Also suggest you contact local gas and electric utility companies and find out if they have any consumer rebate or special usage rate programs, and what exactly is required to qualify. And if there is a deadline. Also see if your state offers any green rebates or sales tax free purchase periods. For example, when we replaced our system 2 years ago, the electric utility was offering a rebate for switching to a heat pump, and also a lower winter electric rate. Often these programs have specific requirements about dealers needing to be enrolled in the program, equipment having to be a particular efficiency level,and often the funding is in place for either particular dates only, or first come first serve until it is all spent. And our state offers a week of sales tax free purchases in April to coincide with Earth Day. Again, there are specific requirements and some paperwork that is needed.

Mike, yes. They have to give me the wired ODT sensor so I can lock out the heat pump. This was discussed between them and I several times before I signed on the dotted line and they had assured me this was possible. So as far as I am concerned they have to deliver on it even if it required ODT sensor. I just found another issue as I dig into this mess. I was trying to understand the fan behavior. In particular, from the sound it seemed the fan always ran at one speed. I was puzzled and digging into the thermostat menus, I confirmed this. The fan was either 100% or 0% speed. And it runs for additional 1 minute or so after the compressor shuts off (cooling fan delay). I found this odd - why did I buy a variable speed blower and why was I sold one. I mentioned this to the dealer and could get a satisfactory explanation. And then I checked the install guide - and it was there (see attached, in particular the graph and the table). There are four settings one can choose from. To really benefit from the variable speed the jumpers on the inside unit need to be configured in so called enhanced mode (option 4 in the table) where the fan starts at 50% speed and then to 80% for about 1 minute (fast cooling); the fan then stays on at 80% for 7.5 minutes (dehumidification); if necessary, ramps to 100% to get to the set point temperature and stays there as long as required, and ; ramps down to 50% and then 0% over three minutes to extract extra cooling efficiency. Well, this is not how my system has been configured. Mine is configured as option 2 in the table - 100% fan speed, followed by 1.5 minute delay - there is no variability of fan speed that can kick in. I have call in to my dealer...

Both quality systems. The major difference is the Trane is a fully communicating system, the Carrier is not. Both furnaces are 2 stage var speed 80% efficient. The Trane condenser is variable. The Carrier condenser is 2 stage. The Trane systems quoted are identical with exception of the coil size which I assume is a matter of efficiency but I have not looked them up in AHRI directory. Should not be a price difference. I would ask dealers for AHRI matching number on the systems. I would want a pleated media filter cabinet for any of the systems. If you wanted a fully communicating Carrier system comparable to the Trane, you would need to upgrade to the Infinity 80 furnace, Infinity controller, and Infinity var AC condenser. I would expect on the systems quoted, the Carrier is less expensive. IMO

“We are looking at buying an antique that was built in 1835 located in the Northeast.” “ No natural gas, just propane available. But no ducts and probably not practical to install in 175 year old walls. Quality of insulation at this point is unknown. My concern is both heat and cooling.” “The seller reports that the current electric bill runs between $700 and $900 per month… we need a better solution!” “If there's no room to install duct work, are splits my only option?” “Can you expect multiple interior split units to effectively and consistently heat a big house on a cold day (0-10F) and cool the whole house on a hot (90F+) day in the summer?” I am not discussing cost, as this is a ‘premium’ solution. Only the OP can decide what they’re willing to spend. A possible solution (the best solution in my professional opinion) is a single, integrated ‘liquid-to-liquid’ geothermal heat pump that with one - heat pump will both heat & air-condition – with zoning and supply most of your domestic hot water for the entire house. This solution is one of the most ideal solutions for large heritage homes where you don’t want to change the look of the property externally and where you want to retain the heritage ‘look and feel’ inside as well. Existing hot water radiators are kept and used for heating only – particularly if they are cast iron and of heritage value. Hot or chilled water is distributed throughout the home – no forced air ducts needed. Supplemental wall, hi-wall or ceiling mounted hydronic fan coil units are used for both heating and air-conditioning. https://www.waterfurnace.com/literature/water-to-water-product-comparison.pdf http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/cffwa-universal-2p http://www.multiaqua.com/index.php/water-fan-coils/mhww-3-hi-wall-120v IMPO SR