cole let's see some mdl numbers both inside air handler and outside HP condenser. these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant. I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost. IMO

weathertop I just knew you had to be in NJ with that kind of pricing. The air handler quoted with the two ton Performance 15 AC does not qualify for the tax credit. And as been said, it is not var speed. As far as your dealer, he is not being truthful or he is ignorant. you can use the AHRI AC Directory to find the matching Carrier Performance 15 AC condensers paired with air handlers that qualify for the tax credit. 3404601 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24APA524A31 FV4CN(B,F)003 23600 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 170 Yes 3752108 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24APA524A31 FX4DN(B,F)037 24000 13.00 16.00 1 RCU-A-CB 173 Yes see link attached. it should take you a few minutes to navigate the Directory. punch in Carrier on the Manufacturere list. Punch in Performance 15 from the condenser mdl list. Punch in 23,000 to 26000 cooling size. model status active. Punch in yes for eligible for tax credit. Then do your search. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: AHRI AC Directory

lenores here are the numbers going down your list. 3705102 Active Systems RHEEM 15PJL SERIES RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY 15PJL36 RHKL-HM3617+RCSL-H*3617 35400 12.50 15.00 34400 8.50 22000 3647377 Active Systems LEGACY 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 215BNA036****A FV4CN(B,F)005 35000 12.50 15.00 34800 8.80 21200 3647405 Active Systems LEGACY 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 215BNA036****A FX4DN(B,F)043 34800 12.50 15.00 34200 8.70 21600 3687527 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA536H31 FX4DN(B,F)043 36000 12.50 15.50 36000 8.60 21800 mdl numbers of both outside condenser and inside air handler are important. FV is var speed air handler;FX is fixed speed. For Florida you want var speed. is new refrigerant lineset included? .............. these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem,Carrier/Bryant. ...... if this was my decision, I would make an offer to Carrier dealer for price quoted including Carrier thermidistat, new lineset, leak test on ducts with repairs as needed, and most of all substitute his air handler for the FV005 var speed air handler. He should also include the 9 KW staged backup heat strip. see below configuration. 3405849 Active Systems PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA536H31 FV4CN(B,F)005 36000 13.00 15.50 36000 9.00 21800 leave yourself a little room to go up not to exceed $6500. voila. you are there. BTW, coastal location or inland? IMO Good Luck!

cvthree This AmStd system carries a lot of firepower. The numbers across the board are great. Pricing is reasonable, certainly not a steal but fair. On ductwork, you want min R8 insulation, flex duct OK for runs, galv though for both supply and truck lines. By ditching propane, you should be able to see a measurable payback, particularly on heating. Of course correct sizing and a good install is absolutely necessary. BTW, what is your electric rate? I would inquire with your utility if they offer any special rate for heat pump (all electric) heating. What size is your home and size of each zone? What size heat strip was quoted? I assume dealer has checked your electric panel service for capacity. I prefer that condenser, air handler, and heat strip be placed on separate circuits. As to air filtration, I prefer AmStd Perfect Fit media cabinet because its heavy duty and made to fit return end of the air handler. There are cheaper brands but I would stay with AS or Trane. That's what I have on my home's system. Any questions, let me know. IMO