The Carrier and Bryant are identical equipment with their low temp GreenSpeed/Extreme HPs. Installers should be specially certified installing these systems.

What size heat strips? 10 KW?

On the Carrier and Bryant, you want the 005L size air handler for the better efficiency. L for aluminum coil. See below.

6938465 Active Systems CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING INFINITY SERIES HP WITH GREENSPEED INTELLIGENCE CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25VNA036A**30 FE4AN(B,F)005L+UI 1200 875 705 35000 14.00 20.00 33400 12.00 31000 1 HRCU-A-CB 217 579 Yes

With either the Bryant or Carrier system, you would see some very measurable payback versus oil fired boiler. What is cost of electric/KWH and cost of oil/gal? I assume boiler is 80% efficient.

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Thu, Jun 26, 14 at 6:43

Based on the ratings of the air handlers that I have now, I would suspect that they are 15kw heat strips if my calculations are correct but I will ask. Both air handlers I have now have 51,000 btus heaters.

I understand that both the Carrier and Bryant units more efficient and effective at heating in the winter and can operate at lower temperatures than the lenox, that is an important factor in my decision making process.

All quotes are from reputable companies and their installers are trained for the equipment they offer.

I am still waiting for the Trane dealer to get back to me.

Do these quotes seem reasonable?

Thanks

If 15 KW, you want to make certain they are wired staged, probably two 7.5 KW or 10/5 KW for each system. Not having them staged would be a mistake.

You have heat strips now for existing AC systems? Why? For backup?

What kind of filter protection for your return air? I would want filter cabinets at air handlers.

I wouldn't consider the Lennox. You are getting very good pricing on the Bryant systems. You do want to verify that Bryant installers have attended the low temp HP class. Can't emphasize this enough. I would want references and go visit one of their low temp installs.

With these low temp heat pumps, you are purchasing the heating efficiency. You will not get that with Trane or Lennox.

IMO

Thanks for the advice on the heat strips.

My set up right now is oil heat and two 3 ton ac units (one is 10 seer the other is 13 seer -both concord) the air handlers have heat exchangers that use hot water - it is circulated from the boiler. Both air handlers run on 220v. The bryants can use the boiler for heating or I could use electric heat strips.
Which one makes the most sense?

I will still have my oil for heating hot water and heating my radiant floors (kitchen, family rm, master bath, garage). The hot water heater is hydronic - triangle tube - 80 gallon - 2 years old.

Going with the Bryant makes sense. I will ask the contractor the questions about HP class and seeing if I can visit one of their installs.

I have an aprillaire model 5000 on both return air supplies and they will stay.

Thanks tigerdunes