jhuber

What is your electric rate?
What is your natural gas rate?

How would you describe your winters-harsh and long or average for a northern state?

Post back.

TD

I'm very happy with my Carrier in SE Wisconsin, but when I was building 6 years ago, the York seemed like a better built unit. Things may be different now, as everything is designed around "cost of manufacturing".
As for the heat pump, Electricity is the most expensive way to heat a house in Wisconsin.
Get NG or LP if available, Oil if you have to, and a heat pump only if your filthy rich.

Mike - TurningColorz

"Electricity is the most expensive way to heat a house in Wisconsin. Get NG or LP if available, Oil if you have to, and a heat pump only if your filthy rich."

- What are your electric rates in Wisconsin ($ per kw-hr)? Oil just broke another record at $94/barrell. Propane is the most expensive heating fuel in many parts of the country. Your climate may be too cold, and winters too long, for an air-source heat pump. New heat pumps are 300% efficient even at 30F outside temperature.

Here are the rates.
Gas-Adjusted November Per Therm Charge: $1.0134
Electric-Energy charge: 9.988 cents per kilowatt-hour
Winters are not overly harsh. Dec/Jan/Feb will average round 30 degrees for high and single digits for low. Occasional below zero days. Not too many though.

jhuber

Generally speaking, I think the mod furnaces are better suited to areas/climates that have long harsh winters and where electric rates prohibit the economical use of heat pumps either standing alone or in a dual fuel system.

In your case, I woulkd opt for the Carrier Infinity 96 paired with an Infinity Heat pump with the Infinity controller-ie dual fuel or as Carrier calls a hybrid system. Carrier's sister company offers basically the same system with their Evolution models.

Correct sizing, good ductwork, and good install and you will be set to go. Check on all available rebates from the manufacturer as well as your utilities. Also ask if it qualifies for Fed Energy Eff Tax Credit.

Hope this is helpful.

IMO
Good Luck!

Your electric rates are cheap. I would seriously think about a heat pump with gas back-up, especially if you are already planning on getting a new a/c system. A 96% efficient furnace may be overkill if it is used as a back-up to the heat pump. Price an 80% efficient furnace and see what is the purchase cost difference. The heat pump will need aux heat (gas furnace) below 32 degrees outside air temps. Your back-up may see a lot of use with your climate, so maybe the 96% is a good idea.

Federal Tax Credit qualifier for heat pumps: minimum 15 SEER, 13 EER, 9 HSPF (all 3 must be met) for $300 rebate. For gas furnaces: AFUE minimum 95% for a $150 Federal Tax Credit.

Here is a link that might be useful: Federal Tax Credits

Your electric rate is not bad compared to the East Coast. So is your gas. With the rates you show, a Hybred system does not make sense. Operating costs for a high efficiency HP will about equal a 95% AFUE gas system. You will spend more for the Hybred system and not realize any significant savings. Traditionally, Heat Pumps do not last as long as a straight A/C system because they see more operating hours.

Carrier Infinity 19 Heat Pump can make all the specs for the tax crdits but, the equipment is expensive.

Any furnace that is not over 90% AFUE should not be installed unless it is all that can be installed. Utility savings are the gift that keeps on giving.

Just for reference, Gas in NJ, $1.45 to $1.61/ therm. depending on supplier. Electric $0.14/ kW.

Good Luck,