I would choose the better dealer, or if the same dealer, the York, since it has both a variable speed blower (the Trane does) AND many stages of heating for longer runtimes (more comfort) and less noise.

Thanks ryanhughes for all your help with my questions. The York system has been ordered. This new, correctly sized, modulating furnace with replacement insulated flexible ducting is going to be so much quieter and way more efficient. We're certainly looking forward to vastly improved heating performance over our existing system.

Good to hear, make sure they size the ductwork properly.

Check the ARI rating on the York. It's not actually 97.5%. I'll bet it's 95%. I don't care for ratings that are not proven. ARI ratings are unbiased and lab tested. With that being said, Trane is a better furnace. Carrier is good, and the new Lennox G71 is also a modulating gas furnace with variable speed. Heard it's pretty nice.

Why is Trane the better furnace? Do you sell them?

No. They're probably pretty close, and it definitely depends on installation. I just know if it was down to those two, I'd go on track record.

OK, thanks. Can you point me to the track record sources. I'm trying to resaerch furnaces to buy as well.

Both are good furnaces. Trane has proven itself throughout the years in terms of quality. I don't know for sure if the Trane is 95% in the downflow application (TDH), but it may be. The York is 97.5% efficient in that size and has the modulating gas valve--having many stages of heat is better than 2 in terms of comfort, hence my recommendation for the York. Furthermore the lifetime heat exchanger warranty is very good to have.

I did confirm that the Trane in the downflow configuration in that size is 95% AFUE per Trane's data.

Both would qualify for the $1500 tax credit (or 30% of total install cost), so I hope the original poster takes this opportunity.

Do not get the Trane- the York furnace is a much better model and York has really done some great things with their furnaces. For instance in the York furnace they have used a "different" method then other brands on their heat exchanger. That particular furnace has a 20 year Heat Exchanger while that particular Trane has a 15 year- if i recall correctly. York is all around a better system. Efficiency indications would lead you in the York direction as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Advantage Air Mechanical

Ok, I'll spill the beans. I sell Lennox products. I'm very partial to Lennox, been selling it since the mid 80s. I've been through the Pulse years (still the best furnace made) sans the heat exchanger "issues", the CompleteHeat combination hot water, forced air system. Has Lennox had problems with equipment? Yes, they all have. They always back up the product with a fair warranty, and lead the way with innovation. Lennox has a "lifetime" heat exchanger (25 yrs.) warranty on all furnaces of "Elite" level or better. It's new G71 furnace is awesome. It has the modulating gas valve, variable speed blower, and 95% efficiency qualifying for the tax credit. Quietest furnace made. I've got Trane, York, all of them knocking down my door to sell their product. My own preference...I'll stick with Lennox. My biggest recommendation is that it doesn't matter what you buy, make sure the contractor is reputable, and installs the thing according to spec.

All of the furnace brands listed here.. have been tested in labratories.. manufacturer.. AND independant labs.. to ARI standards.. so any of them would be an excellent choice to install. A note on the York Modulating furnace that has not been discussed here. York unlike ANY of the other manufacturers of modulating furnaces is a TRUE modulating furnace.. it includes a modulating gas valve, a completly variable blower motor.. and variable gas venting motor. The York unlike the competition modulators.. has more than five gas valve positions.. in fact the York modulates from around 40% to 100% in 1% increments. that is total comfort control.. also take a look inside a York.. and compare it to the complexity of parts in a carrier.. and lastly... one for the homeowner and installer to consider for costs.. the York runs on a standard 4 wire thermostat... no need to install a complex and expensive thermostat to operate a modulating furnace that is actually just a 5 stage furnace. and finally.. the York modulating furnace is 98% effecient and the quietest furnace on the market. Also with the patented drain pan in the York.. no need for an external condensate trap.. and this furnace is a true multipoise unit.. will work in all four positions. I am not a cheerleader for York equipment... as I find that Trane and Lennox make products that I really like as well.. just this furnace is absolutly ahead of it's competition in it's capability.