plan

see reply to your other post.

if operating cost is important to you, then you should take advantage of and leverage NC inexpensive electric rate by going with high eff heat pumps.

upstairs-Bryant sgl stg Preferred 15 HP with Evolution Air Handler

downstairs-two stg Evolution 16 HP paired with 80% var spd Evolution gas furnace.

both systems with Evolution controller.

IMO

Thanks for your responses to both, split them up since they were different issues. I think you're right about rates -- found this great calculator http://sagoro.wrightsoft.com/bryant/default.aspx for bryant equipment and it shows pretty substantial savings. The other calculator people link to from here shows gas at about double the cost/100,000 btus of heat pump. $700 more to go to heat pump downstairs; upstairs stays about the same price by dropping the furnace.

Thanks for the equipment recommendations. I think we probably need to stay with 95% downstairs to avoid exhaust problems, but will look at the preferred as an alternative to evolution. (Although I think with rebates on evolution now they're about the same $.)

So the overall price seems relatively fair? I'm thinking yes -- especially after I got a quote from Carrier dealer today for, believe it or not, over $28k for similar system.

a 95% with AC condenser ok

a 95% with HP condenser, way overkill! you'll never use it!

IMO

Here's the updated quote with dual fuel downstairs & heat pump up. Comes out to $19,250, so $525 more than the one above. According to Bryant calculator, this difference should pay back in a couple years, so I think we'll do it.

Will need to clarify whether upstairs is evolution control or not -- downstairs is spec'ed as Evolution, upstairs just "programmable digital" stat -- does it matter?

Tiger, agreed on 95% with heat pump being overkill in NC, but we have no easy way to run flue for 80% -- current furnace is a 90% with PVC flue -- the money we'd save with 80% would be spent in running new flue. Sound right?

Does this seem like a fair price and a good system? I'm about ready to go with it if so. Thanks to everyone for helping.

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Downstairs:
Bryant 2 stage Evolution 286ana heat pump
matching evaporator coil
Bryant 3 stage 95% 355aav gas furnace
Bryant Perfect Air Purifier
new Evolution control
new refrigerant lineset
replace the entire duct system in the basement
10 year parts and labor warranty
$10250.00 after $1100 Bryant rebate

Upstairs:
Bryant 2 stage Evolution 286ana heat pump
Bryant FE4 variable speed evolution air handler
Bryant Perfect Air Purifier
new refrigerant lineset
new duct system in the attic [none there now, new registers]
digital programmable thermostat
10 year parts and labor warranty
$9750.00 after $600 Bryant rebate

Here is a link that might be useful: bryant calculator

plan

be aware that what you or your dealer describe as Bryant's 3 stage 95% 355aav gas furnace is in fact a two stg furnace. a very good furnace in any case.

what evap coil mdl has been quoted for downstairs? it does make a difference as to performance and efficiency.

just to be clear, you do want the Evolution control for upstairs system as well. And if you wanted to save some bucks, the Preferred 15 HP for upstairs would be a great HP condenser and does come in 1/2 ton size increments.

IMO

Thanks, Tiger, will ask about the coil model, preferred hp for upstairs, and evolution control.

Anyone have thoughts on the total price tag? I feel like it's a bit crazy to spend so much. Then again, we do plan to be there for a while, and I think a lot of the cost is probably the new ducts, which aren't optional. Ugh.

Price given us for 2 Trane 16 seer heat pumps, 3 ton and 2 1/2 ton, 2 Aprilaire filters,1 Honeywell ERV, 2 uv light systems, metal ducting, 2975 sq ft, 1 story, foam insulation in SW LA = $20,100. It does seem like a lot, but we plan to stay here and wanted indoor comfort. Other bids were close.

Thanks Emily -- that's somewhat comparable & helps (we have furnace added, but flex ducting for branches is less & we don't need ERV). I guess I just have sticker shock, had no idea it was this expensive before we started research, just thought we'd need to replace outdoor AC for a few thousand. Throw in new ductwork, replacing furnace, split systems, not hard to see how it gets up there.

Still, that's a huge amount of money, think of it in terms of % of total price of house. Ouch. Anyway, does need to be done and I think the price is fair for what we're getting. And the new system should save us $500 or more a year on utilities, so that helps. Thanks!

plan

do I think you are getting a good deal? No. Do I think you are being overcharged or taken advantage of? No. Pricing varies between different markets and areas of the country. Some are more competitive than others.If this presents doubt in your mind, then seek several more quotes which in general is always a good idea.

One other suggestion. You want the tin plated evap coil including the coil in the air handler. It is available, is a better coil, and don't let dealer talk you out of this or charge you more if you decide on Bryant.

IMO

I checked, and it's tin plated coil -- contractor says some people are still selling unplated but he has no idea why. Model number ends in ATA. It is the Evolution control upstairs. On Evolution v. Preferred for upstairs unit, he says that the cost difference after rebate is relatively small and that two stage upstairs will pay for itself relatively quickly.

Thanks for all the help -- feel like you've helped me ask the right questions, choose the right contractor & helped me have confidence in a big $$ decision. Much appreciated. He's not the absolute cheapest, but also not the most expensive, and he's done everything according the recommendations on this board. Plus, as mentioned in earlier post, he was the only contractor to address the issue of asbestos duct tape & boot wrappings on our old system.

I will post back after install, hope it goes well.

10 year Parts and Labor warranty on such a high-end system, both the heat pump and gas furnace, is a very smart idea. Those hi-tech systems are full of bells and whistles. With the $$ that you're spending, I wouldn't want to pay repair costs during the first 10 years.

Good luck.