OK-

- I like both brands of equipment. Wouldn't have a problem with either one in my house.

- I have a problem with the Lennox quote. Not a high end furnace like the Trane and that XC15 will not be 15 SEER without a variable-speed blower.

- Sizing: Which did a load calculation to determine sizing? The Lennox dealer shouldn't increase sizing without ensuring you need 3 tons with a load calculation. How did the old 2.5-ton do? Likewise the Trane dealer shouldn't just assume the old size was correct.

- Ductwork: Often times ductwork needs to be addressed to ensure it is sized to match the capacity and airflow requirements of the system. Did any company take extra time to make sure the ductwork was properly sized?

- I assume 80% furnaces are being considered either due to venting issues or you are in a warm climate.

I think that's enough to think about for now. More to come. :) This is not an easy decision like many think it to be, but the results from the right decision are worth it. One last thing: get all your model numbers in writing, including coil model numbers on the inside, as well as which thermostat they propose to use.

The G60 is a 2-stage furnace.

Thank you for reply. You are right, G-60(G60UH-36B-090)is a 2 stage. Lennox guy told me that for the same price I can have xp-16 which I believe is a two stage ac. I thought that signature-xc15 is better than elite-series xp16. Do you think xp-16 is better? My main concern was for the unit to be quite inside an out, since the unit located on the second floor and ac being on my small back yard where all family hang out in the summer time. Trane guy gave me the following: TTUD080R9V3k- Furnace(V blower, T4TXCB031BC3HCA-coil, T4TTR4030A100A-condensing unit. Lennox guy gave me just a verbal/broshure prices.
I didnt know that in order for the ac to get its SEER it has to be 2-stage ac. Based on the questions that they asked me I told them that i like my house to be cold in the summer time, cause we got here in PA some hot summers. So both of them said that 3 ton would be more than enough if i have more than 4 people in the house in the summer then I should go with 3 ton.

Regarding duck work. They said that in order for proper circulation they need to change the duck work ( through attic) and that would cost me extra $1500-2000. I dont want to spend that kind of money right now, since im not sure how long I will be living in this house, besides its only townhouse, its not a single family home. My main concern was that system is quite and wont give me any problems and work properly.
Both of them said that thermostat is included, but none of them told me which one it will be.

Regarding ductwork, do you know how many return air ducts you have? Since often times ductwork systems are undersized to begin with, I don't like the idea of increasing tonnage without ensuring the ductwork is in good condition and properly sized. However if the old system did a good job handling the the temperature throughout the house, it may be okay. An extra return may need to be added.

The XP16 is a heat pump. I assume he meant XC16. The XC16 is a 2-stage unit, which can help control humidity better, but I would not use it without a furnace with a variable speed blower. It is the variable speed blower that is required to get more than 14 SEER in most cases. The XC15 is advertised as a very quiet unit, but that doesn't mean the XC16 will be loud (the brochures should have the dBa sound ratings). The Lennox guy should have given you model numbers.

You'll want to talk to the Trane dealer about sizing to ensure 2.5 tons is sufficient. Did any of them do a load calculation to prove that you needed more capacity?

You aren't comparing apples to apples with both quotes, since the Lennox furnace does not have a variable speed blower, which I'd recommend for greater efficiency and comfort. They can also overcome slightly deficient ductwork systems by adjusting their speed. If the ductwork is in very poor condition, however, they can be louder (I think you'd know if the ductwork was in poor condition/undersized, as you would have had symptoms with the old system, like uneven temperatures, noise, and lack of airflow).

Ryan,

thank you for all your help. Per my conversation with Lennox guy, This is what he is offering:3 ton G60-2 stage DFV36B-090 signature series 80%eff. 72,000btu on high and 48000 on low (this unit is not energy star) and either xc15 signature series (63db)or I can go with xc16 (74db)two stage unit for total of $5500. If I want to upgrade to G61 MPV-036B-071 2 sate energy star signature series 955 effic. silent technology 66,ooo/43,000btu it will cost me extra $1500.00 The Trane guy is giving me 2stage "V" blower 80% TTUD080R9V3K with 15 seer 4TTX5030A ac 2.5 ton for $5800. Like I said my main consern is for the unit to be quite and efficient. So which system you think I should go with?

The Trane system, provided your ductwork isn't an issue, should be very quiet outside and inside (though the Lennox XC15 is extremely quiet). Again, if the ductwork is undersized, noise will be an issue with either system, but if you didn't have problems with the old system, I wouldn't be too concerned about this.

As much as I am a fan of Lennox products I would favor the Trane setup. You are just getting a better system with the variable speed blower. You may be able to negotiate with the Lennox dealer to get the G61V for maybe $6000. It should not cost $1500 more in reality.

I still question why one dealer quotes 3 tons and the other 2.5 tons. Did they tell you in specifically that your ductwork would be able to deliver 3 tons worth of cooling?