Yeah, the complaints are mainly an indication that it is worth doing some research. And your description makes it clear that it is an air source heat pump. A ground source heat pump would have an extensive network pipes underground. Any the price would be too low for a ground source.

This is not a trivial purchase,so you should take the trouble to make sure the quality is decent. Actually more important that saving a grand. Constant repair bills will add up past the 1000 dollar mark quickly. So I'm not really supportive on a purchase like this just saying "this is what money is for" rather than taking the time to get the right heat pump. At minimum make sure you can get a ten year warranty on the whole unit (not just the compressor) that covers parts and labor. Somewhere there are trustworthy ratings on heat pumps. Maybe your sister could do the research on that one. Or maybe Ginger knows, since she has been on the detail edge on this.

It really doesn't make sense to just replace the compressor. Today's models will be at least 30% more efficient. What's your electricity supplier?

That's what I think too. Replacing the whole thing makes more sense. Energy supplier is Dominion, in Virginia.

(I'd be happy to talk you through it. I've written way too many articles and brochures about heat pumps.)

And I'll be happy for any advice!

Typo, yes, it is an air-source heat pump, then.

Modern heat pumps are pretty reliable. Usually what's more important is getting a quality installation and a service contract. Your utility may have a financing program and probably some kind of rebate program. Your electricity bill will be lower, but estimating how much lower requires witchcraft.

The first thing to be suspicious of is a company that quotes you a heat pump size based on your saying "I have a three-bedroom house." If someone doesn't come out and do a lot of measuring and the Manual J calculations, he doesn't have a clue. Here's a good guide to that. [link]

Modern heat pumps are pretty reliable.

Good to know. I'm comfortable with the quality of the company and their technicians. Service contract, definitely. Rebates, available. Don't need to know exactly how much lower the bill will be. (Not worth firing up the ol' pentagram...) Someone's coming out tomorrow to do measurements and calculations. Thanks for that link! I will peruse it at length tonight.

You might want to ask whoever comes out about the state of your ducts. Duct sealing can save a significant amount and should be fairly reasonable when they're already there.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

That's just sad.

He's going to be in the attic looking at the condenser (I think that's what's up there) so I'll have him check the visible ductwork too.

You are an invaluable resource, Ginger!

According to a number of on-line sites the contractor is more important than the heat pump brand. And yes, checking your ducts. Also secondarily have him check the weather sealing on your doors and windows and check the quality of your insulation. If any of that needs an upgrade, when you are replacing your heating system is a good time to do that.

It is, by the way, a bad thing to seal your ducts with duct tape.

Well. I agree with Zen. That's just sad.

Sorry for my little freak-out. It's been a freak-out-generating kind of day. The heat pump was just the safest thing to vent it on.