If that is the case Sunny I could have a geothermal pit DX system for $7,800.00 and not turn a tap between my utilities rebates and the 30% govt. Original quote was $14,500.00 to do a manual J and fix any other existing duct issues along with insulate my ductwork. I didn't get a quote for air to air but at this rate I am not sure if I should even bother. I am thinking about a refi and was considering upgrading the system with air to air cause the 14k for GT seemed out of reach. What would you do?

I wanted to clarify my earlier statement about the tax credit. I don't think $1500 is trivial in any sense, regardless of who you are. But, I think in considering how there are many nice systems out there (Carrier Infinity, Lennox Signature, etc.) in the 4/5 ton sizes that don't quite qualify, and customers are turned away from these systems because of a tax credit, something is wrong. Especially in the grand scheme of things (considering how the investment is for comfort foremost and not getting a $1500 return). When the tax credit is obtainable, great. But when some members on this site have to search through multiple brands and scrutinize every possible coil matchup just to realize the qualifying match is with a third-party coil only, I say forget it and go with the best overall system for your needs. The goal of the tax credit was to stimulate purchase of higher efficiency equipment, but sometimes what it has led to is people purchasing systems that aren't geared most toward their needs to get the credit. For example, one Carrier matchup I looked up the other day required the largest furnace possible to qualify a 4 ton unit. No way. And some dealers will do that.

vree I agree with Ryan. The 005 Infinity air handler has much better performance/eff numbers. see below for comparison. 1077117 Active Systems EVOLUTION 18 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 288ANA036-B FE4AN(B,F)003+UI 34800 12.60 17.20 36000 8.80 21000 1077119 Active Systems EVOLUTION 18 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 288ANA036-B FE4AN(B,F)005+UI 36400 13.20 17.80 36000 9.20 21000 Unless there is some type of obstacle, I strongly recommend that you replace the refrigerant lineset. If not size should be verified on existing and correct flushing method performed. A good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet is nice and changeout is easy. I am not a particular fan of two stg condensers. However with rebates and tax credits, it probably makes sense. see below AHRI number on Bryant's Preferred 15 sgl stg condenser, an excellent unit. 1169032 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH036-B FV4BN(B,F)005 36000 13.00 15.50 36000 9.00 21800 1267996 Active Systems PREFERRED 15 PURON HP BRYANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS 265ANH036-B FE4AN(B,F)005+UI 36000 13.00 15.50 36000 9.00 21800 I do not recommend 3rd party extended warranties. IMO

What concerns me is them quoting very large backup heat furnaces. I'd be surprised if you needed over 100k backup heat. Was a load calc performed? Lennox or Trane either way you would get a good system if installed properly and sized properly. I sure hope Trane would make some changes. 2-stage would be beneficial for humidity control, but not necessary by any means. What coil was quoted for the Lennox setup? If using a Lennox CX34-49C coil, the G60UHV-60C-110 furnace would make the system qualify. If they use an Aspen coil they don't have to oversize the furnace.