You need to take the return air temp and the supply temp and see what the rise is then when you call his office and have solid info something will get done you probably only have one or two heat strips working

daffer I think your strategy is right on target. The only question is whether you want dual fuel(var spd furnace backup) or an air handler(with strip heat backup). With an air handler and strip heat, you would need to check electric panel/service to see if you have capacity to handle backup strip heat. If not, cost to upgrade electric service. Here are three best configurations with var speed air handler. I like the numbers of the Carrier Infinity 16 HP with Infinity controller best. It has better BTU numbers both heating and cooling. 552846 Active Systems XP19 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP19-060-230* CBX32MV-068-230* 58500 12.05 16.30 53500 8.25 32800 1481762 Active Systems XL19I WEATHERTRON TRANE 2TWZ9060C1 2TEE3D65A1 56000 9.90 15.75 51000 8.50 31400 1250425 Active Systems INFINITY 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HNA660A30 FE4ANB006+UI 60000 11.10 15.30 57500 9.00 34200 You know 5 ton is correct size? I would check Duke Power and see if they offer any rate incentive for HP heating. 410 refrigerant is the way the market is moving. IMO

cole let's see some mdl numbers both inside air handler and outside HP condenser. 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. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant. I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost. IMO

mel first of all, the Trane system quoted is three ton, the Lennox system two ton. what size are you replacing? The XL15i comes in 1/2 ton increments, the XP19 only available in full ton increments. Lennox XP19 two ton 551638 Active Systems XP19 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP19-024-230* CBX32MV-024/030-230* 24000 13.30 17.60 22000 8.85 12900 Trane XL15i three ton 1382162 Active Systems XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5036A1 4TEE3F39A1 36000 13.00 15.00 34000 9.00 note that the 3F39 air handler is the correct choice for the three ton XL15i I don't recognize the stat listed for the Trane system. For superior humidity control, the best choice is HW VP IAQ. any heat strips should be staged for operating cost. I personally think the Trane XL15i is one of the best sgl stg HPs on the market and that two stg systems are overkill and unnecessary for most homeowner applications. I would want R8 insulation for new attic ductwork, both supply and return. let me know if you have any questions. IMO Good Luck!