Crice Tell us the brand and model of the furnace. More than likely, your furnace has a three ton blower rating. This needs to be confirmed. If true, you can not go higher than a three ton HP condenser. Also, you can not go to a high eff HP unless the blower on furnace is var speed or has the high eff X-13 blower motor which it probably does not have. If above is correct, you would be just as well off to stay with a good 13 SEER HP condenser with matching evap coil. You will also need a dual fuel thermostat and possibly an outdoor sensor. IMO

While you don't specify mdl numbers for either quote, I see no reason to replace the upstairs system particularly since the upstairs is rarely used and system has been thoroughly checked, in good working order, and has a reasonable service history without any major issues. Yes, you should expect to get a better overall deal by purchasing two systems rather than one system. However, a significant difference-rarely. Make certain you compare warranty differences and dealer has a good reputation in your community. Just for info, I prefer Trane and sister company, Am Standard. IMO Good Luck!

Hi TD.. Haven't been on the boards in a bit so I apologize for the late response. Everything is working perfectly since the tstat was replaced on the 12th. System was charged and turned on and the difference from the previous system is amazing. The temps in the house are much more consistent and the upstairs is actually warm now. I think the replaced ductwork has made a big difference. The air flow upstairs seems a bit high compared to the downstairs (than the old system) so Ive got it on my list of things to ask the dealer whether it can be adjusted. They did install dampers on all the supplies so I'm sure something can be done. I am glad I followed the advice of many here and got the VP IaQ. It's full featured and very easy to program. I've set the Aux heat to only come on if outside temps are below 35 degrees and it seems to be working well so far. Will be interesting to see my first full month electric bill for January usage so I can compare it to the old system. And regarding the VP IAQ, maybe someone can answer this question for me. Over the weekend I noticed that the touch panel/display of the IAQ is loose inside the plastic frame. That is, when I tap it to change settings, it will move about 1/8" in all directions. Is this normal or should it be securely attached within its plastic frame? I am completely satisfied with the system and the installation performed by the dealer. Many thanks to you and Ryan for all your help during this process. It is greatly appreciated. Happy Holidays!!! Regards, Rich

I would bet the ductwork is no where near set up for a 5 ton system so it would need to be replaced. I would steer clear of Goodman unless you were comparing the top of the line Goodman to at least middle of the road Carrier, Ruud, Trane or other brand. Goodman Tempstar and Heil tend to be noisier and just kind of 'klunky' than some other brands and it seems easier to get a fly by night installer. I bought a home with a Tempstar and the installer was a moron. I spent probably 40 hours opening up return holes in the floor/wall cavaties, adding a return duct and sealing every connection with mastic and still had a system that you had to turn the tv up every time the blower came on. I found out later my 'installer' took a class in HVAC online!! My first winter in 2006 I had 400-500.00 electric bills in a 1,700sq ft home and after the duct fixes I dropped it to 250-300 of course part of that was adding a good outdoor sensing thermostat. I think my bills with this new RUUD system will stay in the low 200.00 range. The new system draws half the amperage of the old one in heat pump mode. I am also getting by with 10kw of heat strips instead of 20 just sealing everything up and getting the ducts right. I don't think there would be anything wrong with a top of the line GOodman but you better be VERY cautious of the installer. The installer is the most important key to the equation. I do not think anyone in here is 'tranewashed' its just speaking the truth overall a Rheem Ruud Carrier Trane American Std Bryant and many others are just overall better systems. I would not personally get a bid for a tempstar or the like even if it was a rental house. I thought the same thing before this experience 'who cares as long as it blows hot and cold when its supposed to' but after my experience with a system that was louder than my old mobile home with the furnace in a hallway instead of in my basement. No Thanks!!