Describe your typical winters for your location/climate.

Has it ever crossed your mind that a 2 ton system might be borderline undersized for upstairs?

Existing lineset if flushed and reused must be the correct size to the manufacturer's spec. Close doesn't count.

What thermostat for the Bryant quote? It should be the Evolution
controller.

I like HPs to have electronic demand defrost. You might want to dbl check but I believe the Lennox has that feature, Bryant does not.

I would want the heat strip to be staged. Discuss with dealer.

Prices are very frisky. I would consider a sgl stage model like Trane's XL15i or XR15 HP models.

IMO

"top tier summer rate is $0.03615 per KWH"

Is this rate correct? If so can I buy some power from you? I pay about $0.18 per KWH!

Did anyone do a load calcualtion? I also think 2 tons is marginal. The extra insulation in the attic is helping, but it's difficult to say if it enough for summers in Austin.

All the prices seem very high. Is this due to a very hot summer?

Wow, you gentlemen respond very quickly. Thanks for that. And apparently, I'm not at my sharpest in the middle of the night. That power rate was incorrect. I only provided the fuel charge. Adding all the pieces together comes to $0.11579 (.0782 summer rate, .00144 transmission rate, and .03615 fuel charge).

As for the other questions/comments:

* I did worry about the lineset diameter and confirmed for the length, turns, and elevation change online for the Lennox. It won't even have a 1% drop in efficiency. The Bryant salesman with 17 years experience told me the lineset works. All the contractors told me the lineset works for a 2 ton but not a 3 ton. Additionally, replacing the lineset adds roughly $1,000 to each bid.

* Only one of the contractors specified a 3 ton unit and there expected the unit to always run in the low speed except during extreme circumstances.

* The Bryant does come with the Evolution controller t-stat.

* Demand defrost - I couldn't find any mention of this for the Lennox online, so I will pose the question to the contractor. I did find this text on the Bryan installation instructions -> "The control board accumulates compressor run time. As theaccumulated run time approaches the selected defrost interval time,
the control board monitors the coil temperature sensor for a defrost
demand. If a defrost demand exists, a defrost cycle will be initiated
at the end of the selected time interval. A defrost demand exists
when the coil temperature is at or below 32_F (0_C) for 4 minutes
during the interval."

* I will ask about the staged heat strips. Austin generally only has 24 hours or less below freezing and maybe two months where heating is used.

* Tigerdunes - what do you mean when you say the prices are "very frisky"?

* We certainly are having more and more hot summers. It struck me that at least a couple of the contractors were eager for the business as they were ready to do the work within a day or two. How over priced do you think these prices are for premium equipment?

I am leaning toward the Lennox due to the 10 year warranty for labor and the Internet enabled thermostat that allows me to adjust it from my iPhone when I realize we are out of the house for a while. Additionally, the salesman was more pleasant to my wife and helpful to me without the constant adjustments in what he is selling me.

Thanks again for all the advice. It is invaluable in making sure I get my money's worth.

Regards,
Trevor in Austin

Frisky=expensive

The single stage HPs come in 1/2 ton increments. That's why I suggested the Trane models and perhaps a 2 1/2 ton size.

Bryant/Carrier HPS do not have demand defrost. I believe the Lennox mdl does. Demand defrost eliminates/reduces nuisance, unnecessary, and expensive defrost calls. Not to mention the wear and tear to the
condenser.

Then for your winters and if heat strip is not staged, I would stick to a 7 1/2 KW heat strip. No more. Any idea of existing size?

Here is my HP checklist.

Obviously correct sizing is important. If you are unsure, then request a load calculation or even perform it yourself for a nominal fee online.

there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork
system.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP 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 line set

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.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. See mfg websites.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant.

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

Post back.

IMO