[halhandyman]

I have a Rheem conventional gas/electric split system that is 20 years old. The heat exchanger in the furnace is cracked and I have been advised that I should replace this system before winter. The system is 5 ton. I have received six quotes and am really confused as to which way to go on this. The quotes range from $8500 low to $13,200 high. These quotes represent the following equipment brands: Carrier, Amana, Lennox, Trane, and American Standard. The SEER ratings for the A/C range from 14 to 16. All have the new R410A refrigerant, which I thought was important. All have agreed on replacing my conventional unit with a dual-fuel system. Two of the quotes are for an 80% furnace, but one of the contractors said that putting in a new 80% efficient furnace would not meet code since my gas hot water heater shares a flue with the furnace. Apparently the high efficiency furnaces can be vented out the side wall using PVC pipe.

I live in a section of the country where humidity is a problem in the summer and dryness has been a problem in the winter. Also, we get a lot of dust accumulation in the house particularly during the winter months.

Can anyone recommend one particular brand of product over another? How important are air cleaners and built-in humidifiers? And, is the contractor correct about the 80% furnace not being an option?

I am presently leaning toward accepting a quote that calls for a 5 Ton American Standard dual-fuel system with a two-stage 95% furnace, a 16 SEER heat pump with a two-stage compressor, an American Standard AccuClean whole home air filtration system, a Honeywell TrueSteam humidifier, and a Honeywell VisionPro IAQ thermostat. The contractor has quoted $10,750 for this system which includes relocating the compressor and building a pressure-treated timber pad.

Does this system sound reasonable? Can I do better? I appreciate any input on this.

[hvac1000]

Can anyone recommend one particular brand of product over another?

NO

The most important part of your discission is the quality of the install.

No one can really make a discission for you but I would not go with the 80% furnace under any conditions. A dual fuel heat pump and gas furnace is becoming a good choice for many people.