Comparing systems for new home

17 years ago

Does anyone have any comments on the following systems I am starting to compare.

Looking at hybrid (propane/electric) heat pump for central VA home. 3,000sf on main level and the same on LL.

American Standard Hybrid Hertiage 15, Carrier hybrid infinty series (14 seer) and the Lennox XP15. We won't use the down stairs (LL) in the winter unless daughter comes home or guests but will in the summer. It is a walk out basement so will be cooler down there in the summer and we will "live" down there more. Can't afford geothermal but want to put in a good system that will be very efficient.

THX ahead Lisa

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Comments (5)

tigerdunes
17 years ago
lisa

3000 sq ft each level?

new construction or replacement systems?
if replacement, what do you have now?

TD
lisa6801
Original Author
17 years ago
tigerdunes:
New house I am the owner/builder. Fat fingers gave wrong size it is 2300sf each floor. Thre is a main level and a LL (walk out) I plan on using a combination of lots of foam and some blown insulation. Trying to save money so will most likely foam 2 1/2 - 3" foam then overlay with other insulation. going for R-factors attic R38, wall R18, floor R19 . 12:12 pitch roof but will not have cathederal ceiling will bring down to 12ft heights in LR,DR other rooms main floor will have 9-11 ft ceilings and 10ft ceilings LL. Low E windows PELLA or ANDERSON. Walkout basement. geothermal way tooo$$$$$$50K approx. So thinking that I have one shot to make the best outer envelope of the house tight (first priority) then good HVAC.
Brick or stone from vinyl sides and back. central Virginia
hot humid summers winters mild gets to below freezing but not for long periods of time.

Thanks ahead
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tigerdunes
17 years ago
lisa

you are aware that there are no tax credit available for conventional HVAC on new construction?

but there is a 30% tax credit with no maximum on HP geothermal for new construction.

see link for details.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fed Tax Credit on HVAC
lisa6801
Original Author
17 years ago
Fully aware of all tax incentives-still can't afford the difference between cheapest geothermal price with tax credit and be able to finish my house on the budget set. Not working (retired) so money is real tight. I am installing conduit for solar down the road to off set some costs there. I figure within the next 3-5 years there will be great leaps and bounds made to include costs reductions in that area.

Lisa
tigerdunes
17 years ago
lisa

what is electric rate?
what do you pay for propane?

you need a load calc performed broken out for each level.

with a fuel comparison calculator, I would expect high eff HP system to be the preferred choice over dual fuel because of high propane cost. If though you just like the idea of gas backup, then look at Carrier Infinity hybrid. Propane tank also gives you the option of adding a propane powered generator for backup electricity if that has any appeal to you.

run the numbers on link for fuel calculator.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison calculator