I have a 2.5 ton Rheem gas pack (model RRGG-07E31JKR) made in late 1993 or early 1994. The exchanger is shot so I am trying to decide what would be the best route. I would guess the SEER to be 8 or 10 at best and no telling about the gas efficiency.

I believe the heat exchanger would cost about $1000 to replace and that doesn't seem to make sense on this 14 year old unit.

So, my first thought was to install a heat pump and upgrade the electrical to handle it. Since that would require upgrading the main load panel as well as the 60' of circuit to get to the existing location, that made me think about just staying with the gas pack.

I realize that I will probably save a good bit just going with a new gas pack, but the 80% AFUE of the gas packs made me think I should consider a duel fuel unit instead.

Gas here in Middle Tennessee has been right at $1.70 per ccf while electric is fixed at $0.084.

I did get estimates for a 2.5 ton Trane 13 Gas pack for right at $5,000, a 2.5 ton Trane 14 gas pack for $6,800, and a 2.5 ton Trane 14 duel fuel for $7,300. I also received another estimate for a Goodman 13 gas pack for $4,000 and the same Trane 14 duel fuel for $6,300.

I have seen such good information on here but not one that directly addresses this comparison yet. I will keep looking but would certainly appreciate any handy comments to get me moving again.

Thanks, BKC