wamead first of all, I am attaching a link for a fuel comparison calculator. the results with your electric rate and cost for oil/gal will be an eyeopener. "One last question - I've hear the higher end models are more sophisticated, but also havemore parts, and are likely to have worse reliability -- what are our thoughts?" I have not seen any independent study that would point to reliability problems of upper end systems as opposed to average lower end systems. Most upper end systems offer a 10 yr warranty on parts/compressor and ext warranty that includes both parts/labor is available for purchase. Yes, high eff HP systems will cost more. "full BTUs in both heating and cooling for rated size (what does this mean?)" This means that you want full BTUs in both cooling and heating. For example, if you require a 2 1/2 ton system, then you want 30 KBTUs in cooling and 30 KBTUs in heating at 47 deg outside temp. Anything less and you are shortchanging yourself. Here are a few suggestions.There are others. 1382161 Active Systems HERITAGE 15 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H5030A1 4TEE3F39A1 30000 13.00 15.75 30000 9.00 18000 3032405 Active Systems COMFORT 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HCB530A30 FV4BN(B,F)005 30000 13.00 16.50 29400 8.80 17300 904419 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA530A30 FE4ANF005 30000 13.50 16.00 29200 9.00 16900 numbers provided from the AHRI HP Directory IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

Several points- great feedback re the questions I asked Costs figures helpful to see 19 seer likely overkill. 1.What would be a great carrier system with a 16-18 seer rating for the MD area with 2 ton HP & AH, 3 ton central air/3 ton gas furnace that is a certified-matched system? We have a 92% efficient furnace and wanted to stay there or better ie 95%. 2. Next step down for Trane system is the Lx 18i which looks like a reasonable choice. We have the 12 Seer system now HP and Central Air and XE 90. BG&E Bill for May thru Sept $1400 so likely will see some savings here. Trane system has a better warrantee on the condenser 12 yr vs 10 year carrier. 3. Forgot to mention price includes new Gs 650 water heater. 4. Contractor did not specify infinity controls for the carrier system. 5. Noted no third party controls- contractor did say Aspen makes coils for carrier use. 6. I do have three other contractors coming. 7. I did find an HVAC installer checklist from ACCA.org. Do you have a handy checklist to compare quotes that you advise using?? It seems the quality of the install job is as much if not more important than the equipment being installed ie trane or carrier systems.

I have nor reviewed your link. Here are 3 configurations that I would recommend assuming they meet the qualifying standard for the rebate. Of course you will need to discuss with your dealer. 4656839 Active Systems TRANE XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5036G1 4TXCB048BC3 1125 *UH2B080A9V3 36200 12.00 14.25 33600 9.00 21200 1 HRCU-A-CB 315 772 4656898 Active Systems TRANE XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5036G1 4TXCC005CC3 1060 *UH2B080A9V3 36200 12.00 14.50 33600 9.00 21000 1 HRCU-A-CB 310 772 4656933 Active Systems TRANE XR15 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR5036G1 4TXCC007CC3 1125 *UH2B080A9V3 36400 12.00 14.50 34000 9.00 21200 1 HRCU-A-CB 311 772 IMO

I'm still waiting for a response from the Contractor, who has been sick the last few days, and I am still pushing for the HW Vision Pro IAQ Stat to be installed. Another question. I am thinking about going with the Air Handler with Heat Strips as the backup system to the Heatpump, instead of having the Gas Furnace. The main reasons for going with the Air Handler and Heat Strips is because the Effeciency ratings are actually higher for the Heatpumps with this configuration, and according to the Contractor the Air Handler and Heat Strips are less complex and should have fewer problems. My question is two fold. 1 - Do you agree with that statement and do you think going with the Air Handler and Heat Strips over the Gas Furnace is a good idea? 2 - Any feedback on what we can expect for the Heat that the Heat Strips put out, vs what we would have with the Gas Furnace? My wife is not thrilled with the so called "Heat" from our existing Heatpump, but that should be better with these new Heatpumps. But she Loves the Warmth of the Gas Furnace when that kicks in, and she wants to make sure that we aren't giving that up by going with Heat Strips vs the Gas Furnace. So any additional advice and input would be greatly appreciated since we have no experience with Air Handlers and Heat Strips as a backup heat source. Thanks!