What kind of system do you have now? Size, brand, age, model. How did it perform? Nat gas not available? Size of your home-living space? I prefer authorized dealers. Load calc should be performed if sizing is an issue.

New Heat Pump System

Here is my general minimum spec sheet for new system.

both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF

best matching VS air handler

full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size

R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)

scroll compressor preferred

electronic demand defrost preferred

thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature

staged backup heat strips

new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset

10 yr warranty on parts and compressor

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

My personal recommendation is Trane/AmStd and Carrier/Bryant.

Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

IMO

I currently have a Trane heat pump unit (old about 20-24 years) that is on its last leg but has done pretty well. It's a 3 ton unit and the couple folks who have done a load calc come in that range. A couple questions: the one contractor who came out (uses Trane) said I didn't need a new line set (he would just clean/flush it). Any issues?

The quote I am leaning to is for a Trane Xl18i and tem6 variable speed air landler with 15kw back up heat, media air cleaner and an april air humidifier. Quoted about 9k which is reasonable. Just wondering do I need the XL18i or would an XR16 be sufficient. Is the dual stage worth it?

I also had a couple quotes in this range and one outrageous one for Lennox system XP14.CBXUVH air handler and comfort series 5000 stat for nearly $12k. Any thoughts on above is appreciated.

Should also mention the reason I am leaning for that option is that it is a reputable installer who has 15+ years of business and stands behind product with 5 year labor warranty.

To be clear, natural gas service to your home not available?

TD

there is currently no service. It may be possible to have them connect but still figuring out cost here and requirements from the utility.

On natural gas, assuming the suggestion is due to comfort. I really do want to do this but was thinking another solution could be to go with current system and convert to dual fuel later on. Also most of the contractors tell me most folks don't do this (assuming it is due to cost or not offered) b/c winters are generally mild enough here that payback on the conversion takes quite a bit of time. I am oringially from upstate NY and prefer nat gas myself (heat and cooking)

The dealer was going to use a Honeywell pro 9000 tstat. Any issue with that or should I insist on prestige? Lastly, I am hearing that the dehumidify on demand not really needed unless keep the temp really cold (62) and that the 2 stage should keep humidity level fine in summer without.

Also, wanted to say thank you so much for the help. This HVAC stuff is so confusing and there is so little transparency out there (on what is needed, price, etc) that all this advices is really appreciated.

You should look into what it would cost to connect your house to natural gas service. The combination of heating, domestic hot water, cooking and drying clothes will save money compared with using electricity.

The winter design temperature for northern Virginal is the upper teens to the low 20's. It is milder than what you experienced in upstate NY, but still cold enough to justify getting a high efficiency gas furnace.