tony

these are my minimum specs for a new HP 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

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.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites.

post mdl number of outside unit. it should be on a metal data plate on the side of the condenser.

the idea of pumping in freon on a yearly basis without locating leak is absolutely unprofessional. yes, replacing a 17 yr old system with a tax credit qualifying system will save you on operating costs.

I can make some recommendations if you like.

IMO

You will save with a newer unit. However, I'd like to add that any qualified refrigeration HELPER would be able to locate the source of a leak that size. Considering the unit has an accumulator which stores refrigerant (protects the compressor while in the heat pump mode)that is a really excessive leak. I suggest if you do have a new system installed, get several estimates from several companies (that will adequately support their work whether you buy a policy or not).

People should know that a few companies are parts changers who cannot effectively diagnose a problem and those few make the good guys (who are the majority) look bad. What I am saying is that I would suggest you not even consider using the company you have been using in your bidding process.

Thanks for the quick responces. I would like to hear recomendations. One more thing, this unit (the inside one) is of course in my basement. My basement is finished , drywalled etc... So i do not want to have anything done to the lines from the outer unit to the inner one nor the duct work. Is this a problem? The company that added the freon once a year for the past few years said it would be not worth fixing the leak , that the unit should replaced at some point and just get it to last as long as possible, so now three years later is time. I would not use the original installer to get a quote from.

tony
I agree entirely with irisman. I would not use the company that has been adding freon without locating leak.
your home is all electric? no nat gas available or propane tank on site?

why not replace freon lines(refrigerant lineset) if they are accessible? linesets have to be sized correctly or you will not achieve system's capability.

IMO

All electric. I will not use either of the previous two companys. Do the freon lines go from the inner unit to the outer unit? If so they are not accessible without tearing out drywalled ceilings and walls.

tony

no existing propane tank?

freon lines have to be the right size to meet manufacturer specs for the size system homeowner purchases. yes, they can be flushed successfully if proper procedure is followed. you will never get me to say this is OK if the size of the lines is not correct. probably not what you want to hear but that's the truth.

IMO

Tony,
Tigerdunes is right, the linset must be matched with the system. You can cross your fingers and hope the new unit uses the same size lines. Of course you'll want to make certain that issue is presented to each company that gives you an estimate. They need to know all of your concerns right up front. Just make sure they address it when they get back to you. oF COURSE, GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. A good company has no problem doing that.

tony

I like systems especially for your location/climate that have "electronic demand defrost" that eliminates nuisance and unnecessary defrost calls from systems that have timed defrost. Also, I have seen condensers where defrosting capacity/capability that have been completely overwhelmed by the recent snow/ice storms in the Southeast and all the way up the Atlantic seaboard. Trane's XLi series of heat pump condensers serve homeowners well with their proprietary protective top especially with the wintry type storms that occurred in January/February.

I have several pet peeves that many homeowners take when installing new systems-all in the name of saving a few dollars.

1.replacing refrigerant lines as discussed above
2.installing a cheap and/or incorrect thermostat;reusing old thermostat
3.not providing for good air filtration to protect blower motor and evap coil
4.overlooking and dismissing problem ductwork system

just a few ideas.

IMO

Can I email local companys with details of existing system etc... and what I want in energy efficient replacment, will they be able to give me a rough estimate this way before needing to come see it for a final estimate?

tony

I think any reputable company would refuse such a request over the phone/email without making an onsite assessment.

IMO

BTW: replacing the old lineset does not necessarily mean removing the old lineset from it's current location. It can be bypassed.

Good point weedmeister.

I am closer to the new hp. I had a good company come and look at the old system and they are working up a price for a new system. 3 ton 16 seer Amana ASZ16 with matching inside air handler thing. Plus new thermostat , new lines (they showed me that they can pull new ones through without removing drywall) . Also an Aprilaire air filter. How does all this sound and should I be asking or lookign for anything else?