We're shopping for a heat pump to be added to an existing gas forced air system in the Seattle Metro weather area. Which manufacturers are among the more reliable and what should we look for in purchasing to get a unit that will properly meet heating and cooling requirements in an area that gets neither hot nor cold.
Pumppers?
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I would look at the Carrier or the Rheem heat pumps. Both are good dependable for heating and cooling. I have had both in different homes and no problem. Carrier alsomakes the Payne brand. Go for the better price of any of the 3. Lennox seems to me to be over priced.
I've heard many times the installation is really more important than the brand. Even the best equipment not properly installed will disappoint. That said, I would stay away from any of the Goodman manufactured brands (Amana, Goodman & Janitrol), as I've heard numerous complaints regarding them.
I got an Armstrong Air (a Lennox company) heat pump for my house. The air handler and duct work are in, but the outside unit hasn't been set yet due to some other exterior work needing completion. I'm hoping I'll like it.
I got an Armstrong Air (a Lennox company) heat pump for my house. The air handler and duct work are in, but the outside unit hasn't been set yet due to some other exterior work needing completion. I'm hoping I'll like it.
I had two Rheems from the late 1970 and also mid 1980s. Both had coil problems. I replaced the 1984 Rheem in 2002 with a Trane and haven't regretted it since. Per John L's (combo52) advise, I got a 2-speed cmpressor and variable speed air handler. The combination of both is one of the most efficient available. the viable speed air handler allows gentle heating and cooling, that is fairly consistent in comfort level due to it not turning on and running and then turning off and "sitting". With it running at slower air modes, it runs longer, coupled with low compressor speed, and does a better joob of dealing with humidity levels, as I said is a far more consistent confort level, and it is also not additonal "noise", which I don't miss at all.
powerfin64
Well-known member
Trane, Im with Bob...
on this one too. I have a Trane 3Ton heatpump, really like mine. The newer models are very energy efficient.The key factor Kelly, is make sure it is correctly sized for the sq.ft that it will be cooling/heating. One item to consider, if you don't have one, is a programable thermostat. That will help keep the temperature where you like it.
on this one too. I have a Trane 3Ton heatpump, really like mine. The newer models are very energy efficient.The key factor Kelly, is make sure it is correctly sized for the sq.ft that it will be cooling/heating. One item to consider, if you don't have one, is a programable thermostat. That will help keep the temperature where you like it.
Out of interest why are you looking at getting this heat pump? Obviously not for the negligable a/c requirements of the Seattle tropics LOL So I'm assuming it's to cut down on heating costs more right?
btw whatever you do get a few contractors in for estimates and pay attention to the warrantees. Bone up a little on heat pumps so you're not sold a bill of goods.
I was really surprised at the comparitive caliber of contractors "sales people" I had in when I purchased our mini-split system last year. From near disinterest, no knowledge of their product, to very good. And they were all local reputable firms.
btw whatever you do get a few contractors in for estimates and pay attention to the warrantees. Bone up a little on heat pumps so you're not sold a bill of goods.
I was really surprised at the comparitive caliber of contractors "sales people" I had in when I purchased our mini-split system last year. From near disinterest, no knowledge of their product, to very good. And they were all local reputable firms.
I ve always liked Trane and RUUD.The current unit I have-Lennex-is a GREAT AC-but a LOUSY heat pump.If I redo the HVAC-its going to be Trane.
I would recommend staying away from Carrier. At work, we had a couple of their A/C units and chillers and they were nothing but trouble from the get-go. A/C units got replaced with Trane and a massive Trane chiller was installed, with the Carriers being delegated as back-ups. Haven't had a single problem yet in over 7 years. I would be surprised if those noisy POS Carrier chillers will ever function again.[this post was last edited: 5/3/2011-22:03]
In this day and age I think it is just a crap shoot. I had this house built, will have lived here five years in July. The builder used Trane heat pump. A few weeks ago the unit just wasn't cooling very well. Had the service guy out and they discovered that the A-frame cooling coils in the air exchanger had many small holes. Now remember this is not quite five years old. Thankfully I bought a 5 year warranty from Trane, parts and labor so it was just repaired this past week. The guy said it would have been at least a $2500 repair. Worts part is that Trane will not extend the warranty past five years on this model.
Terry
Terry
Why Pump?
Its dumb, but a brother in law who's an architect keeps pressuring him. His gas bill for the current system runs an average of $100.00 a month in the coldest parts of the winter. If the earth muffins shut down coal fired electric plants like rumored our cheap hydro electric in Washington state will triple in price and we'll all be wishing for gas. Regardless it will take a lifetime to amortize the upgrade. Having a heat pump system adds air conditioning which is nice when afternoon sun hits the west wall expanse of glass lined territorial views but even then the moment the sun sets the temperature plunges with marine flow off the sound. I am in Dallas and my daughter's new house had DOA central air when they moved in. Today the technician came and said, "You have Rheem, the finest system there is so we should be able to have you cool again. It was an over limit switch. Checked the air handler (in the attic ugh) and no apparent reason for the blown limit. We'll see how it goes.
