Not a bad system. The Lennox system is comparatively nicer since it has a variable speed blower in the furnace (the 58MEC Performance "Boost 80" from Carrier has a high efficiency ECM motor, not variable speed however). The Performance a/c is a little quieter than the Comfort model, but neither would be considered loud. You don't lose much by going with the Comfort model -- still louvered coil protection, high/low pressure switches, compressor sound shield, etc.).

What thermostat was the Lennox dealer proposing? I would clarify this with the dealer. The 8000 is a nice thermostat.

This system is roughly $700 less than the other one. The Lennox systems thermostats says "Comfort Control Digital." When you say comparitively nicer...how materially nicer do you really think? I think the Comfort AC is much uglier than the Performance, but see no meaninful difference elsewise (maybe a touch noisier).

Carrier and Lennox both make solid equipment, and I don't think there's much argument in that regard. People will have preferences. It's not an easy choice if you're just considering brands, so I'd rely more on the competence of the dealer than the brand name of the equipment. The Lennox is a bit more up front, but it is the nicer furnace. Which dealer did you feel better about?

I feel the same. of the six or so estimates, I like them both the same as people (from what I can tell) and expertise. The Lenniox bid is 600-700 more at this point. We are talking mid 4K for the Carrier bid all in

not sure if you are still reading, but I meant ot compare this carrier quote with the Trane XV95 quote (not the Lennox one)

repost the Trane quote.

3. Trane XV 95, 95%. Dual speed 100K
Trane XL15i 16 SEER single speed AC
Aspen Evap Coil (ACE36D44)
Honeywell 6000 therm (he doesnt thinkthe 8K is worth it)
Trion 5" media air cleaner
Includes new refdigerant lines, new pad, install, remove etc. 10 years parts and service
After all discounts and tax rebates, circa $5,100.

EB

for the future keep all your posts in one thread so forum members can see the complete picture.

out of the two Carrier quotes along with the Lennox, the Trane quote is the nicer. However, you don't need more than the 80K XV95 model furnace. I am reposting my previous advice.

The XV95 is a very nice furnace. You will need a good two stg stat like HW mdl #8321(not the 6000 series as listed).

Since the fed govt tax credit is not in play, I would insist on a Trane evap coil over a third party Aspen brand.

lineset should be replaced and I recommend a good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet.

as long as ductwork is accessible, improvement to airflow should not be a big deal. ask dealer for recommendation.

IMO
Good Luck!

tigerdunes- are both the 6000 series and 8321 4/5 wire t-stats? I had a 6000 installed with the single stage furnace but now that the XV95 is going in I want a multi-stage t-stat to control the VS blower instead of relying on a timer for the stages/speeds. If the 6000 is a 3 wire t-stat I guess the IAQ is the easiest solution.

rmrc

the 6000 is not a two stg stat and would be a poor choice for the XV95. HW VP 8320 or 8321 with humidity sensor would be a better choice. I believe the 8321 is a 6 wire. Of course the IAQ is the best choice because of its flexibility and superior humididity control with its dehumidify on demand feature.

IMO

Ok thanks td. I'm not going to pay to have more wires fished through the wall so I guess it will be the IAQ. Now I'm wondering if the interface module is required or if that's only necessary with a complex hvac system. I assume the module mounts to the wall right next to the t-stat control.

The IAQ is a great thermostat. The module is required and is mounted next to or on the indoor equipment itself.