I got multiple quotes that included 96% and 97% furnace options with 4 ton ac. The higher furnace efficiency options included the 59MN7A100V21-22 or the 59TN6A100V21-22 furnaces with the 24NA948A003 4 ton ac unit.

the original option I described was $9916. Changing out to a non green speed hp was $8748. The 96% option above was $8580 including my gas company incentive. The heat pump options would lower my electricity rate by about 20%

i don't have the rate info handy, but can provide. I also don't have the load calculation, but am trying to obtain.

Thanks for your quick feedback and advice. Jerry

I think 80% gas furnaces are only sold in the south.

northern states get high efficiency furnaces.

you may not get the a copy of the load calc until you

accept the bid. (just fyi)

Unless something has changed, those 2013 DOE Regional Standards were put on indefinite hold in part due to court intervention.

An oversized variable speed system will work better than an oversized single speed. A properly sized variable speed system will work best of all. look at it this way, you run into humidity problems on humid not so hot days. You will have fewer days that you fail at humidity control with a properly sized system.

You need to post your nat gas and electric rates. DF systems are no longer advantageous because of cheap nat gas and high electric rates.

IMO

$0.76/therm and $0.096/kWh. Heat pump will lower this elec rate by about 20%

The difference in all of the above quotes is less than $1500.

Wouldn't it make sense to get the Greenspeed so as to have electric heat available down to a lower outside temperature than a conventional HP? At what outside temp or below would it be cheaper to heat with gas?

Also, not all crystal balls are predicting continued low NG prices.

It was easier five years ago when you all helped me - no Greenspeed and no NG.

Does buying a heat pump qualify you for a 20% discount on your electric rate? This is apply to all your electricity usage?

Yes. Heat pump will reduce my whole electrical rate by 20%.

Anyone show you the load calculations?

Here are some numbers based on the utility rates you provided. This shows how much it costs to produce 100,000 BTUs of heat. These numbers are guidelines and will have some variations.

95% AFUE furnace @ &0.76/therm - $0.80

Heat pump with 2.5 COP @ $0.096/KWh - $1.25 ($1.00 with 20% reduction)

Heat pump with 3.0 COP @ $0.096/KWh - $0.94 ($0.75 with 20% reduction)

The heat pump costs is about the same as the furnace at temperatures where the COP is above 3.0 and the 20% electricity rate reduction.

I think you should get the 95% AFUE furnace, and upgrade the AC to the equivalent model heat pump for an extra $300 - $500. You don't have to ever use the heat pump in heating mode, but you will always be getting a 20% break on your electric bill. In the event that gas prices go up, you will have to option to use the heat pump when it costs less to operate.

It is my opinion that low gas rates will be with us as long as fracking is allowed. But electricity prices tend to go up over time.

Was the OP actually helped? Everyone agrees with mike_home?

I don't think the OP's question was limited to 4 vs 5 tons.

Step #1. A manual J load calculation for heating and cooling. Building square footage means nothing.

Over sizing has become very critical. Get the load calculations done. So your load is less than 4 ton and they are offering a 5 ton? Why? What are the design conditions and what are the BTU output in heating and cooling wet and dry bulb of the equipment compared to the load calculations?