I'm learning more all the time. Can you tell me more about the TXV metering device for the E-Coil? My current 80% unit already has a condensate drain pump used when I run the AC in the summer and I have not had a problem with it. This self contained pump sits on the floor next to the furnace and pumps the condensate into my sump pump then the sump pump pumps it out of the house. Wouldn't I just run the high efficiency furnace moisture drain pipe out to the same pump? I have to imagine that moisture drain pipe is up high on the High Efficiency unit and my condensate pump is on the floor, gravity will do the job unless the pump fails and the water backs up into the furnace. Is that the same moisture drain pipe that I have on my current 80% efficiency furnace that drains the condensate when I run the AC in the summer? One of the quotes I got from a HVAC hybrid install (95% efficient furnace w/ 2 stage variable speed furnace and 15 or 16 SEER Heat Pump) was to put a catch pan under the furnace with the furnace up on blocks and put a pump in the drain pan that pumps the condensate water into my sump pump. This gives you more time to deal with a pump going bad vs the self contained pump I have currently. I have another question about buying the new 95% efficient furnace. My current furnace is 80% effecient and is 100,000 BTUs. I have replacement choices of 90,000 BTU or 115,000 BTU replacement. My house is 2000 sq. ft, not including basement. Is there much efficiency difference between the 2 choices? I know the bigger unit will probably supply more heat, but is that at more cost in energy? Or is the difference nominal. My first thought is to go with the bigger unit for only $100-$200 more in cost. Mikes

I am not sure if other work is being performed. Here is what the quote says: We are pleased to submit to you an estimate and specifications for the installation of a Carrier 59TN6 Infinity two stage variable speed gas furnace with a Carrier 25HCB6 Performance 16SEER two stage heat pump Hybrid system to be installed in your home. Recover refrigerant as required by law. Remove and junk existing gas furnace, air conditioner and thermostat. Furnish and install one #59TN6A100E21-22 Carrier high efficiency Infinity series two stage/variable speed furnace with one #KGANP5201VSP Natural to Propane conversion kit and one #25HBC648 Carrier Puron high efficiency Performance series two stage heat pump with one #CNPVP4821ATA Carrier tin plated cased evaporator coil. The furnace has a 96.0% AFUE efficiency rating and a 100,000 Btuh input capacity. The heat pump has a 47,500 Btuh nominal cooling capacity high stage and 39,000 in low and a 16.0 SEER rating. New furnace to sit in same location as that of existing with a new return air drop, filter rack with hinged door, plenum and necessary sheet metal fittings to reconnect to the existing supply and return ductwork. Reconnect to the existing electric furnace circuit with a new switch and box. Reconnect to the existing gas line. PVC venting to be reconnected to existing. New condensate drain line to the floor drain with a new trap and clean out. New heat pump to be installed in same location as that of the existing. Furnish and install new outside fused disconnect as per Carrier and code requirements. Purge with nitrogen and reconnect to the existing refrigerant lines from the new indoor coil to the new outdoor unit. Furnish and install one #STAT-TP-PRH Performance programmable Thermidistat. Complete with necessary taxes, labor, wiring, and materials. COST Furnish and install the complete Infinity/Performance Hybrid HVAC system as described for Ten Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety ($11,765.00) Dollars. This system qualifies for $200.00 Duke Energy rebate and a $150.00 Carrier rebate. OPTIONS Add one Carrier #GAPAAX1625 Infinity air purifier for an additional $1,550.00. This also qualifies for a $150.00 Carrier rebate. Net $1,400.00. I don't mind paying a fair price, but I don't want to be taken advantage of.

I am new to all of this, so I appreciate your input. So it sounds like my existing system has an appropriate sized AC (2 ton) and an oversized furnace. Excuse my ignorance, but is oversizing of both units (2.5 ton and 70K furnace) just going to decrease any potential cost savings I may gain and/or just wasting money? I initially wanted to go with Trane, but the quote seemed high; maybe I can get them down. I also didn't know about reliability of either product, hence all my questions.

I suggest separate systems for the first and second floor. That is the best way to have even temperatures on each floor. It costs more up front, but you potentially have lower operating costs. You could zone the loft off the second floor system. However if you are going to be working 10 hours days with multiple pieces of equipment generating heat then spend the money on a mini split.