Sorry, I thought by matching we were talking about the refrigerate R-22 verses R-410a in the coils The coils will be First Co. Evaporation coils matching the existing air handlers I have. Apparently there is no AHRI reference number because First Co has not done any of the necessary testing. The dealer had told me this and that the system would not qualify for the tax credit. The third floor does not heat well with the present arrangement. All of the dealers have told me not to expected much cooling on the third floor. I did not question him as to what the "better options" might be.

Quote #1 does not include increasing the size of the ductwork which needs to be done because you are replacing a 2 ton with a 3 or 4 ton (depending on the quote) and a 1.5 ton with a 3 or 3.5 ton. Quote #2 also includes zoning equipment/controls. There is a VERY large discrepancy in size of existing units vs. proposed units(both quotes) Did any of these contractors do a heat loss calculation? You should ask to see a manual J, which will determine the proper size system for the home. I understand the size needs to be increased due to the additions to the home, but what is the proper size? I would not sign any contract without a heat loss calculation first. That is the basics. Post back and we can continue this. Or email me @ woody22478@yahoo.com. I can forward you info and links to help explain better.

Based on the information you've provided, sounds like the York quote is the best option, but I don't agree with the 80% modulating furnace. That's a high-end furnace, and going with the 80% version doesn't make sense to me, especially in our region where it can get cold at times (I'm in Maryland). Is PVC venting an issue? The York Affinity is a nice line of equipment. American Standard isn't bad, either, but the equipment that the York rep. is quoting is better in my opinion. 3 tons is a bit much for your cooling load, but it's what you'd have to go with if you went with the Affinity line. The 2.5-ton Latitude unit would be the better fit. With the low stage on the Affinity approximately meeting the cooling load at design conditions (which won't be met on all days), I don't think you'll be getting those long run times that you should with a 2-stage system. Ask the York rep. if he can quote the CZB or YZB 2.5-ton single-stage Affinity unit with a 90+ efficient v/s furnace (modulating or 2-stage). Not sure where the American Standard rep. came up with his sizing. Do you like it cold in your house (68-70)? Did the York rep. do the load calculation?

The Goodman models listed basically come down to features and functions you want in terms of better comfort for the structure. The 14 SEER model is single stage either on or off for both heating and air conditioning functions. The Goodman 16 SEER model is 2 stage for both heat and air conditioning. If you decide on the Goodman 16 SEER option, it is much better in controlling humidity and providing better overall comfort. However, it must be controlled properly it needs a 2 stage thermostat for both heating and air conditioning. Then you need to make sure it is wired properly this may include running new thermostat wire. Neither of the Goodman units are micro channel. The Rheem unit has micro channel coils (evaporator and condenser coil) Because this is a package unit it's no big deal on installation of the unit, but when repairs are needed it can complicate things. Micro channel benefit is that less refrigerant is needed. However, these are critically charged units which means if the unit loses a few ounces of refrigerant it will not work properly. Micro channel units can not be pumped down to service unit. Refrigerant must be reclaimed to work on refrigeration circuit. So the costs to service a micro channel designed unit leaves little to be desired as the unit ages. Because micro channel coils are critically charged it would be pointless to attempt to recharge a system temporarily until parts can be found to make repairs or in most cases replace the leaking micro channel coil. This doesn't mean the Goodman units can't leak refrigerant, just that they can be recharged temporarily until repair parts can be obtained like over a holiday weekend or something like that. Micro channel has been around a while now, but early on they were prone to developing refrigerant leaks and still are as far as I know. For those reasons out of the choices shown I would choose Either of the Goodman units. But only the 16 SEER model if it's properly wired with a 2 stage heat and 2 stage cool thermostat. The devil in any HVAC system, is in the finer details. Micro channel mostly benefits the manufacturer, as this design cuts manufacturing cost not only in material costs but also refrigerant costs. I service the Katy, Texas area.