[gary_g]

I am also just a homeowner. I replaced a functioning 3 ton, 7 SEER, 21 year-old Trane heat pump with a new 14 SEER Goodman system. I did this because Maryland electric rates have increased 65% thanks to de-regulation and no competition.

I included an external TXV on the air handler which was an option for the Goodman unit (best $55 that I ever spent). I chose a 3-speed motor in the air handler and not the variable speed. I wanted an air handler that was simple, and cheap to repair (after the 10 year warranty expires). Additionally, the air handler with the 3 speed motor was rated at 33,480 btu-hr versus 32,178 for the v-s air handler. I think the fact that systems don't put out their full BTU rating is an issue unknown to most homeowners (and some pros).

I have noticed that the new unit feels like it puts out cooler air, although I have no measurements to prove it. I'm not sure if it's because the unit is new, has a scroll compressor, has a TXV, or a combination of the three. The fan speed is set on low - not sure of the fan speed of the old Trane.

Yesterday, 8/8, set a record in Baltimore at 102 degrees. The new unit ran for 8 hours and 40 minutes, keeping the house at a nice 75 degrees.

I am interested to see how the new system performs in the winter.

Best of luck to you.