Heat Pump?

18 years ago

I need some advice. This is my first time replacing a HVAC system in my 3,950 SF house. My 20 year old Lennox 3.5 ton A/C (SEER 8) has a massive Freon leak. My furnace is just as old and is on its last leg. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Is this a decent system for $9500?

American Standard 4 ton matched system:

FreedomÂ® 80 Comfort-RÂ 2 stage Variable Speed Furnace (model AUD080R9V4K)

HeritageÂ® 16 Heat Pump 16 SEER 9.2 HSPF (model 4A6H6048)

Matching Hi Efficiency Evap Coil

Large Bypass Humidifier (model AHUMD300)

Accuclean Filter System (model AFD210ALFR000A)

New refrigerant lines

7-Day Digital Programmable Thermostat (model ACONT800)

New return air boot

Remove old furnace and a/c

new pad

all new elec wiring

10 year parts warranty

10 year labor warranty

5 year ductwork warranty

10 year compressor warranty

3 year maintenance agreement

I plan on staying in the house for another 15 years. I like the heat pump route since I get a 33% rate break from the local electric utility company 8 months of the year. This is big since I also have a giant hot tub that sucks energy like its going out of style

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Comments (4)

ryanhughes
18 years ago
That's a good system that you've been quoted there; however, that match-up, depending on which coil it is configured with, will not get over 15.50 SEER or 8.90 HSPF (according to ARI), so the salesman wasn't being 100% truthful or is misinformed from the manufacturer's specs.

The price sounds within limits to me for a high end system such as the one you're being quoted. Warranty is good--is it through the manufacturer or service company?
tigerdunes
18 years ago
thegov3

What area of country do you live?

A very nice system,much better than decent. I like AmStd and Trane equipment including their heat pumps. However, one has to look at the Heritage 16 (Trane XL16i) with open eyes. In your configuration, it is short on cooling BTUs, short by 1/2 ton in heating BTUs, and has a relatively poor EER for such a premium piece of HVAC. A deal breaker? Probably not. But if I was in your shoes, I would get a competitive quote on a Carrier Dual fuel system for comparison purposes.

I have provided the performance numbers on both systems below. These are available from the CEE HP directory-link found below.

809066 Active OEM HERITAGE 16 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H6048B1 4TXFH063AS3 *UD080R9V4 46500 11.60 15.50 41500 8.90 24600 Energy Star

882278 Active OEM INFINITY 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HNA648A30 CSPH*6012A** 58CV(A,X)155-22 47500 11.70 16.00 48000 9.10 27800 Energy Star

If you decide to go with AmStd, I would substitute the AmStd stat with the Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ which will give you much better dehumidification control.

BTW, has a load calc been performed? That's a large home for only 4 tons.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: CEE HVAC Directory
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thegov3
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the replies. I have not had a load calculation done. The Am. Standard rep will do one if I go with him. He also quoted a five ton system for $950 more.

Who has the best heat pump in the industry? This is a one time purchase, so money is really not a big deal. I want a system that can control the radical temp swings we get in Kansas City. In April it can 30 degrees in the AM and be 85 by 4 PM.
tigerdunes
18 years ago
gov

you need a load calculation. keep in mind an increase to even 4 ton condenser may require modification to your ductwork-both supply and return.

I would get a quote on a comparable Carrier Infinity and Bryant Evolution hybrid system(dual fuel). These systems do have better heating BTU output-see performance numbers provided from the CEE directory.

IMO

882278 Active OEM INFINITY 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HNA648A30 CSPH*6012A** 58CV(A,X)155-22 47500 11.70 16.00 48000 9.10 27800 Energy Star

883209 Active OEM EVOLUTION 16 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 286ANA048-A CSPH*6012A** 315(A,J)AV066135 47500 11.60 15.50 48000 9.10 27800