tony I like systems especially for your location/climate that have "electronic demand defrost" that eliminates nuisance and unnecessary defrost calls from systems that have timed defrost. Also, I have seen condensers where defrosting capacity/capability that have been completely overwhelmed by the recent snow/ice storms in the Southeast and all the way up the Atlantic seaboard. Trane's XLi series of heat pump condensers serve homeowners well with their proprietary protective top especially with the wintry type storms that occurred in January/February. I have several pet peeves that many homeowners take when installing new systems-all in the name of saving a few dollars. 1.replacing refrigerant lines as discussed above 2.installing a cheap and/or incorrect thermostat;reusing old thermostat 3.not providing for good air filtration to protect blower motor and evap coil 4.overlooking and dismissing problem ductwork system just a few ideas. IMO

1. The best air handler would be the TAM7 variable speed model. Another choice would be the GAM5 model. It s high efficient as well but not var speed. Major difference is better dehumidification with var speed model. AHRI ratings below. Neither reach the qualifying standard for the Fed Tax Credit. 4563201 Active Systems XR13 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR3036B1 *AM7A0C36H31 1225 36000 12.00 14.50 35200 9.00 22200 1 HRCU-A-CB 300 754 4563323 Active Systems XR13 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR3036B1 GAM5A0C42M31 1175 35400 12.00 14.50 34400 9.00 21800 1 HRCU-A-CB 295 754 2. $500 not more than $750 upgrade charge for XR15 3. I would not recommend any air handler other than TAM7 or GAM5 unless it was for rental property. 4. A good price for XR13 3 ton would be around 6 K in my market. Yours may be similar. 5. Obviously the efficiency of your other system is poor by today's standards. But if you are happy with comfort and operating costs are satisfactory for your budget, then I would not replace it. Those models were real dependable workhorses. Of course, I would not spend any serious money on a repair. I assume you are having a PM performed on it once a year. If not, you should with a system this age. 6. I would get a price on Trane's XB14. Not as quiet as the XR13 but with correct air handler does qualify for Fed Tax Credit. I still like Trane/ AmStd HPs and they have demand defrost which eliminates/reduces nuisance and unnecessary defrost calls. I would assume a 10 KW heat strip. I would want HW Mdl 8321 thermostat. If you don't have a media filter cabinet, I would consider one. If keeping old refrigerant lineset, it must be the correct size and flushed properly. IMO

racefan while prices can vary between brand/model as well as market area, I find the price quoted absurd. Plus based on the efficiency numbers provided, it appears you have been quoted the Preferred 15 "A" model rather than the heat enhanced "H" model which would be a much better choice for your location. see below. Preferred 15 "A" model 1258745 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANA042-A FE4AN(B,F)005+UI 42000 12.50 15.50 41000 8.50 25000 Preferred 15 "H" model 1125834 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH042-A FE4AN(B,F)005+UI 42000 13.00 15.50 42000 9.00 26600 this is very good sgl stg heat pump. you can save some dollars by going to the Performance VS air handler vs the Evolution air handler and the Edge Thermidistat vs the Evolution controller. My suggestion is to get other quotes. Keep in mind sister company Carrier offers the exaact same heat pump in their Performance 15 model but usually Bryant is less expensive. It's my opinion though that this dealer is overpriced. I would also suggest that a 20 KW heat strip is too large. I always prefer a new and properly sized refrigerant lineset unless there is a building obstruction. IMO Good Luck!

I have to correct Skin...Trane does not really offer builder grade HVAC compared to the other HVAC brands. XR series condensers are not builder grade and any suggestion that it is is entirely incorrect. Relatively speaking, you are going to pay more for the smaller size condensers compared to larger sizes. You can assume that online equipment is low end especially from brands like Goodman. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Unfortunately due to price pressure, today's HVAC is not same quality as to 10 yrs ago. Very sad to see Carrier close up shop in Indianapolis and ship 1400 good American jobs to Mexico. Based on the feelings of plant employees, I wouldn't want any HVAC coming from Carrier during this transition period. IMO