hilld said:Alan,
I just installed 2 heatpumps in my house and barn. Ok, I installed the barn, a HVAC contractor installed the house. They did re-use some of the existing ducting, but here is what they did. 5 Ton, Carrier Infinity system, 17 Seer, 2 zones and associated zone controllers and dampers, Honeywell electronic air filter, all runs under the house hard pipe, 2 story, 3800 sqft house with 2 thermostats, etc....$14000.
I think for your size house, you can probably do better, my system is pretty much top of the line, (I did get a bid on a Trane - 8 zones - ~$22000 - so I passed). I chose a heat pump for 2 reasons, electric rates are somewhat regulated (at least the increases are much smaller than gas or god forbid - oil) and the other is that I wanted to replace the oil furnace I had and remove the tank. I am glad I went the electric route, to have gas installed to my property was close to $30000 (I didn't really want to spend that).
The actually install of the system took 2 guys about 8 days (working) and they did a nice job. The finish work took almost longer as they were having some problems with one of the zone controllers, but it is sure nice sending all the cold air upstairs at night and none downstairs, and vise versa during the day.
Derek
How do you think the multiple zones works energy wise vs separate units? Obviously one unit with 2 zones is less money than 2 separate units.
Also, does anyone have a loft? My A/C guy has one (and we will) and says the ac won't stay up there because it goes downstairs. Says maybe not a problem with us since the upstairs will only need serious cooling when we have visitors or we are cleaning up there. The master is downstairs and our kids are grown.