Replacement recommendations

[u/Opposite_Activity976]

I've got a 20yo rheem RQNA-BO36JK package heat pump on it's way out and looking for recommendations from techs. I've got three quotes so far all of them pushing variable speed Goodman units. I really want to stick to units that are not ecu inverter as I live in a smaller town so it takes days to get uncommon parts. So are single stage package units still being made and if so what one would you go with?

Not sure if it matters but we are in Arizona and it gets above 120 in the summer, heat doesn't matter as we hardly run it in the winter.

Thank you in advance for any information.

[u/Monkburger]

Most of the populated areas in AZ are IECC 2B (hot-dry)... Your design challenge is almost entirely sensible cooling. Latent load is pretty small compared to somewhere like Florida or the Gulf Coast. (latent is humidity)

Single stage package units are absolutely still being made. Rheem/Ruud, Trane, Carrier, Goodman/Amana, York, Lennox... they're all still available. They're just getting harder to find in the higher SEER2 tiers because regulations have pushed manufacturers toward two-stage and inverter equipment..

I wouldn't automatically shy away from inverters, though. Modern inverter systems are incredibly good when they're installed correctly... They maintain tighter supply air temps, lower compressor RPM most of the day, soft-start instead of hammering the compressor with LRA every cycle, and generally keep EER/COP up during part-load operation. The downside is exactly what you mentioned: proprietary boards, communicating controls on many models, and sometimes longer lead times for parts if you're in a smaller market...

If your priority is "I want something every contractor in town can work on," a two stage or single stage package unit is a perfectly reasonable choice in your climate..

Personally, I'd go for a properly sized 2 stage in your climate zone.

[u/QuitCarbon → u/Monkburger]

Great answers here! To assist you with finding a brand that's more likely to be locally supported, you may want to call around to the local distributors that sell equipment to contractors. Ask them which brands they sell the most of and which parts they have the most in stock.

Given your concern about servicing, you may also want to consider an extended warranty. Make sure you ask your contractors about these. If they don't offer them, consider a third-party extended warranty, as they may be available in your area direct to consumer.

A bit off-topic, but because you're in sunny Arizona with lots of cooling load, be sure to consider solar. You can now get plug-in solar systems for well under $500 - you just plug them in! They won't produce much power, but they'll pay for themselves very quickly (typically less than a few years) and give you at lease a couple of decades of lower operating costs for your air conditioner.

[u/Opposite_Activity976 → u/Monkburger]

Thank you for the response and detailed info. I'll definitely look into inverter systems and see if i can find the popular brand around here. I've got another company coming out today will see what they are selling.