TTX5024A, 24K btu, 16SEER (shouldn't this quote tons?not btu's???)
Trane XT80 gas furnace: TUD1B060A9H3 , 60K btu

Price: $9875, less $350 BGE rebate (not sure why it's less than above), less $1500 tax credit = $8025

OR if we replace the furnace with the XL15i Trane heat pump ($6725 after credits)

----
re . our existing system:
they did say our current unit will be oversized and they would add 3 supply vents to the basement and 1 return to compensate a bit for it...
Existing furnace: 25 yr old -120 BTU.
Existing A/C: 15 yr old. . - -3T

Said when we go to replace these he would recommend 80 BTU and ~2.5T. Approx. total cost $5500.

We are ok on the breaker panel-mentioned creating a 50amp subpanel to run existing and new system to.
So.... any glaring problems?? seems the 2 companies recommended some inconsistent units re. BTUs. Still learning! Not so much concerned about a few hundred $ in quote difference. Mainly want to make sure we choose the right unit and get the proper venting/returns etc to have some comfort from both units!

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

Wanted to get your opinions on the following matched Trane matched heat pump system:

HP: XL15i (4TWX5036A1)
A/H: VS (4TEE39A1)

ARI numbers provided to me are:
36,000 BTU cooling
13.0 EER
15.0 SEER
9.0 HSPF
34,000 BTU @ 47
23,600 BTU @ 17

Included in package are: Trane 803 stat, new disconnect box, new refrigerant line, and replacing 4 supply lines in attic.

Total Price: $6,000 (check/cash) or $6,796 if financed (3.9%)

mark

excellent system, excellent pricing for a three ton system.

you might consider HW VP IAQ stat that has "DOD" feature.
I would also get Trane's 7/12 KW staged heat strip.

IMO

TigerDunes,

Thanks! I was hoping that you would respond back. I've been reading your advice on this and another forum and you provide good, straight-up advice. I'm waiting for a call back now, but will try to get price a bit lower or swap the 803 for the VP IAQ stat and call it a deal.

The Trane web site indicates they have a $1,000 instant rebate on "qualifying systems", but don't know if this one qualifies. It would sure help.

Your pricing is good if you pay for the system by check. Ballpark for Maryland/DC area for that type of system. The IAQ is a great stat to have but not all dealers are familiar with its setup since it involves a separate control module along with the stat itself. The 803 is still a fine stat, just can't control blower to dehumidify like the IAQ can.

mark

I would want the staged heat strip. what size was quoted?

IMO