Make insulation upgrades part of your remodel project.

I assume you don't have nat gas service and will add a ductwork system for the attic.

There is always a conventional air to air high eff heat pump system.

You might want to look at Carrier's relatively new low temp GreenSpeed heat pump system.

That would be my starting place.

See link below.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Carrier GreenSpeed System

Consider mini-splits as well as ducted systems.

Thanks everyone. No natural gas in the area. We will be running duct work through the attic. I think they are talking some kind of tubing for ducts. Insulation is definitely part of the work being done.

Ducts outside of the house should be avoided if practical. Can you fur down some areas to keep that to a minimum? Ducts leak and turn your forced air system into a power vent.

Ducts will all run through the attic - nothing outside. HVAC contractor is recommending a Comfortmaker CHK548 4.0 Ton 15 SEER air to air heat pump system. Anyone know about this brand?

The pricing and brand are ridiculous. Not sure which is worse.

If not considering geothermal HP system, the I would get a Carrier dealer involved for a quote on GreenSpeed system and a conventional Infinity HP system.

Also get a quote on a Trane XR17 HP system.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: ICP Website

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Fri, Sep 6, 13 at 7:47

Comfortmaker is a brand within the International Comfort Products corporation. It is lower tier equipment typically used by builders. If you plan to be in the house a long time then I recommend getting better equipment.

How large is this house? How did the HVAC contractor come up with a size of 4 tons? You need to find an HVAC contractor who will do a load calculation. The upgraded insulation and new windows if you are getting them need to be factored into the calculation. You don't want an oversized system.

If the attic is vented, it is outside of the house envelope.

Leaks in supply ducts blow conditioned air outside the house and depressurize the house. That, in turn sucks are in through leaks in the envelope.

Leaks in outside returns suck outside air in and pressurize the living area blowing air out through leaks in the envelope.

How is a heat pump sized correctly in SW PA? If you get sufficient heat, will the cooling have to be oversized? Where I live, it is a no-brainer. If I have enough cooling, heating will be oversized, but that is not so much of a problem and no problem at all with variable speed.