New Heat Pump System

Here is my general min spec sheet for new 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 on parts and compressor

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.

My personal recommendation is Trane/AmStd and Carrier/Bryant.

Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

Your complaint about cold downstairs and hot upstairs is very typical about trilevels and usually is indication of poor ductwork sizing/design. Do you have returns in each level? If not, that would be my starting point along with correct sizing. You need a minimum of 1200-1300 CFMs of return.strategically located. One return is not adequate for good airflow.

for your location/climate and a 2-3 ton sized system, I would think no more than 7-10 KW of backup heat strip would be fine. What size do you have now? 10 KW yields about 35 KBTUs.

i prefer Trane/AmStd HPs over Carrier. Don't know about your budget. 2 stage condensers are nice but come with a price. Correct sizing of condenser is most important. As far as var speed air handlers, they are not necessary if summertime humidity is not a concern. But you do want a high eff model like the GAM5 that will get your higher efficiencies.

have a load calculation performed in writing for correct sizing and a thorough look at your ductwork system particularly the returns.

IMO

Thank you for looking at this for me. To answer your questions, my only air return is located halfway up the stairs, so it is halfway between levels. The CFM calculated out to be 1200. Another return was looked at being added upstairs, but the way the ducting would have to be configured made things difficult, so it was determined 1200 CFM would suffice. As long as I can be comfortable downstairs where I spend the majority of my time, I will be satisfied. One of the guys that came out said I have a 10KW heat strip currently. Are staged backup heat strips something I have to specify in an air handler? Can a specific type and size heat strip be added to whichever air handler I choose (say for instance the GAM-5)? I think I can swing a two-stage heat pump, so I will definitely consider one. Would it be OK for the company I choose to do the load calculation and energy audit, or would it be best to have an independent company come do that? I thank you in advance for your patience and help sorting this all out- I want to make the best-informed decision I can.

I think a two-stage in PNW would be a good idea. How close to salt water are you? If close, you might prefer the Trane/AmStd. They supposedly do better in salt water environs.

I am 15 miles inland from Puget Sound, and about 100 miles from the Pacific ocean. I was leaning toward Trane/AmStd before I contacted you, so we are on the same page there.