Just make sure for option 1 they intended to quote the newer 187BNA model (not 187ANA). Probably just a mistake. The 187BNA has a scroll compressor, as does the 286BNA you were quoted.

Sizing looks proper for size home/location, but a load calculation will give you a more definite answer. Also, consider the size of previous units and how well they did (or didn't) heat and cool.

Important part is picking the right dealer. You don't mention prices, so I assume you feel comfortable with the dealer's pricing.

With an 80% furnace, I like the idea of a heat pump dual fuel system in our area (I'm in Montgomery County, not a pro though).

thanks ryanhughes. i checked the quote and it is the 187ANA model. i'll see if they meant BNA.

since we are relatively new in the home there isn't much on past performance..

i didn't mention price since i didn't know if there were rules against it, but it was $7300 for option 1 and $7800 for option 2 (not including the air cleaner or humidifier)

go with option 2. It costs more, but having a heat pump in addition to your gas furnace will add comfort, save money on energy, and add flexibility incase either energy source price spikes.

Other members here are better at cost analysis, but I would suspect the $500 can be easily justified if your gas bills are high. Heat pumps provide efficient heat during the milder temperatures and even down to lower temps too, but at that point generally the furnace is preferred because it provides 'warmer' air. Hybrid systems with gas and electric heating sources are an upcoming thing (and have been). It's a good way to go where utility costs can do anything these days. I have Pepco for power, and the bills have been very high (not sure about gas since I'm all-electric). I have to imagine that's due to having to run the heat pump into the cold sub-freezing temperatures. However, during milder temperatures heat pumps are said to be more cost efficient.

The air cleaner and humidifier are a good idea (and if it were my home I would have both); however I know they can really add on to what is already a big investment for most people, so that will be your call.

Bryant's Hybrid Heat is very good and very easily set up with the Bryant Evolution Controller.
Hopefully the hybrid setup qualifies for the tax credit which would depend on the evaporator coil that will be installed also.

About the cost, did the contractor mention a Rebate?
There is rebates on Bryant high efficiency systems through June.

classicdave - both options qualify for the tax credit, which definitely makes it more affordable!

The price quoted does include what they listed as a $1000 Bryant rebate.

adams

option #2 is the better choice with the dual fuel or hybrid system. you do want the Evolution controller and the "ATA" tin plated evap coil.

what is the coil mdl number quoted?

If you don't go for the hybrid system, then I would upgrade to a 95% eff Evolution furnace.

IMO

hi IMO,

i believe the only model #s that were provided are the ones posted above. I will double check the estimate paperwork when I get home from work tonight.

it sounds like the hybrid system would fit our needs and environment here in DC (other than this past winter, generally the temps do not get too cold for too long)

what would be the advantages/disadvantages of upgrading to the 95% evolution? would it be a significant cost increase? since we just bought the house we are trying to be smart with our $. the $7k price range (before $1500 credit) we can do, but we probably would have to think about going higher. for reference, barring any life-altering events, we are planning to stay in the home long term.

adams

the eval coil mdl number determines the performance/eff numbers of both the AC or HP condenser. and as said in my post, you want the evap coil with the tin plated "ATA" suffix.

If you decide against the hybrid system, then I would want the 95% eff Evolution three stg furnace model. an 80% eff furnace like the 315AAV model by itself is a dinosaur for DC area/climate.

IMO

adams822,

I live in Montgomery County and just went thru the process of obtaining quotes to replace my 37 year-old Bryant Oil Furnace and 24 year-old A/C system. We considered proposals for both Furnace-A/c and Furnace-Heat Pumps.

I ended up opting for a Heat-Pump and oil Furnace "Hybrid" system. IIRC, the price increase between A/C and Heat Pump was less than $400.

My system is to be installed on the 18th of May.

adams822,

I live in Montgomery County and just went thru the process of obtaining quotes to replace my 37 year-old Bryant Oil Furnace and 24 year-old A/C system. We considered proposals for both Furnace-A/c and Furnace-Heat Pumps.

I ended up opting for a Heat-Pump and oil Furnace "Hybrid" system. IIRC, the price increase between A/C and Heat Pump was less than $400.

My system is to be installed on the 18th of May.

Hi again all, the evaporator coil model for both systems is:

CNPVP4821ATA

adams

here are the AHRI matching numbers.

3747351 Active Systems EVOLUTION 17 PURON AC BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 187BNA036****A CNPV*4821A**+UI 315(A,J)AV048090 36800 13.10 17.00 1

3748678 Active Systems PREFERRED 16 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 286BNA036****A CNPV*4821A**+UI 315(A,J)AV048090 34600 12.60 15.50 37000 9.10 22200

good selection on the tin plated evap coil.

of course, you will need the Evolution controller with either system. My choice would be the dual fuel system if you decide on the 80% eff furnace.

IMO
Good Luck!

Hi all - i received a 2nd quote from another company today, can anyone tell me what the differences are in these models and if the price is a decent price and worth the extra $? Thanks!

System 1:
315AAV048090
187BNA036
CNPVP3717

$7,904

System 2:
315AAV048090
289BNA036
CNPVP4217

$9,316

hi another question!

one contractor said the pipe - going from furance unit outside to the condenser looked fine and in good condition.

the 2nd one said that it would have to be replaced due to wrong welding. not that it was bad, but that new units had more "pressure" and the specs now called for a different kind of welding.

is that right?

hello all - hoping someone can advise on my question here? thanks!

It sounds like your original a/c liquid and suction lines may have been "sweated" instead of "brazed". The difference is significant, and you would want to have that corrected before/during the install of the new unit. There isn't anything wrong with replacing the lines, re-using them requires a "flush kit" that costs nearly as much as new lines do - and it sounds like your contractor has a good eye to have noticed that before starting work.