Its dumb, but a brother in law who's an architect keeps pressuring him. His gas bill for the current system runs an average of $100.00 a month in the coldest parts of the winter. If the earth muffins shut down coal fired electric plants like rumored our cheap hydro electric in Washington state will triple in price and we'll all be wishing for gas. Regardless it will take a lifetime to amortize the upgrade. Having a heat pump system adds air conditioning which is nice when afternoon sun hits the west wall expanse of glass lined territorial views but even then the moment the sun sets the temperature plunges with marine flow off the sound. I am in Dallas and my daughter's new house had DOA central air when they moved in. Today the technician came and said, "You have Rheem, the finest system there is so we should be able to have you cool again. It was an over limit switch. Checked the air handler (in the attic ugh) and no apparent reason for the blown limit. We'll see how it goes.
neptunebob
Well-known member
We had a heat pump installed in the 80s, but had it replaced later because they really do not do well in our harsh winters - it could not make up its mind to do heat pump or to run the gas furnace and it was noisy and drafty when it could not decide or when it had to defrost itself. But your climate may be milder and so it could work and the "make up its mind" issue may be solved by now. I do know in your area, the Roloffs (Little People, Big World) have a ground source heat pump that is even more efficient, could you consider that (why not give Matt Roloff a call?)?
I was the one who wanted the heat pump. Duquesne Light was advertising them and was giving discounts if people bought them. Turns out that DL had just started the Beaver Valley 2 nuclear power station and they needed to use the electricity somehow.
I was the one who wanted the heat pump. Duquesne Light was advertising them and was giving discounts if people bought them. Turns out that DL had just started the Beaver Valley 2 nuclear power station and they needed to use the electricity somehow.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
I have no idea what's going on in the heat pump world today.
I've lived in a couple of places with heat pumps. I have no real complaints, although one person who lives elsewhere, but visits WA in late winter/early spring, has complained about the heat pump where he stays. He hates WA winters, and the heat pump doesn't seem to put out as much heat running as he'd like.
Heat pumps are a nice solution in some parts of WA. Get away from cities, and gas lines vanish. Heat pumps can be a nice solution in that case. However, if I had a working gas furnace, I don't think I'd consider switching to a heat pump. At most, I might consider upgrading the gas furnace.
The air conditioning aspect is of little interest to me. AC is nice maybe once or twice a summer. Even in the summer of 2009, which was warm, and had, as I recall, some record setting days, I survived without AC. Although, the value of AC in this climate is probably one of those "your mileage may vary" deals.
I've lived in a couple of places with heat pumps. I have no real complaints, although one person who lives elsewhere, but visits WA in late winter/early spring, has complained about the heat pump where he stays. He hates WA winters, and the heat pump doesn't seem to put out as much heat running as he'd like.
Heat pumps are a nice solution in some parts of WA. Get away from cities, and gas lines vanish. Heat pumps can be a nice solution in that case. However, if I had a working gas furnace, I don't think I'd consider switching to a heat pump. At most, I might consider upgrading the gas furnace.
The air conditioning aspect is of little interest to me. AC is nice maybe once or twice a summer. Even in the summer of 2009, which was warm, and had, as I recall, some record setting days, I survived without AC. Although, the value of AC in this climate is probably one of those "your mileage may vary" deals.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"Its dumb, but a brother in law who's an architect keeps pressuring him."
My immediate reaction when I read this? If it matters so much to the brother in law, HE can go heat pump shopping AND he can be the one to buy it with his own money!
(I hope the last paragraph doesn't sound too surly. But I've too many experiences with family who tell me what I should do--but who magically vanish when it comes time to dealing with the consequences of the decision!)
My immediate reaction when I read this? If it matters so much to the brother in law, HE can go heat pump shopping AND he can be the one to buy it with his own money!
(I hope the last paragraph doesn't sound too surly. But I've too many experiences with family who tell me what I should do--but who magically vanish when it comes time to dealing with the consequences of the decision!)
Aye.. sounds to me like a big bother for possible headaches and few returns. I had a small 2nd hand window unit in my Vancouver bedroom for those odd days because I worked nights and sleeping during the day is difficult enough, worse for me if the room is even a little warm so it helped but otherwise a waste of money. But no not necessary there imho. I don't remember anyone there having central a/c, not like back here or in the interior
Blended Drink
The brother in law and his wife live in her father's house. Their house is next door to Peter's and purchased during a visit in the late 90's. One sister who lived with her father didn't want to be housemaid for the family so she moved into Peter's house. Peter's father and the son in law mixed it up so the Father moved into Peter's house. No one ever asks. Its like living "in" house arrest. The money comes from a blended pot of factories they have in China so everyone throws in their two cents. I am an "outsider" and my input and influence bothers them so I pick and choose my battles so Father always likes me. I still get the final say, but my vote is cast in private. I try never to take advantage of being a supportive partner.
The brother in law and his wife live in her father's house. Their house is next door to Peter's and purchased during a visit in the late 90's. One sister who lived with her father didn't want to be housemaid for the family so she moved into Peter's house. Peter's father and the son in law mixed it up so the Father moved into Peter's house. No one ever asks. Its like living "in" house arrest. The money comes from a blended pot of factories they have in China so everyone throws in their two cents. I am an "outsider" and my input and influence bothers them so I pick and choose my battles so Father always likes me. I still get the final say, but my vote is cast in private. I try never to take advantage of being a supportive partner.
the air handler (in the attic ugh)
kelly, that's pretty common around here. The house I grew up in as well as my first two houses had the air handler in the attic. This is the only house where it's in a service closet in the garage.
kelly, that's pretty common around here. The house I grew up in as well as my first two houses had the air handler in the attic. This is the only house where it's in a service closet in the garage.
