Looking for recommendations for heatpump

[Radio Ron w4ron]

Hey guys, I wonder if you can give me some reccomendatios for a
new HVAC electric heatpump for our home.
I feel fairly sure our home warranty company is going to refuse
to repair our upstairs heatpump. We've been keeping it patched
together for years with the warranty but it looks like the problem
that showed up yesterday is going to force us to replace the system.
We've been knowing for a long time that a new much more efficient
system would save us money but we've been scared to spend the
money ($5k-$7k)...
Our upstairs is just under 1000 sq ft.
I'd like the most efficient system with the best warrentty we can
afford.
Any good recommendations?

Thanks a bunch.

LLAP

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Are you looking for a new heat pump AND air handler combo, or are you hoping to reuse your current air handler? If you want to reuse it, what kind is it and is it variable speed?

A good choice IMO that isn't priced sky-high is the York YZH.

Also I had a Hallowell Acadia that died and I had an inexpensive Rheem installed since Hallowell went out of business (they got screwed over by a terrible circuit supplied to them BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THEIR COMPRESSORS who then refused to support it for Hallowell)... I forget the model number but it was one of the cheaper ones, either classic series or value series (but definitely not premier series)... the Acadia was an expensive unit with 2 compressors, one being a boost compressor used for particularly cold outdoor temps... And you know what? The much simpler Rheem, which by marketing should have cost me a bunch more per month, actually had basically the same running cost.

 

[pseudorealityx]

The old unit is very likely an R-22 unit. Any new unit will be R-410a, and will require both a new air handler and heat pump, and very likely new refrigerant lines.

As for recommendations, any big brand with a good installation is as good as another. Most contractors are going to push whatever brand they happen to carry, and there aren't huge differences between them in my opinion.

 

[Jackfre]

They do make a "cleaning agent" for the refrigerant lines. Personally, I would rather replace, as the line set size may differ and not cleaning the lines effectively can create system issues with the new equipment.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Our upstairs is just under 1000 sq ft.
I'd like the most efficient system with the best warrentty we can afford.

1000 sq ft, how many rooms ?

Could you possibly go to a mini-split system, with 2 or 3 air handlers (one per room) ? There are several different styles of air handlers available. They are much more efficient than ducted heat pump systems. but of course you have to deal with the refrigerant lines. I'll bet you would be well under $5k.

Mitsubishi is top of the line on mini-splits.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Mitsubishi is top of the line on mini-splits.

They also make some GREAT traditional heat pumps such as the Zuba Central but they don't sell them in OP's area. Zuba is Canada-only I believe. It's comparable to the Hallowell Acadia I used to have... except presumably without the stupid compressor-killing compressor control circuitry from Bristol Compressors... But yes, I would agree that if OP does go for the mini splits, Mitsubishi is excellent. Very commonly used in Japan where mini-splits in general are very common compared to the US.

Anyway, I also think replacing the air handler is a good idea... I didn't say that in my last post, but if you get a new one, you can also upgrade to a variable speed one. Variable speed is MUCH nicer, in my opinion. More consistent vent temps and also more efficient.

 

[walrus]

Are you looking for a new heat pump AND air handler combo, or are you hoping to reuse your current air handler? If you want to reuse it, what kind is it and is it variable speed?

A good choice IMO that isn't priced sky-high is the York YZH.

Also I had a Hallowell Acadia that died and I had an inexpensive Rheem installed since Hallowell went out of business (they got screwed over by a terrible circuit supplied to them BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THEIR COMPRESSORS who then refused to support it for Hallowell)... I forget the model number but it was one of the cheaper ones, either classic series or value series (but definitely not premier series)... the Acadia was an expensive unit with 2 compressors, one being a boost compressor used for particularly cold outdoor temps... And you know what? The much simpler Rheem, which by marketing should have cost me a bunch more per month, actually had basically the same running cost.

Is that what Hallowell told you? their stuff was junk, period. he stole the ideas from his former employer and then in a rush to get it out on the market he built ****.