Just realized while scanning through other posts that pricing is probably a no-no.

Also noticed that a lot of people are getting quotes on SEER 16. From what I have seen and researched via some energy websites is that you recoup the cost of SEER 13 in about 10~13 years, SEER 14 in 15~20, SEER 15 and above in 25+. Since technology in this area essentially makes the baseline units (SEER 13 and below)obsolete in about 15 years, does it really make sense to purchase a unit that you will never recoup the costs from during its life since it will likely become obsolete and more energy efficient to upgrade?

Some people will argue that it does make sense because of environmental reasons at this moment, but for most people the reason to buy more energy efficient units is so their utility bill will stay low or be low and the side effect is environmental. It just makes no sense to buy the high level SEER units unless you know for a fact you will stay in the home for 25+ and/or don't mind dropping the extra cash and buying a more efficient unit in 15 years to be a good environmental citizen.

Anyway, am I wrong here? If I could get a higher SEER rating and not drop $3K extra just to jump to 15 I would do it, but just dont see that I will be able to recoup the costs.

That price seems reasonable to me. I bought a similar system recently. (XR14 heat pump with XT90 furnace and paid $7600.) But I did have a little bit of duct work done also. I could be wrong, but I don't think you will get 2 of those systems for 10k. But maybe prices are lower in your part of the country.

I do question those performance numbers though. My system was rated at 14 seer 12 eer and 8.5 hspf. Did they provide you with the ARI number showing the proposed match up?

Pricing questions are okay, but keep in mind that what might be reasonable in one part of the country might be high in another. But usually one of the pros here can give you an idea if the price is way out of line.

Good luck with your choice.

dpjones

I know Ga climate very well as I live upstate SC.

Not bad pricing but for two systems, I think you can do better both pricing and equipment.

I personally think a HP with var speed air handler is a better choice than dual fuel. I have dual fuel and last winter season, I only used about 50-60 therms of backup nat gas heat as my HP performed the heavy lifting of heating my home very nicely. You will also get better eff numbers with a var speed air handler as opposed to a backup nat gas furnace.

I would definitely not purchase a system that did not include either var speed air handler or var speed furnace.

And you want the HW VisionPro IAQ stat that has "dehumidify on demand" feature for var speed blowers.

what size condensers do you require?

there are my specs for HPs

15 SEER, 12+ EER, 9 HSPF
matching var speed air handler/furnace
R-410a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic defrost preferred
staged backup heat strips(if air gandler)
HW VisionPro IAQ stat or equivalent

IMO

Thanks for the follow up guys. I have learned a lot here reading the forum and it has brought up new questions for me to follow and research. One thing I will definitely check on and change is to look for variable speed.

This is just for the Trane model as it is the only brand information I have until new quotes come in tomorrow and the next day. So I can look for similar features in other brands, which would be better:

XT80 - has 4 speed blower and high efficiency motor, no two-stage gas heat though
XL80 - has 4 speed blower and two-stage gas heat, no high efficiency motor though
XV80 - has 4 speed blower and two-stage gas heat, no high efficiency motor though, but has added Humidity control

Also, I have been reading about other brands. We have a ComfortMaker brand now that has lasted 24 years and is essentially OK, but is showing its age and having some compressor issues. Also, totally non efficient and furnace is showing rust. So, I need to consider brands. Any ideas guys? Saw an ad for Amana 16 SEER full replacement system for around 5K but have no clue if Amana is a good brand or dog brand.

Thanks.

dpjones

the XV80 is the Trane 80% eff furnace two stage and has the var speed blower that you want if you elect a furnace over an air handler.

see link below.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Trane XV80 Furnace