southga

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,Carrier/Bryant.

....

as far as your quote, neither Carrier system includes a var speeed air handler. I would prefer the Performance 15 with VS air handler as per configured system listed below.

3405849 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA536H31 FV4CN(B,F)005 36000 13.00 15.50 36000 9.00 21800

your location is inland or coastal?

IMO

Maybe I should ask differently. Is this Performance unit paired / matched correctly for heat of SOuth GA? Do I need any else or changed? What would VS Handler do they the one listed in the specs will not? single stage vs 2 staged? Cost for Performance 15 all is $5700.00 high or average?

Carrier Comfort Series: model 25HCC536A003- Heat Pump, model FX4DNF037T- Air Handler, model FB4-10-1- 10kw Aux. Heat, model TC PHP 01- Programmable Thermostat. The Comfort Series 15 is rated as follows: SEER 15.0, EER 12.5, HSPF 8.7. The installation includes the following: permit, properly sized 3" pad for the outdoor unit, new properly sized safety drain pan & safety float switch for the indoor unit, properly trapped condensate drain, flush & vacuum the existing refrigerant line set per Carrier's specs, electrical connections into new equipment, duct work transitions into existing supply & return duct work, labor, sales tax,. The indoor unit has the following features: Puron, environmentally sound refrigerant, Factory-installed Puron refrigerant thermostatic expansion valves (TXV), ArmorCoat coil protection. The outdoor unit has the following features: Sound level as low as 70 dBA, Scroll compressor, Internal thermal overload, Filter drier, Steel louver coil guard, Baked-on complete coverage, power paint, meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
Carrier Performance Series: model 25HPA536H003- Heat Pump, model FX4DNF043T- Air Handler, model FB4-10-1 10kw Aux. Heat, model TC PFP 01- Programmable Thermostat. The Performance Series 15 is rated as follows: SEER 15.5, EER 12.5, HSPF 8.6. The installation is the same as stated above. The indoor unit has the same features as stated above. The outdoor unit has the same features as stated above with some additional features as: Extra Quiet Operation with the Silencer System II for sound as low as 68 dBA, External silencer muffler, Exclusive Silencer top design, Compressor blanket, Forward-swept condenser fan blade, Quiet shift defrost. These features all designed to make this unit super quiet.

southga

Carrier's Performance mdls are nicer, have better protective features, and are quieter than the less expensive Comfort series mdls.

I would not purchase a new HP system without a var speed air handler. You will get a quieter system, better dehumidification which is important for your SouthGa climate, and improved heating efficiency.

I would want Carrier's thermidistat with the 9KW prewired staged heat strip.

The price you were quoted for the Performance system is certainly reasonable for three ton size. Upgrade to var speed air handler probably not more than $400 and definitely worth it.

I always prefer new and properly sized lineset. However flushing is OK if performed correctly but old lineset must be sized right. Most important!

your location is inland or coastal?

IMO

Thank you. Inland SW GA no 200 miles from ocean - south of me. I was given three different Carrier thermostats , 5/2 one, 7 day programmable and of course Infinity model thermostat. I am told that a most "options" on the higher two units will not be of use to me in the specs listed from the Performance unit.

Glad to know that pricing is good.

So variable speed air handler helps with Humidity in the house? We have never notice any issue with this, how would we know any difference?

So are you saying the specs I have - model numbers etc are good not minimum except change to a Variable speed air handler?

They will replace line set.

Humidity - Obviously if it is really high, then you will feel muggy. You can feel muggy even when it is cold - sort of clammy. Well words are just words. If it is drier, you will feel cooler (and can set the thermostat higher, saving energy). So unless you have a hygrometer, you may not know if you have an issue with humidity unless you are experienced in feeling the difference.

The more significant benefit is in the fall and spring. In the summer, your system will run so much to keep the humidity low. With a variable speed, you will get better humidity removal even with less run time on the a/c. So when it only may run 2 hours a day instead of the 8 hours in the summer, you will still be dry.

I have a new house and variable speed (and 2 stage), and it feels drier than my last house. I didn't have a hygrometer so I don't know what humidity was before so I don't really know numbers. But I do know that it just feels more comfortable in the house.

Less humidity = less mildew and mold. We definitely notice that in the bathrooms but I'm not sure if that is just a new house thing.

Hot in Ga!..You want hot come down to FL. Ha!!..I like Trane, Variable speed. The contractor will confirm the tax break, but double check on the web. How much longer you going to live in that home? Worth the payback? Get ten bids since that is a good even number. I got 12 and they were all over the price range for the same system. But got new copper, pad, etc...good install is the key. I'm not sure but I thought Trane had a rebate in some areas. We do here. My dad turned me off to Carrier and he had them for decades but he switched to trane. Do your homework before the guy comes out so you know what they are talking about.