Need heat pump help again

[bczoom]

I need my heat pump replaced but having difficulty getting someone here to do it. I was leaning towards Amana but the seller has been non-responsive.

I found someone to install a WeatherKing unit but I'm not familiar with that brand. I found out they're made by Rheem.

Are they any good? I'm looking for a 5 ton unit. They think they might be able to find a set of A-coils and just replace that in my air handler instead of replacing the entire inside unit. The strip heat has been very rarily used and the blower moter was replaced about a year ago. Is it worth it to replace everything or just see if I can get A-coils for the existing unit (it's a Lennox).

Help appreciated!!
Brian

 

[slowrev]

Different air handler configurations might or might not work with a different brands A coils. An expert can tell ya. Was the old unit a 5 ton ? If it was for a smaller tonage unit then it might not move enough air for the 5 ton coil. Your best results are usually achieved with an air handler that is matched to the outside unit. However only an expert can tell you what is best.
Sorry I can't be more help but there are a lot of variables to consider.
Also no experience with Weather King units, Rheem seems ok though.

Ben

 

[bczoom]

Ben,

The existing heat pump is a 4 1/2 ton. They're looking into whether it'll be OK with the existing heat exchanger (size wise based on tonnage) and if they can get an A-coil for the Lennox.

Brian

 

[slowrev]

So your problem is just the A coil ? Leaky ? They should be able to get an A coil for it.

Ben

 

[bczoom]

There is a leak somewhere but we've looked everywhere and can't find anything. On the low pressure side we're supposed to charge to 72. We get up to 65 then it starts dropping.

The heat pump is pretty rusty and in general (as they said) "bad shape". Being 15 years old, I thought it best to replace the heat pump. If they can get an A coil for the existing heat exchanger they're going to offer me that as an option as opposed to replacing that as well.

 

[slowrev]

Your call zoom, Some outside heat pump units seem to last forever, however 15 years seems to be about the life for many of them. If you can afford it I would say go for the whole 10 yards.
As with a tractor purchase , go with a dealer than will provide you good service as you will have a warranty if you get a new unit.
A mid SEER unit should be fine. Some of the higher SEER units take almost the life of the unit to make up the difference between additional cost and electricity saved. That depends a bit on how high your electricity is per KWH though.

Ben

 

[PBinWA]

I think Rheem/Rhudd (same company) make a lot of the heat pumps and parts of the heat pumps sold in the US. They do a lot of deals with companies that re-brand their equipment.

I've always heard good things about Carrier products but I think they may be a little more expensive. I'm watching this thread as I'm coddling along a 12 year old Heat Pump at the moment and think it will have to be replaced in 2-3 years.

 

[Jagmandave]

Can't get another Lennox? or don't want one?

I just replaced the A/C part of my HVAC (not a heat pump, just regular forced air). I had already replaced the furnace a few years ago with a new Lennox, so I went back to them for the A/C. When he found that the old unit was over 20 years old, the installer warned me not to expect that kind of service life out of the new one. He said the copper they use today is much thinner wall than the unit they removed. In fact, 30 min after the old stuff was out on the driveway, the junkman showed up to haul it off. Apparently they go to the HVAC companies and find out where the new installs are going in, wait a while, then show up to pick up the old stuff, it has that much value these days.

"They just don't make 'em like they used too!"

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Can't get another Lennox? or don't want one?)</font>

Honestly, I don't think I want one.

The fan motor in both the heat pump and air handler both went out about 2 years ago. Apparently, Lennox uses a proprietary design so a normal $50 motor (that would work on other setups) wouldn't work/fit. I had to spend around $150 each and could only get from a Lennox dealer. My neighbor owns a HVAC business but doesn't sell Lennox so they told him he, like a customer pays full retail. That left a bad taste in my mouth... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

BTW - Whatever I do replace (heat pump or both), I'm pulling the motors out and keeping them and the blower/fan for future, non-HVAC use.

Brian

 

[jwstewar]

Don't feel bad, I've got the same dilemma going on. Our heat pump is < 6 years old, but it was damaged by hail. Now we need to look at replacing it. I can have just the outside unit (new A-coil as well) replaced for around $2000 with a 12 SEER 3.5 ton Westinghouse unit and leave our existing propane furnace as the back-up. I had another company come out, they want to replace everything with a new 3.0 ton Carrier system and do away with the furnace and go to the add on heat strips. They claim since it would be a 15.5 SEER we could save around $800 year. It is around $5700 + 1000 rebate net cost $4700.

I like my propane heat when it gets cold because it is so warm /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif, but at the same time I don't like paying the high getting higher price of propane /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I've also heard how expensive the heat strips are to operate. It is hard to get a straight answer from anybody. Propane company says they're better, electric says their better, and depending on who the installer is and what he is wanting to sale theirs is better. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif