I would look at your first two options over the all-Infinity system. The Infinity 16 you were quoted is on its way out (from what I was told). Carrier is switching to all-scroll compressors in their 2-stage units, but this hasn't happened yet. The reciprocating compressor in the 25HNA636 is not bad per se, but scroll is the preferred technology today. The Infinity 16 has to stop in between high and low stage, but it does have a little better capacity split between high and low.

The Option 2 you were quoted does not qualify for the tax credit.

Linesets can be reused if properly sized and flushed out properly. Carrier doesn't require it, and nor do any other manufacturers, as far as I know. Of course in a perfect world they'd all be replaced, but that's not the way things are. Replacing every lineset would waste a lot of resources.

Navy_dave,

I should have been more clear. The Infinity 16 (25HNA636) CAN qualify for the tax credit, but it must be paired with the matching FE4ANF006 air handler, and not the one you were quoted. Problem is the 006 air handler is physically huge and hard to fit in some spaces (looking at around 60" height and 24" width).

Thanks. Looks like maybe it was a misprint on the quote as the fan coil was repeated for options 1 and 2. I did some research that went both ways on scroll vs. recip. Recip having higher mechanical stresses from the up/down motion, scrolls having more temperature stress from higher temps. We're not in a "stressing" climate. Is it really a big difference? I do like the 10-year labor that comes with the 2nd option (Infinity 16). Any thoughts on what a 5 year extended labor warranty is worth? The difference between options 1 and 2 (besides hardware) is another 5 years of labor coverage.

Most of the Infinity/Evolution units that have been installed in my subdivision as replacements have been the 16 SEER versions. For the price increase, the 19 SEER probably isn't worth it, and I think the reciprocating compressor is fine in almost any situation. I like the lower capacity on stage 1, and both compressors (scroll or recip) would have a 10 year warranty.

The 25HPA6 quote also communicates with the Infinity system and has a scroll compressor, but it's lower capacity is much higher, so less run time in low stage.

I'm assuming the 5 year warranty is through the company itself. Usually it is 1-2 years. 10 year labor warranty coverage usually runs around $6-700. Hard to tell what can happen, but labor costs can easily make the extended coverage pay for it. If the $700 is feasible upfront to you, then you may really thank yourself down the road. Most do not go with the extended warranty I imagine, but if you can, it certainly will only be beneficial.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

I called the installer and indeed he made a mistage. However it was the heat pump model that he quoted that was the mistake. My option two should have been the 25HNA936 Infinity Series 2 speed 36K BTU/17.2 SEER. This is a two stage scroll compressor, not a recip. This, along with the additional 5 years of labor over option 1 seems like its worth the additional $700. The 2-5 year parts and labor is actually through Carrier. The offer this for all new carrier products. The extra 5 years (10 total) is also through Carrier so I'm not tied to my original installer. Again, seems like a good deal for an extra $700 over option 1. Any further thoughts?

I agree. The Infinity 19 equipment wise and the extended labor warranty seem like a wise move for $700. But either of the other systems would do a fine job as well. If the upgrade cost is feasible to you, I would take the Infinity 19 and FE4A air handler setup (Option 2). One idea would be to pair a 4" media air cleaner/filter with your system. Should not add much to the upfront cost, and would give better filtration. These are typically replaced twice per year, once if the home is fairly dust free. Something to ask your dealer about.

Thanks Ryan, I didn't mention it but the dealer did provide a quote for a Aprilaire 2210 High Efficiency media air filter - $545. If I install this filter, do I no longer have to replace the 2 filters I currently have at each return? I replace them every 3 months at about $10 each so that's a total of $80 a year in filters. What will it cost to replace the filter in this new unit? You mention twice a year replacement or once a year if not too dusty. However with our current filters, they get very dirty after 3 months. Is the filtration that much better? We do have ALOT of allergies to pollen, especially the kids. Thanks for all the advice. I think I'm going with the Infinity 19 since we'll be in the house for many years and its a one time cost for years of comfort.

The 1" filters you have in your returns can be removed since the filtration component will be the 2210 air cleaner. Depending on the pressure drop/static pressure of the systems, the 1" filters may be able to remain and be changed normally for more filtration--but I don't think that's necessary.

The 2210 filters are replaced 1-2 times a year and generally cost around $35 each, give or take--but you can ask your dealer, as perhaps since it was installed through him he can sell the filters for a lower cost.

I think a media air cleaner is nice in a home. But the 1" filters can do an adequate job (I use them in my house since I have no air cleaner). The media filters will have more filter surface area

The $545 upfront cost is around $100 more than I expected it would be.