New Heat Pump System

Here is my general 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, Rudd/Rheem, and Carrier/Bryant.

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

If you have an open ended budget, you might look at Carrier's LowTemp Greenspeed system. Be prepared though, generally around 50% higher than conventional HP systems. One downside to Carrier/Bryant. They don't offer true demand defrost. Demand defrost eliminates/reduces costly unnecessary defrost calls that you get from cheap time/temp feature. A big negative especially for your location.

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Thu, Feb 27, 14 at 8:05