Assuming you are sized correctly, the Bryant is the better choice.

And as I have said many times, you don't pair a nice Bryant Evolution furnace without the Evolution controller. This is a cheap shortcut that cheats a nice system as well as the homeowner. Always brings into question both the ethics and competence of a dealer who would do this. Plus the Evolution controller will give you dehumidify on demand in AC cooling.

I would also consider stepping up to the 127 AC two stage model. It might even reach the Tax credit threshold.

New lineset and filter box cabinet?

I would want to see a load calculation in writing for the lower zone.

IMO

Thanks. Quick Update - Vendor just called and updated quote #1 to be $7100. Does that change your opinion?

I assume you mean in place of the Honeywell thermostat? If so, I will ask for it - what is a reasonable cost for that over and above the Honeywell?

I sort of get the line set but not sure - all of the local quotes say something like (one below is from the Bryant contractor):
New disconnect switch and unit pad for a/c.
Re pipe outside unit ,to remove kink in line. (the Bryant contractor is the only one to notice we had a kink in the line like a blocked artery for probably 19 years).
All necessary duct work, wiring and piping.
Flush and re use existing refrigeration line set.

I am not 100% on the filter box - I don't think I have seen that term anywhere in the quotes is that where the return ductwork joins the "furnace unit"/supply ducts?

RE: Federal Tax Credits - I was not aware there were any for 2014. I thought I missed the boat on that. I took a quick look and haven';t seen anything for 2014 beyond geothermal heat pumps.

I take it that you don't think a single stage AC is more efficient in the long run or less prone to breakdowns?

The filter box is a cabinet that contains a 4-5" pleated media filter. They last longer and do a better job protecting the equipment in terms of catching dust and minimizing airflow restriction (when sized/installed correctly). The replacement filters are more expensive upfront but can last upwards of 6+ months in some scenarios. I second this recommendation. I thought at one point that they were a standard accessory with new Carrier/Bryant furnaces, but they may actually be an add-on item. Something to discuss with the dealer.

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Sun, Mar 23, 14 at 18:27

Thx - I thought that might be it. I have a Spaceguard (now aprilaire I believe) 2200 HEPA filter in there now. Had it since my house was built in 1995.

Then there is a great chance the Spaceguard can be reused and relocated if necessary.

I also suspect that for high-efficiency furnaces, all those being proposed to you are somewhat oversized, but this would need to be verified by a load calculation. You will get the greatest advantage from multistage equipment when it is sized properly. They could be sizing based off the old equipment. On the coldest days (especially those we had this winter), did the existing furnace ever have to run constantly to maintain set temp? I know that the 1200 sqft basement is also being conditioned, but generally basements don't add a considerable amount to the heat loss/load.

This post was edited by ryanhughes on Sun, Mar 23, 14 at 20:22

I would certainly expect that would be the case to reuse the space guard. On extra cold days, I would say it ran a fair amount of the time but it was really cold and we have a lot of windows so I don't see it as out of the ordinary. The furnace never "fell behind" in maintaining the temperature (i.e., it was always within 1 degree of what I set it at). I absolutely cannot say the same for the A/C.

Insist on load calculation in writing on software letterhead. Should be broken out for main floor and basement.

IMO