If money is no object, try the UltraSun - SunPure Product. I find the Aprilaire 5000 to be adequate, I'd recommend a Whole-House HEPE like the Honeywell F500 over the Aprilaire...designed to run 24/7 and not just filter the air when the AC is running. Here is a link that might be useful: Sun Pure

In your area, HVAC prices are expensive. Maybe up to double the price of Dallas. A 3-ton system installed can be done for $3000-5000 almost anywhere in the USA. I will be installing an electric heat 3-ton system for $2500 in a couple of weeks. The price is low, but I am getting a lot of work from the investor. Your prices sound high. Maybe 3-4k to high. Both manufacturers have quirks, that would stop me from buying either of them.

We live in coastal SC and have steamy weather extremes and frequent lightning, power outages and surges, with on again off again power. We own Trane Heat Pumps and Air Handlers, one 3 ton and one 2.5 ton, which were installed 11 years ago by the builder of our house [we are the second owner for 8 years]. We have been told that the heater crankcase has failed on the 2.5 ton unit which would be an expensive repair on a 11 year old unit and we have been advised that we should strongly consider buying new units because of their age. Overall, we have been pleased with these Trane units. Previously, we had Carrier units and were pleased with them. When problems occurred, the technicians could repair them quickly. Service Experts here in coastal SC near Beaufort and Hilton Head has quoted me for a 2.5 ton unit: Lennox Elite XP14 and the CBX27UH, variable speed air handler; digital thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 1 yr labor $6719. Less rebate of 400. For net 6319. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV, variable speed air handler; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts ands compressor, 1 yr labor $8421. Less rebate of 500. For net $7921. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told NO Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP19 and the CBX32MV; variable speed air handler; 2 speed compressor; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 10 yr labor $11408. Less rebate of 900. For net 10508. Told Tax Credit Available. I have been quoted for a 3.0 ton unit: Lennox Elite XP14 and the CBX27UH, variable speed air handler; digital thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 1 yr labor $8009. Less rebate of 400. For net 7608. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told Tax Credit Available. : Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV, variable speed air handler; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts ands compressor, 1 yr labor $9003. Less rebate of 500. For net $8503. Plus To extend the labor 9 years is $1,095.00. Told NO Tax Credit Available. Lennox Elite XP19 and the CBX32MV; variable speed air handler; 2 speed compressor; Touch screen programmable thermostat, Pure Air Cabinet; 10 yr. parts and compressor, 10 yr labor $12153. Less rebate of 900. For net 11253. Told Tax Credit Available. Service Experts here state that the Trane XL15I Weathertron 4TWX5030A1 with 4TEE3F39A1 and the XL15I Weathertron 4TWX5036A1 with 4TEE3F39A1 are the same as the Lennox Elite XP15 and the CBX32MV and would cost us the same. They also state that the Carrier Performance "H" series units, such as PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA536H30 FV4BNB006 or PERFORMANCE 15 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HPA548H30 FV4BNB006 are Carriers 3 ton and 4 ton units with a 5 ton Air Handler. They state that a 2.5 and 3 ton unit would cost the same as the Trane or Lennox systems.. Are these Lennox, Trane, and Carrier units comparable and does this pricing sound reasonable. Thank you for your comments, opinions and thoughts.

I can't speak to the particular products in your post, but I can speak to the issue of electrostatic vs media filters: Cleaning the electrostatic filer was in iffy proposition for me at the time given my work schedule which included long hours and extensive travel. But, at least the electrostatic filer was in the basement, so it was manageable. In a later home, however, with two units, one in the basement with the other in the attic, I opted for the media filters. I didn't notice a significant difference in terms of the indoor dust between the electrostatic and media filters. Although the media filters are technically good for a year, I changed them twice a year. I was quite happy with them and will install medial filters in my current home in the next several weeks.