Need model#s. The Trane model#s from your last post were bad #s. What size system (btu's for heat pump and furnace)?

What are your electric rates in DC? In Baltimore, mine are 10 cents generation plus 2.7 cents distribution and transmission = 12.7 cents/kw-hr. Not outrageous but not cheap either.

The XL16i is a 2-stage heat pump. 1st stage runs at approx 75% of btu rating.

I believe the Evolution is more about controlling the variable speed air handler than any control over the heat pump condensing unit, but I'm not totally sure.

Best to you.

tom
First of all, these are great systems...

if:
they are sized correctly, a professional install, and you have good ductwork system.

I really don't think there is a dime's worth of difference.

Here though are my thoughts.

I think both Trane and Carrier/Bryant know dual fuel as good as anyone. I personally prefer Trane equipment over Carrier/Bryant but have to admit that Carrier/Bryant's Infinity/Evolution controller has everyone beat. If you elect Trane, install the Honeywell VisionPro IAQ stat. Trane's stats are just an embarassment and really stink. I don't know where you get the idea of questioning Trane's HPs. They have long been regarded as the leader in this area. With the XL16i, you will probably get a little better operating eff over Bryant's single stg Preferred model. One downside to Trane's HPs are they are about 5-10% light on their heating BTUs vs cooling BTUs. Can't say about the Preferred because you did not list the model number. I assume both are 4 ton models. Correct?

I would not get the Bryant system without their Evolution controller. Without it would be a mistake.

My ideas. Hope this is helpful.

IMO
Good Luck!

Link below for Evolution t-stat operating manual. See what the stat does for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Evolution Thermostat Operating Manual

If you are using propane or oil the dual fuel system makes sense. Nat. gas through a 95% AFUE furnace, operationally, will cost approximately the same as a HE heat pump. I don't believe the added expense for a heat pump is worth it.

If someone is trying to sell you an 80% AFUE furnace and you can vent a 90%, get a new contractor.

Good luck,

Thanks, bonanza_stu. The reason I had been going the dual fuel route was that they told he I'd need new flue pipes to go above 80% AFUE in my old house. This, combined with the more expensive furnace cost about $2000 vs. $600 to go with a heat pump instead of a similar A/C-only unit. Do those price spreads sound right to you?

I also think (if I'm doing the math right which I may not be) that at our current gas and electricity rates ($1.59 and 11.7 cents) that the heat pump will be a *bit* (though not much) cheaper on a fuel basis and by putting my $ behind more efficiency points on the heat pump side I also benefit in the summer. That being said, I'm very open to advice. This is my first HVAC purchase so I'm still trying to learn everything.

tom

you are on the correct track.

Dual fuel is a great system and either Trane or Bryant will give you good results both in savings and comfort. If you do elect the Bryant,you should get their Evolution controller. You might check with dealers and see if HP qualifies for the Fed Energy Eff tax credit and what if any mfg rebates are available. Also, your utility might offer some incentives on new equipment or special electric rate for HP heating. For your area/climate, I would rather have a high eff heat pump paired with an 80% AFUE var speed gas furnace anytime over a 95% AFUE vs furnace with straight AC.

Good LucK!
IMO

Look at all numbers. SEER is just a little part of it. Look at heating capacity, EER, HSPF.

Some Tranes are particularly low on heat. A "3 ton" unit might be as low as "2.5 tons" of heating. That means less heat from the heat pump and cooler discharge air. Compare HSPF which is SEER in heat mode. EER tells you how efficient it is cooling in hot weather where SEER leans more towards cooler weather.

I bought a dual fuel heat pump system in 2006, and I've been pleased with overall performance. I'm in the Athens, GA area, so my gas usage for winter heat has been extremely low. I was more interested in efficient air conditioning; summer is when my bills are highest.

I did a lot of research about the options but NOT about the brands. I've had trouble with my Bryant system. Seems that the condenser in the model I bought was very poor. When I had more problems recently, I asked many very knowledgeable property owners (one owns multiple rental properties) for recommendations; the brand recommendation was consistent: Trane.

Here's what happened with the Bryant equipment.

The condenser failed after two years. The equipment was still under warranty, so I got a new condenser at no charge. Installing the replacement, however, cost over $700.

This summer (six years since the system was installed, four years since the condenser was replaced) the condenser failed again. This time, my dealer was able to use a Bryant program, to replace the entire external unit with an upgraded unit. I had to pay about $1200 for the new equipment (full cost about $6,000), and it comes with a new 10-year warranty. The installation was simpler and cost $300.

I am more confident playing $1500+ for a different unit, with a condenser from a different manufacturer, than paying $$700+ to replace the condenser with another condenser from the same manufacturer (not Bryant, a supplier to Bryant).

I would prefer getting a Trane unit, but that would be much more expensive. This new unit from Bryant may be reliable, but I am uneasy after my experience with their equipment.

The installation cost of replacing the condenser after two years wiped out any savings that the system provided.