Heat & AC Opinions Wanted

[SilvrSRT10]

It looks like it's time to repair/replace the gas pack on the house. It's 12 years old and the heat exchanger has a crack in it. It's old technology (about a 10 SEER) with a single speed fan in it. We've already had the compressor replaced a couple years ago. So do we get the exchanger replaced ($1600) or have the whole unit replaced?

If we go whole unit, do we go back with another gas pack or replace it with a heat pump unit? In any event we will be going with a higher SEER unit (14/15) and a variable speed fan. I've read that heat pumps aren't as warm as a gas pack but can be much more efficient.

I've also heard about the duel fuel units where the HP heats down to a certain temp and below that the gas system kicks in. I'm really leaning toward the HP because propane is costing an arm and a leg.

So any input on newer systems would be appreciated. Oh, one other thing to consider. We had a solar hot water system installed and are going to have the solar exchanger installed in the duct work to subsidize the heat so hopefully the HP/gas pack won't have to work too much. TIA

 

[TNVIPER]

Your winters temps are similiar to mine...the electric backup on the HP works fine for me when we have the few below 25 degree days.

You will notice a big difference going from gas to HP. Any given temp inside feels cooler with the HP verses gas. You will adjust to this in time.

Below is some info on the energy credits available for upgrading residential systems. Your installer should have info stating if his unit qualifies.

Residential Energy Property Credit (Section 1121): The new law increases the energy tax credit for homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The new law increases the credit rate to 30 percent of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to $1,500 for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.
The credit applies to improvements such as adding insulation, energy efficient exterior windows and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems.
A similar credit was available for 2007, but was not available in 2008. Homeowners should be aware that the standards in the new law are higher than the standards for the credit that was available in 2007 for products that qualify as “energy efficientâ€￾ for purposes of this tax credit. The IRS has issued Notice 2009-59 that will allow manufacturers to certify that their products meet these new standards.
Until the guidance is released, homeowners generally may continue to rely on manufacturers’ certifications that were provided under the old guidance. For exterior windows and skylights, homeowners may continue to rely on Energy Star labels in determining whether property purchased before June 1, 2009, qualifies for the credit. Manufacturers should not continue to provide certifications for property that fails to meet the new standards.
Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (Section 1122): This nonrefundable energy tax credit will help individual taxpayers pay for qualified residential alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. The new law removes some of the previously imposed maximum amounts and allows for a credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of qualified property. See Notice 09-41.