I need help! Which one is the best HVAC system?

13 years ago

I can't believe how stressful this has been. I have gotten several quotes, but I have narrowed it down to just a few options. I need all the advice I can get. I live in St. Louis, MO so our weather around here is unpredictable. My house is somewhere between 1600 and 1800 sq. ft including my partially finished basement. Heat pump? Or should I stick with gas?

The first two options are from the same contractor

option 1

14 seer Amana heat pump 10 yr parts and labor

$4879 (subtract $850 ameren instant rebate and $1463.70 tax credit)=$2565.30

option 2

Goodman 16 seer AC BTUH cooling 36,000(3 ton?) SSX16036 and 95% AFUE BTUH heating 70,000 GMV950704C dual stage compressor and gas valve and new energy star setback thermostat 10 yr parts and labor

$6769 ( subtract $850 ameren instant rebate $175 laclede gas furnace and thermostat rebate and $1500 tax credit)=$4244

option 3 (different contractor)

American Standard 16 seer 2.5 ton and 95% AFUE gas furnace with programmable thermostat and new return air boot 10yr parts 5 yr labor

$7019( subtract $850 ameren instant rebate, $250-$500 American standard rebate, $175 laclede furnace and thermostat rebate, $1500 tax credit)=$4244 or $3994

Both contractors have good reviews and good BBB score with 100% money back guarantee

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Comments (7)

jmk1338
Original Author
13 years ago
Also, the 2nd contractor (American Standard) said the Goodman(from option 2) wouldn't qualify for the $1500 tax credit because the AC is a 3 ton which doesn't match correctly with the furnace and there was proof on some website he could show me. When I asked the Goodman contractor about this, he said that yes it does qualify and he could send me the link. I just don't know who to believe.
tigerdunes
13 years ago
jmk

if you are expecting an accurate and intelligent response, post all mdl numbers of the systems quoted including furnace, evap coil, and outside condenser.

and if the furnaces are truly 95% eff, then you would qualify for the tax credit from the furnace alone.

post back.

IMO
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neohioheatpump
13 years ago
do you get an electricity discount from the electric company? A heatpump might serve your climate pretty well although you can never go wrong with a 95% gas furnace that is 2 stages.
jmk1338
Original Author
13 years ago
I have finally narrowed my decision down to this one contractor. I am going to do a Goodman Heat pump with a back up gas furnace(my house is under wired to do electric back up). I would like some advice on which to choose

option 1
14 SEER heat pump with 80% AFUE furnace and 4" media filter
price after ameren rebate and tax credit $3946

option 2
same as option 1 but with a 95% AFUE furnace
price after ameren, laclede, and tax credit $4268

I think I might as well spend a few hundred more to get the better furnace. It will look better when selling. So my main question I can uprgrade to a 16 SEER heat pump after all rebates for an additional $556. The guy said it would only save me about 10% more in my utilities so it probably wouldn't be worth it to spend the extra to upgrade but I was just curious if that would he better. I will probably only be in the house for another 5-10 years but that isn't for sure. It could be a little longer.
neohioheatpump
13 years ago
you have the right idea. Dual fuel is the way to go! I would spend the extra 270 for the 95% furnace option. Make sure its 2 stages (the gas furnace). The gas furnace may never even go into high stage.

I wouldn't do the 16 seer heatpump upgrade. I recommend single stage heat pumps personally. I"m not a huge fan of Amana/goodman but some people like them.

I would ask for a labor warranty.
jmk1338
Original Author
13 years ago
Warranty is 10 yrs parts and labor ( the best I have found)Lifetime on heat exchanger and compressor
labor is covered by the contractor who have a good reputation and have been in business for 20 years
neohioheatpump
13 years ago
I would pull the trigger. 10 years warranty on labor is nice. Most equipment has a 10 year warranty these days but that doesn't include the labor. If your getting labor too thats great.

You will like dual fuel. I would let your heatpump run down to 30 degrees. Below 30 let your gas take over. If gas were to get more expensive then you might want to go lower than 30 with the heatpump.

I need help! Which one is the best HVAC system?

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jmk1338
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tigerdunes

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I need help! Which one is the best HVAC system?

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