What was the capacity of your old system? How well did it perform? Area there any problem rooms?

This is a new construction home. We are building the home and hiring contractors. Sort of pay as we build. Our next step is putting the whole heating & heat pump in. We initially started about 3 years ago with the permit.

Sorry, I have been reading too fast lately.

The quotes are difficult to read. Can you post a summary of each? Do the prices include installation of the duct work?

A load calculation, know in the industry as a Manual J calculation, is the method to determine how many BTUs it will require to heat and cool the house for a given outdoor and indoor temperature. It is done by using a software program designed specifically designed for this purpose. The contractor will need to enter the size of each floor, the size and location of each window, and the amount of insulation in the exterior walls and attic. The contractor will then select the size of the equipment based on the results of the calculation. The contractor needs to also calculate the size of the duct work once the size of the equipment is determined. This is known as a Manual D calculation.

It is very important to perform a load calculation on a new home since there is no prior history with equipment. A good contractor will show you the print out of the calculation and explain it to you.

To be clear, your location is Washington State, relatively mild winters and summers?

And you are in an all electric situation?

A load calculation is special HVAC software used to properly size HVAC for home. Besides the input on measurements taken on home, other factors include design temperatures for your location, building envelope and insulation qualities, etc.

On the Trane quote, I question the sizing of a two ton as quoted. Too light. Don't care for the XB series heat pump. Would recommend the XR15 which would be a better comparison to the Carrier quote. Would also suggest the TAM7 var speed air handler. If summer humidity is an issue for your location/climate, I would recommend Trane's 803 thermostat or identical and less expensive HW mdl #8321.

I never ever recommend purchasing new HVAV from a big box store.

Post back.

IMO

Bid: Trane
1 Trane 4TWB4024*1000*xXB14 Heat Pump
1 Trane XR Series 5 AirTite Air Handler High Eff Fan model GAM5A0B30M21SA
1 Trane TCONT802AS32DA Vision Pro Programmable Thermostat
1 10 KW Heat Strips (32800 BTUH)
1 Complete System 5 yr labor warranty
1 Copper insulated lineset (5/8 x 3/8 50 ft)
1 Trane BAYSEN02ATEMPA Outdoor temperature sensor
1 light weight concrete pad (Tom can do this instead of being billed for it)
1 PVC condensate drain
1 Ductwork and trim package
1 Venting package (bath & utility fans, dryer and range hood)
4 labor to install complete system

Bid: Carrier
Heat pump: Carrier 2.5 ton performance 15 series (25HPA530H)
Furnace: Carrier variable speed air handler with 10 kw strip heat & coil (FV4CNF003)
Thermostat: Carrier performance series
Condensate: line to outside
Ductwork: transitions and modifications
Ductwork: supply air with registers in the floor. Insulated in unconditioned spaces at 11 locations
Ductwork: Return air with filter rille. Insulated in unconditioned spaces one location.
Exhaust: vent the range, dryer, bath and whole house (does not include fans or roof jacks)
Warranty: 10 years parts ( when home owner registers within 90 days) 10 year compressor, 2 year labor and 2 year maintenance.

We have a bid coming from the Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning. They sell the Lennox.

Yes, we live in western Washington. We get snow in our area sometimes up to 3 ft. We will have all electric utilities.

All bids have to have duct work installation.

Also, what is your opinion on comparison of the Trane, Carrier and Lennox?

I've noted what you've noted about the Trane. Isn't the Trane show a 4 ton Heat Pump? The Carrier quote has a 2.5 ton Heat Pump? Am I looking at it correctly?

I want to thank you both for your input. This is my first time looking at these heating systems. I'm learning a lot. Barbara

The Trane quote is for their XB14 HP condenser, two ton size. I question the sizing of that quote. I would ask Trane dealer for a quote on their XR13 and XR15 HP system. The XR15 would be a closer comparison to the Carrier Performance 15 quoted.

I do prefer the Trane because their HP condensers have EDD, electronic demand defrost. EDD eliminates/reduces unnecessary, nuisance, and expensive defrost calls. Carrier does not offer that feature, just time defrost.

IMO

You want to find a contractor that you are confident will do a good installation. Finding a good contractor is the most difficult job for a homeowner.

I took a look at the web sites of the two bidders. The only thing I see on the Carrier bidder web site is fireplaces. There is no mention about HVAC equipment and installations. Is this the work being subcontracted to some else? This raises a red flag for me.

On the other hand the Trane bidder is a Comfort Specialist. He has a very nice web site. I see pictures of the owners and all the employees. There are also references from satisfied customers. There is no guarantee this contractor will be a quality installation, but I get a better feeling he has the potential to be good.