I understand the NC climate to be fairly mild in the winter, with temps not very often below freezing if at all--am I correct? If so, if your electric rates are reasonable, a heat pump can probably do most if not all of the heating. Given the warranty, I wouldn't turn you away from a Payne at that reasonable cost. Although I do feel Payne (and I have one myself) makes a lower-end product compared to what else is out there (meaning less coil protection, more cheaply built). But most of the parts in units nowadays are universal, and the unit should perform just like any other unit if installed properly.

scott

installing a heat pump is a good strategy considering your area/climate plus most likely you have an 80% eff furnace. please post brand,mdl,age, and size of your furnace.

I think Payne equipment is a mistake, a decision you will regret.

I personally would look at Bryant's Preferred 13 SEER Puron heat pump Mdl 263ANA with matching "T" tin plated evap coil, with new/properly sized refrigerant lineset and dual fuel stat. Do it right with some decent HVAC not low end POJ.

IMO

As far as I know the 263ANA has been out of production for some time. The 223ANA has a 5-year parts warranty (10 on compressor). I believe I read that if registered and installed by an authorized dealer, it increases to 10 years on all parts, but you'll have to ask your dealer about this.

Payne equipment isn't junk. It all works the same. Just not built with as much quality in mind as Bryant's upper-end equipment (i.e., higher than base models).

the Preferred 13 Mdl 263ANA is still listed on Bryant's website.

another choice might be the less expensive Legacy 13 Puron Mdl 223ANA.

Wonder why the 3rd party warranty companies want to use Goodman and Payne for warranty replacements?

not meaning to upset you Ryan. you have your opinion, I have mine. that's what makes a market.

low price does not necessarily equate to good value.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Bryant Heat Pumps

Interesting. I did not see any active AHRI ratings using the 263ANA. I would not be surprised if it's being phased out, since usually the 13 SEER product sold is the 223A, and the next step up is typically the 265A.

Certainly warranty companies choose Payne and Bryant because of their lower up-front cost. However with regards to Payne, it's simply the base model Carrier/Bryant with a Payne tag on it. The parts for the most part are the same. What makes the difference is the poor coil protection with the wire guard vs. the louvered panel. That's really what makes the difference in stepping up to the Legacy line (223A)--better coil protection and a few other features (compressor blanket, less noise, etc.). Is that pretty much your reasoning behind the argument that Payne is junk? If you take a look at these units, I think you'll see that they all heat and cool the home the same way, with just some differences in construction quality/durability over an extended period of time. I know mine is working fine and hasn't been a "Payne in the a--" so to speak. :)

Scottinnc, I would give another look at the 223A Bryant heat pump. If registered, per Bryant's website, it also has the 10-year warranty. About time Bryant offered that.

Tiger, one more comment to add. If I were replacing my system, I would not choose a Payne/Goodman myself. I would go for something better. So I do agree with you that if you can, step up to something that is more residential replacement quality.

If the Carrier for $600 more to the OP is simply the 25HBB3 base model, then it's the same product as the Payne in different colors. If you could get the 25HCB3 for $4-500 more with the same 10-year warranty, I would do that.

ryan

"If the Carrier for $600 more to the OP is simply the 25HBB3 base model, then it's the same product as the Payne in different colors. If you could get the 25HCB3 for $4-500 more with the same 10-year warranty, I would do that."

I totally agree!

these units without full coil protection are just asking for trouble. they are really an HVAC dealers' paradise for service calls. yes, these low end units serve a price purpose but that's the only redeeming factor.

if homeowner is working with a good dealer, then one can upgrade to a much nicer quality unit for relatively little dollars. well worth it.

that other forum wants one to believe that equipment/brand does not matter and that it's all about the install(which of course is important).humm...

perhaps the most overlooked area is the ductwork system.

TD

Ryan, IMO & TD,
Thank you for all your help and suggestions. The coil coverage is something I've noticed on a lot of units. The Payne 14 SEER has a very strong and attractive wire grid around the coil unlike the 13 SEER and the Bryant I have. I also thought the Bryant coils looked very exposed. One good bump with something and there's damage.

I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of different people. I found a friend who actually works for Carrier and he said Carrier, Bryant and Payne all come off the same assembly line. The units go down the line and the same compressors get installed on the base, coils are dropped in and attached and one unit gets a Carrier shell, the other gets a Payne and Bryant. I'm sure there are difference when you go up to 15 + SEER machines.

I had the 14 SEER Payne unit installed yesterday morning. The unit is at least double the size of the old Bryant and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the machine was constructed and how great it looked. It is so quiet compared to the old Bryant and built so much better. The technician showed me different parts on the unit and the address etc... and told to look them up and they are all Carrier. They walked me through step by step the installation in the attic of the evaporator coil and explained the differenced between both coils.

Its only been 1 day, but I'm very pleased. They said to expect the unit to drop the temperature 1-2 degrees per hour. My house went from 76 to 72 on a sunny 90+ degree humid day in about 45 mins. It only ran about 5 times for 20-30 mines in 12 hours the rest of the day.

I do know you often do get what you pay for. But honestly I hope you're wrong IMO and I won't regret it. As far as quality appearance and construction quality. I'd say the new 14 SEER Payne competes well and for $3,100. I think its a good deal. I will recommend the Honeywell touch screen thermostat. It tells the outside temp, humidity and its easy to program. I'm excited to see how my heating costs change. We have between 17-22 nights when it gets below 30, so I think the heat pump is the way to go.

Thanks again for your advice.
ScottinNC