I'm the original owner of a 2800-sq. ft. house built in 2003, located in Southwest Georgia. (Load calculations for the home equate to 52K BTU) During construction, I purchased a Rheem 14-Seer, 5-ton, R22 system (electric outdoor heat pump & indoor air handler). Unfortunately the installer has since gone out of business, and the air handler's motor and module now have to be replaced--to the tune of $1000 for labor and parts. (Manufacturer's warranty has expired.) It might be helpful to mention that I've only had one other problem with this system since I purchased it, and that was a defective air handler which was replaced, under warranty, within the first six months.

My concern, as a single female, is whether it makes sense to pay for a new motor and module for the air handler and run the risk of the heat pump giving up the ghost a year or so from now. (Particularly when the repaired air handler wouldn't be useable with the newer 410A systems being sold. Under this type of "what-if" scenario, I'd face the initial $1000 outlay for parts and labor on top of the cost of a completely new system.)

Any thoughts? My gut instinct says to bite the bullet and purchase a new system which has a 10-year, all-parts warranty. So far I've received quotes from three different contractors for a new 410A split system:

Bryant Distributor (Not NATE certified according to the official website): 5-ton, 15 SEER, single-speed split heat pump system with thermidistat to include necessary duct, electrical, lineset and system controller. Price $5426. Or a 16 SEER Evolution with 2 stage compressor and evolution controller with necessary duct, electrical and lineset. Price $6957.

Carrier Distributor (NATE certified): (Comfort) 5-ton, 15 SEER, single-speed, split heat pump/air handler system with programmable thermostat, to include all permits, lineset, electrical, etc. Price: $6216. (Comfort) 5-ton, 16 SEER, variable-speed, split system with programmable Thermidistat for $7881, all inclusive. Or the Comfort 5-ton, 15 SEER single-speed heat pump with a variable speed air handler and Thermidistat for $6826 (all-inclusive).

RUUD Distributor (Not certified on the NATE website): All inclusive labor to install 5-ton, 15.5 SEER split system with programmable thermostat for $7590. Or the same system with a communicating thermostat, supplying systems data when there's a malfunction, for $8674.

In the meantime, I'm fortunate to have two gas fireplaces with blowers to keep my house toasty as I debate on which course of action to take. I'm impressed with the professionalism of the reps who've provided me with quotes, but more so with the NATE certified Carrier distributor (who's been in business since 1947, as opposed to the others who have a 10 to 20 year track record) and his estimate for the 5-ton, 15 SEER single- stage heat pump with the variable speed air handler and thermidistat for $6826. (Mainly because that appears to be the middle of the road from all estimates given.)

Though it goes without saying, I'll do so here, your inputs are/will be greatly appreciated!

You have researched this well. You final decision should be made deciding which package has what your looking for and fits your budget. I would also choose the 5-ton, 15 SEER single- stage heat pump, variable speed air handler and thermostat for $6826. But ultimately you need to make the executive decision.