[dickmc]

AC died 8 years ago. Replaced AC with a Carrier heat pump and kept the existing old gas furnace making it a "dual fuel" heating system. Cost of new three ton Carrier heat pump with new furnace coil and installation was $3,400. Payback of extra cost for a new heat pump over conventional new three ton AC was only 9 months!

Have been very pleased. Live in a Pittsburgh-type climate. Standard Carrier heat pump thermostat allows auto switchover from heat pump heating mode to gas furnace at user selected outside temperature.

System has worked very well. Also got reduced electric rate from local electric company since heating was "dual fuel"

[keat]

Payback of extra cost for a new heat pump over conventional new three ton AC was only 9 months!

That is a slam dunk.

[steve86]

Cost of new three ton Carrier heat pump with new furnace coil and installation was $3,400.

Sounds about right -- my three ton Coleman heat pump/electric furnace cost $3,800 installed. This was only a 10.5 seer unit but oversized for our re-insulated mobile home. During these 90 degree days the heat pump cooling function doesn't come on until mid-afternoon. We use a ventless propane fireplace for supplemental heat in the winter and the furnace hardly ever gets used. The heat pump seems to heat ok without going to 100% duty down to about 25F, which surprised me (this is without the fireplace).

[WHATNEXT?]

What is the sq footage of your house? Our quote is for a 5 ton, maybe not needed.