what size furnace and AC?

and how were sizes arrived at?

one floor or two?

basement?

air filter or humidifier to be installed?

what mdl evap coil?

post back.

IMO

If your having a brand new central air system with a brand new furnace, I would spend a little more and upgrade your central to air to a heatpump. Then you will have dual fuel. You will need a fancier thermostat also. Its worth the extra up front cost. It shouldn't be much more expensive. If it is, the installer is making extra profit for barely any extra work.

Heat pumps do great in the milder weather above 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

skrijd

first off,I like HPs as well-for the right application. HPs are not for everyone or every application. There are many factors to consider for HPs and those include location/winter climate, comfort, home's envelope/insulation properties, and electric rate vs other alternative heating fuels.

IMO

Thanks for the replies.

tigerdunes:

- I don't know what size furnace or AC. The company I'm dealing with said they will determine what is right for the house and go with that.
- It is a two story house; no basement.
- No plans to install air filter or humidifier. Should I be looking into one?
- No idea what model evap coil

neohioheatpump:
- Heat pump was offered as an option, however, the pricing was more than I wanted to spend. To get a 16 SEER Heat Pump, it would be $5,000 (instead of the $2,790 for the 16 SEER A/C)
- Additionally, I also thought that heat pumps were better for regions/climates more south than Indiana, but I could be wrong.
- You mean I need a fancier thermostat than the Evolution Control? I thought that was a pretty nice one. It has 7-day programming of temperature, humidity and air quality.
http://www.bryant.com/products/controls/evolution.shtml

Sorry I don't have a lot of answers; I'm not very knowledgeable about the subject. This will be my first house, and I've learned it's an educational process. Also, the builder is not a custom home builder, so I can't just pick what system I want - I have options presented to me that are available through the companies the builder has a contract with.

Thanks again for your help!

I'm about to make a decision on same/similar equip. here in ATL area.

As comparative info,
187bna048 4 ton A/C,
CNPVP6124ATA 5 ton coil
355CAV060100 (100,000BTU) furnace with media filter
new elec box/connect, new refrig lines (50ft), moving furnace 3 ft (will add some min'l expense to ductwork, gas line), Evolution controller (I'm assuming Evol T-stat...same thing?) NET $7650 after Manf. rebate.

I'll be meeting with the Bryant guy Wed AM...

so I'd appreciate model/size number info on your end

for comparison/discussion purposes.

Thanks much

In a climate like atlanta, I would definetely have a heatpump. A heatpump would server your climate well. If your getting gas to the house also then get a gas furnace in addition to the heatpump. Then you have dual fuel. This is very flexible and efficient option. Provides for amazing comfort.

2 levels without 2 systems (or zoning) is a mistake.

The Heat Pump pricing makes your contractor a criminal and for that I'd find another.

Seer 17 in Indiana may be overkill - ie no payback - but I am just guessing your summers are milder but they may not be. Higher Seer really pays off with heat pumps - if you only spend $100 a year for a/c then it is really hard to get a ROI. That being said, the unit is pretty cheap so my point maybe moot.

Dual fuel (HP and gas furnace) can be used in any climate. Do you the heat when it is 40 out? Of course you do. In that situation (with your rates - guessing but I know Indiana does not have high electric rates), you will save money with a heat pump. Having a heat pump alone is more of a southern thing.

The most important thing to do at this point is improve the envelope. Go with Energy Star as a reasonable guideline in your area. I encourage everyone building to seal the attic with foam themselves (unless they are using foam insulation). You would be amazed what otherwise quality builders think is acceptable for leakage into the attic. I'd also pay for foam sealing around windows and doors.

In order to make a decision on a heat pump, you need to know your gas and electricity rates. In some parts of the country like New Jersey, the high electricity rates makes a heat pump with a gas furnace back up not cost effective. The added expense of the heat pump will never be paid back during the lifetime of the equipment.

I agree a 3300 sq. ft. house with two floors would greatly benefit with a two system set up. I have a similar set up in my house, but mine furnaces are in the basement. You may have difficulty squeezing two furnances in your utility closet. If that is the case then you should add zoning. You will be more comfortable and you will save energy. The energy savings will offset the added zoning costs in a few years.

skirjd

I am less concerned about the pairing of a HP over an AC condenser than correct sizing for your home.

And you will be fooling yourself if best comfort and control are important to you. you will not achieve this in a two story home without two systems or at very least zoning controls that separate the two floors into different zones that are independently controlled.

I would ask dealer today what size HVAC he has quoted for your home.

IMO
Good Luck

I'd also appreciate knowing the size of your system...so I can compare price to mine...posted earlier...Is this price before or after manuf rebate (of $1000?).

Not to criticize, but I don't understand how someone can quote you a price/cost of a system w/o the size...the same 187B, CAV355 Bryant Evol setup comes in many size configurations, which will all have cost differences. And is the coil included? Complete model numbers is a must.

Thanks.