York Heat Pump

16 years ago

The compressor on my 13 year old Trane heat pump has gone out. I have been advised that I cannot get a replacement compressor due to the mandate on the R-22 refrigerant and therefore the whole system must be replaced ( in / outdoor units).

I live near Seattle WA - moderate temps. House is 4200 sq. ft. very efficient with 6 inch walls, well insulated, triple pane windows. The house is considered a daylight rambler so 'basement (fully finished)is actually partially underground and we spend 95 % of our time on the main floor.

The old unit was a 5 ton Trane which had annual problems but worked just fine in heating and cooling the house.

I have had system estimates ranging from over $22k to $13k.

All but one contractor said I could replace with a 4 ton unit.

2 did load calculations - all did pretty thorough inspection / review of house , windows, return etc.

I have a total of 19 registers . 10 of which are upstairs.

The systems I am considering are Trane, Carrier and York.

The best contractor seems to be the York guys.

They want to install a LX series 4 ton outside unit and a 5 ton single sped motor air blower .

It has difficult finding match-up to meet the SSER , EER, HSPF ratings fro Fed Tax Credit.

It seems very hard to compare apples to apples on quotes as no dealer carries the same equipment. Virtually every blog / review on various brands says they all have major problems.

I was originally quoted a variable speed motor ( which I wanted) , bu they say they cannot find a indoor unit with variable speed motor that will match up with the outdoor unit to get to the required 15 SEER - The York outdoor unit is 14.5 but 'supposedly' combined with certain indoor units takes it up to the 15 SEER rating for tax credit.

Any help , comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments (8)

tigerdunes
16 years ago
max

how much living space upstairs?

how much living space in downstairs finished basement?

finished basement is below grade or partially below grade?

post back.

IMO
max566
Original Author
16 years ago
Upstairs living space is approx 2,450 sq. ft.
downstairs is 1800
downstairs in partially below grade.downstairs almost always stays cool in warmer weather- so not really concerned about cooling downstairs.
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tigerdunes
16 years ago
max

I would look at a two stg four ton HP with matching var speed air handler. you may want to consider zoning controls to independently control upstairs and basement finished area.

York is not my favorite although you might look at their Affinity 8T model.

My choice would be a two stg Carrier or Bryant with matching VS air handler that qualified for tax credit.

IMO
Good Luck!
max566
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you.
Looks like I am going with the York system- 4 ton 2 s outside and 5 ton AHX indoor. The indoor does not have a variable speed but does have 5 settings and can be programmed with digital thermostat- not great but a little better.
Getting a 10 year parts and Labor from contractor to protect a bit.
Seems like all the heat pumps have a somewhat built in obsolescence factor- but with warranties, am hoping that it helps as they include annual tune up etc.
tigerdunes
16 years ago
max

post mdl numbers.

does system qualify for tax credit?

it is a mistake not getting a var speed blower on a two stg HP.

That was dealer's recommendation? this is a big mistake in the making.

Sorry, but that's the truth. Hate to see homeowners go down the wrong path.

IMO
ryanhughes
16 years ago
Whether or not the AHX is an appropriate match, I think any 2-stage unit is best placed with a variable speed indoor unit. Will help with humidity and with controlling the airflow between stages more accurately.
max566
Original Author
16 years ago
model numbers:

York outside= LX15 YHJF48S41S1k
Air Handler - AHX60D3xH21

have confirmed that above meets Fed Tax Credit
neohioheatpump
16 years ago
I have a luxaire 3 ton 14.5 seer heat pump. that is the same as York. I just purchased in october 2009. Mine has worked like clockwork so far and I used it alot here in NE ohio this winter. I have been very happy with it.

Your 4-ton sizing sounds just perfect for your size house. 5 tons is oversized expecially considering how well built yours is.

You will find the new York system is very quiet and efficient.

That sounds like alot of money though to be honest. Maybe York costs more than Luxaire.