warrenties are better from second company
but what brand?
also 14SEER with VS Air handler increases to 16SEER???
don't know about that.
same with second quote of better system (again brand??)
16SEER to 17 SEER?
I like vs..great stuff. maybe they mean when in low speed
the SEER is higher?

do you have model numbers?
you should have a load calc with whatever company you decide to go with.
and ductwork should be mastic sealed, not just foil tape.

best of luck

cindy

what is your location?

mdl numbers count. post mdl numbers of outside condenser and inside air handler for options quoted.

there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork system.

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
10 yr warranty compressor and parts

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.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant.

I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

post back.

IMO

I�m sorry I neglected to name the brand in my first post. I eliminated the one system that was only 14 SEER. The brand the second guy is pushing is Amana and I have included the models numbers for those systems in this update of the three proposals I�m considering.

I live in MD. Both guys did a load calculation and checked the ductwork, etc. I am replacing inside and outside units, I am getting my ductwork sealed, and I am about to have a whole house energy audit done, but I have to get this heat pump ordered before I can do anything else!

I just found out that the guy we�ve been using for 20 years, and who we have been very happy with, is not an authorized dealer for any brand. He is the one recommending the Bryant. I don�t know how this news should affect my decision?

This is the first I�ve heard of electronic demand defrost!

Here are the updated proposals:

The first guy offers the following:

Bryant Preferred Heat Pump, Bryant Preferred Variable Speed Fan Coil.

� ARI Rating of 15.0 SEER with Certificate
� National Average Operating Cost for this System is $1031/yr
� Honeywell Bypass Humidifier
� Manual J approved Load Calculation
� Fully sealed ductwork (UL Listed foil backed tape) where we install
� Recovery and Disposal of Old R-22
� Removal and Recycling of Old Equipment
� New Outdoor Electrical Disconnect
� UV Resistant Re-Enforced Plastic Pad
� 6" Plastic Legs
� Honeywell Digital Set Back Thermostat for Added Energy Savings
� Clean Copper Line Set with Approved Cleaner
� Honeywell MERV 10 Filter for Clean Indoor Air
�
� Five Year parts warranty
� Five Year labor warranty
� Ten Year compressor warranty

The total cost of the installation is: $7,951

The second guy offers:

System #1
Amana SSZ14
www.amana-hac.com/Home/Products/HeatPumpSystems/SSZ14Distinctions/tabid/641/Default.aspx

- 14 SEER Condensing unit (outside) with single speed fan motor and high-efficiency Copeland scroll compressor
- Air Handler (inside) with Variable Speed blower motor (brings system up to 16 SEER) and electric back up heat
- New 25ft Line Set
- Digital Programmable Thermostat
- A new pad for your condenser to sit on outside
- All Labor (includes disposal of old equipment)
- Lifetime Compressor Replacement Warranty
- 10yr Parts Warranty
- 10yr Labor Warranty
Total: $8,752

System #2
Amana ASZC16 ttp://www.amana-hac.com/Home/Products/HeatPumpSystems/16SEERASZC16/tabid/856/Default.aspx
- 16 SEER Condensing unit (outside) with 2-speed fan motor and 2-stage Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor
- Air Handler (inside) with Variable Speed blower motor (brings system up to 17 SEER) and electric back up heat
- New 25ft Line Set
- Touch Screen Programmable Thermostat
- A new pad for your condenser to sit on outside
- All Labor (includes disposal of old equipment)
- Lifetime Unit Replacement Warranty
- 10yr Labor Warranty
- One Year Club Membership (Service Contract)
- This system is eligible for $500 Federal Tax credit
Total: $10,830

cindy

can't help you without the mdl numbers of the systems quoted.

and for Maryland area/climate, I would not purchase a new HP system without electronic demand defrost. Electronic demand defrost helps eliminate nuisance, unnecessary, and expensive defrost calls over the cheap time/temp method.

Bryant and Amana do not offer demand defrost.

IMO