I have 4 estimates for a new heat pump system ranging from $6600-$4700. The lowest bid is a Payne 13 seer. I was wanting an air cleaner but he said I didn't need one with the 5 in. filter they use and he doesn't recommend electric air cleaners. Also says it is the law that they have to install a Blackhawk CO Detector even though I don't use any gas. Should I believe this?

You don't have to have a gas furnace to need a CO detector... its a very good compliment to a smoke detector in case you ever have a fire start in the house. And you should have both. They each detect different combustion products.

Even if everything is electric.

The CO detector (carbon monoxide) shouldn't cost more than $20 or $30. You can find them almost everyplace fron Walmart to Home Improvement stores.

I have both .....and I have them installed on both levels of my house in a central hallway, meaning I have two of each.

Smoothy,

Thank you for the info.

mommy04

Just as a note, 13 seer for a heat pump is the bottom end of the requirements. If you have high utility rates, a higher seer rating might be cost effective for you. As an example many heat pumps are in the 20 + seer range now. If you don't depend on it for heating, then 13 seer is okay. The higher seer rating comes at a price! TA higher seer rating will allow you to heat with lower outside temperatures without having to use the auxiliary electric heat that most units have. You have to kind of find a balance between initial costs and payback.