egor

I read your previous post and frankly I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish considering your area/climate. As i recall you live in Santa Barbara mtn area and have an electric rate of $.22 kwhr and propane cost near $3.00/gal-no access to nat gas. Your low temps would be in the 30s-correct?

Generally speaking all-in-one package units are less expensive to purchase but don't have the higher eff advantages of split systems. On a dual fuel package system, you only get an AFUE of 80-81% AFUE on the gas side and that would be using expensive propane.

If you are interested in operating costs, then you need efficiency and the least expensive fuel. In your case this
clearly points to electricity and a heat pump with var speed blower.

Again, I urge you to look at the fuel calculator.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

Thanks, again, tigerdunes. Sorry if I am not making sense.
I am trying to save operating costs, as well as installation costs, while still giving my house the option of gas or electricity because things fluctuate pretty wildly around here. We often run out of things like water, electricity, gas, common sense, all kinds of things!
I found another propane company, for instance, that says I can buy from them a year in advance and lock in my propane costs at $2.30/gal. So I am meeting with them Monday.
Yes, you have made me aware that for now electricity is my best bet and that I should try and get a good heat pump with variable speed compressor/blower. The Carrier package unit does this. And the HeatPump is SEER 15 which is pretty good.The only thing about it is that the furnace part is only 81% AFUE, which is a far sight better than what I have had and prolly wont get used much. To go to a split system with 96% AFUE would require me to build an outdoor room for the gas furnace and some fancy ductwork that I estimate would add $2500 to my install costs, to say nothing of the added cost of the 96%AFUE furnace itself. All to save a few percentage points on a gas backup furnace that will only be used a few weeks a year? I dont think that is wise.
So thats my thinking here and what I am trying to accomplish. I have many concerns where I live, only one of which is efficiency.
So you are saying that I should get the highest SEER variable speed HeatPump I can and get the gas furnace down the road if neccessary? I think thats what the fuel calc says at the moment. But propane is going down and electric from PG&E is going up. I expect to pay over .29cents/kwh next year and $2.30/gal propane. so because the fuel calc has them pretty close why not get both in one unit?

Egor,

We do HVAC. What I have never told my customers is that the split system has a much better parts warranty vs. a package unit. 10 years all parts vs. 5 years. Lifetime heat exchanger vs. 20 years, etc.

I prefer installing package systems because it is easier. On a recent price comparison, a 2-ton or 2.5-ton split was approx. $300.00 less than the package. I cannot speak on the cost of a dual fuel package unit.

My biggest problem with Carrier is with the price of equipment. And the price of replacement parts. Rudd is not a popular brand here. The $4,000.00 would be an excellent price here.

I am not a fan of variable speed strictly because of cost. Multi-speed is good. But, if the system does not break, then there is no problem. If the duct work is not adequate, then variable speed is excellent. Variable speed should boost the efficiency rating. I do markup the equipment more for variable speed because of the warranty factor.

By the way, ask the dealers about the parts warranty. And, we would love to hear about the Carrier price. My guess is $7,000.00.

Oh, I have an internet friend in Santa Barbara. Her name is Brenda. She is an Aflac Insurance Agent. Have not spoken to her in a while. Tell her Phillip from North Carolina said "Hey".

egor

The dual fuel either split or all-in-one package system does appear to be your best best. With California's extreme electric rate along with absurd propane costs, you are between the proverbial rock and hard place. I would review carefully warranty for comparison and insist upon an ECM var speed blower whichever way you decide to go. Not certain if Rheem's sgl model dual fuel package system has the var spd blower. Suggest you verify. And I would expect the Carrier Hybrids to be significantly more expensive.

IMO
Good LucK!

Thanks for the help and advice! I really appreciate it!
I am driving my contractors crazy with all my requests for new quotes! But hey, wanna get this right. One poor digger guy has been waiting all week for me to make up my mind as to just the size of the pad. Oh well!
I am going to take your advice and make sure I get variable blower. runnin numbers today to see how cheaply I can build an outside enclosure for a split furnace system now. Has to go outside, unfortunately.
Thanks again, everyone!
Phillip: If I run across your friend, brenda, I will give her your regards. SB is a small community, but still over 50000 people (Floyd County,VA where I am from is pop.:80), and I live in the forest in the mountains, but who knows? :)