richard

the Trane dealer is either ignorant, misinformed, or just telling you a falsehood.

it is quite clear that Trane has significant problems meeting the qualifying tax credit standards in both their AC and HP condensers especially the larger sizes.

If you are looking for a 3 1/2 ton sgl stg HP system that qualifies for the tax credit and has superior performance/efficiency numbers, then take a look at Carrier's Performance 15 "H" model or sister company Bryant's Preferred 15 "H" model.

Trane has one 3 1/3 ton XL15i HP system with vs air handler that qualifies for the tax credit. a nice system definitely but that's just one configuration that qualifies.

there are the specs that you should consider

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

IMO

Thank you very much for getting back to me so quickly. I appreciate your advice. I am still a little confused and perhaps this is why the HVAC contractors I have spoken to are also confused. In checking the Energystar website (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits) and elsewhere on the web, it clearly lists that for a split AC system, you need an EER>=13 and a SEER>=16. Your description above refers to a 15 SEER and a 12.5+ EER. Where are you finding this lower requirement or am I misunderstanding something? In verifying that I will get the credit, can I get a manufacturer's certification statement before they do the work? Have you seen such a certification for the Carrier or Bryant models you mention above?

Thanks again!

Richard

tax credit for straight AC in a split system
qualifying standard 13 EER,16 SEER

tax credit for HP in a split system
qualifying standard 15 SEER,12.5 EER,8.5 HSPF

the specs I suggested is what a homeowner should look for especially in a climate where heating eff is just as important as cooling eff.

as far as the Carrier and Bryant models recommended, you can look these up on the AHRI Heat Pump Directory and the right hand column states whether they meet the qualifying standard for the tax credit.

here is an example of Bryant 3 1/2 ton with VS air handler that meets standard for tax credit.

1125838 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH042-A FV4BNB006 42000 13.00 16.00 41500 9.00 26600 1 HRCU-A-CB 284 769 Yes

AHRI HP Directory
http://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/hp/defaultSearch.aspx

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fed Govt HVAC Tax Credits

Does it make sense to go with a heat pump if I have an oil burner? If not, is there a 13 EER, 16 SEER 3.5 ton system you would recommend?

I just had my fourth different guy out to recommend a unit this evening and he said that we would be better off going with a 13 SEER unit from Lennox with a VS air handler and forgetting about the credit.

I think I am now more confused than ever....

Thanks again for your advice.

Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the struggle to get the tax credit over just getting a good, solid system, but that's for the individual to decide. If you have high taxes already, $1500 back for a $10,000 system is rather trivial, especially when it involves extensive brand shopping back and forth and looking at the few qualifying matches available for some of the higher tonnage systems (>3 tons). Many lower tonnage sizes are easy to get the tax credit and it's no big deal, but really for any higher tonnage the options are very limited.

But in your case, looks like you heat with oil (baseboard?). So you're looking at an air conditioner and air handler combination that would require 13 EER/16 SEER to get the tax credit.

Here's one qualifying setup I could come up with:
24APA542A003/FV4BNB006T00 - Carrier

You aren't the only one. This new tax credit has caused more confusion and misleading than ever it seems. And I'm sure there will be some non-qualifying setups purchased by customers misled thinking they met the requirements.

I wanted to clarify my earlier statement about the tax credit. I don't think $1500 is trivial in any sense, regardless of who you are. But, I think in considering how there are many nice systems out there (Carrier Infinity, Lennox Signature, etc.) in the 4/5 ton sizes that don't quite qualify, and customers are turned away from these systems because of a tax credit, something is wrong. Especially in the grand scheme of things (considering how the investment is for comfort foremost and not getting a $1500 return). When the tax credit is obtainable, great. But when some members on this site have to search through multiple brands and scrutinize every possible coil matchup just to realize the qualifying match is with a third-party coil only, I say forget it and go with the best overall system for your needs.

The goal of the tax credit was to stimulate purchase of higher efficiency equipment, but sometimes what it has led to is people purchasing systems that aren't geared most toward their needs to get the credit. For example, one Carrier matchup I looked up the other day required the largest furnace possible to qualify a 4 ton unit. No way. And some dealers will do that.

I found a Carrier Performance 3.5 ton AC and air handler combination which qualifies for the federal tax rebate.

3256775 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24APA542A31 FE4ANB006+UI 42500 13.00 16.00

I think this qualifies for a $300 Carrier rebate if you include a Carrier controller.