I have quotes for FHP AP035 and Waterfurnace Envision Heat Pumps --- The $$ are nearly the same but the AHRI Certificates seem to show the Envision to be a bit more efficient (closed loop).  I'm replacing a 20 year old Hydroheat.

Anyone have any opinions or advise.

quality of installer is more important than brand

Our Envision system has been performing great since being installed 9 months ago. I have no experience with FHP. Get multiple quotes from WF dealers and FHP dealers since pricing is not fixed. My suggestion is to start with the lowest quote and begin qualifying installers to hopefully find a good one. Price sometimes gets you more, but this is not guaranteed.

Thanks for the replys.

The FHP dealer has been in business for a long time but previously handled Tetco.  He replaced them with FHP and said that since Bosch bought FHP they are superior to anything on the market.  I question that kind of a claim. 

The Waterfurnace dealers (3) are also long timers and swear by their Envision models (their prices are all close). 

The FPH dealer is the only one around.

I'm still confused????!!!!

A FHP installer won't say that a WF unit is superior to their system, (or vice versa). You have the specs and have reviewed them. Have the installers provided you with a customized printout of operating costs, heat load, system size, specified the work that will be performed in a formal quote? Using the "What to ask before you buy geothermal - Shoppers Checklist" thread at the top of this forum may help you.

All things being equal (they may not be) I would want the more efficient unit if pricing is similar. Also, I like the idea of having multiple dealers available should my installer cease operations or be unable to repair a problem. How long have the WF installers been installing WF? Are they up to date on factory training? Same questions for CM. Check all references and see their installations if possible.

Do you have specific questions that we can help you with?

hamop78,

"The FPH dealer is the only one around." Do you mean the FHP dealer is local, and the others are not? If so, how far is each one from your site? I think being local is a positive attribute for a dealer. I agree with geome, if you can see actual installs, go ahead and pay a visit. Good workmanship often speaks for itself in appearance.



Regards,

Masoud

Our current unit of choice is an FHP relable due to distribution more than anything else. Nothing wrong with either brand.
Many of us here don't consider brand (with one or two exceptions) particularly important in the decision process because we consider the quality to be extremely similar as are the components from brand to brand.
Nor would I put too much weight in the stated efficiencies as they are "stated" by the manufacturer.
The difference in operating cost from one year to the next between a single and a two stage unit may be less than $100/yr. Therefore a few tenths of a point on C.O.P. may be just a few dollars/year.
Good Luck,
Joe

Joe's right about the likely small op cost delta between single and two stage.

I must add that properly sized and installed two stage units operate most of the time in their quieter and more efficient low speed. If summer humidity is a concern the two stage will significantly aid in dealing with it.

Great Replies and Thanks to all. 

I have some time to consider all since the old Hydroheat is still chugging along.