bcar the general conscensus is that you get better control and ccomfort with two systems over one system that uses zoning controls for a large living space with just one system. you need to take that into consideration, your overall satisfaction with existing system, and the ductwork modifications required to go to one system with zoning controls. you may be required to give up some living space as well with one system. then there is the qualifying process of finding a capable HVAC dealer to do the job. look for experience and references that you can call and perhaps visit. as far as remote access and iPhone usgae, this is rapidly changing everyday and you need to rely on dealer for advice on this subject. I know Trane and Carrier have remote access capability. I do think that Carrier along with sister company Bryant offer the best integrated system for residential zoning on the market. And certainly I would be very careful in selecting a third party control/stat just to get remote iPhone access/capability. IMO

The system has not been installed yet. I spoke with him on the phone and got some answers in regards to the American Standard HVAC System. 1) The included thermostat is the ACONT802 2 stage thermostat 2) He is "99% sure" that my ductwork can support a 4 ton system. He will stop by in the next 24 hours to verify. 3) He is "99% sure" that my lineset can support a 4 ton system. He will verify when he stops by. If not, he will install a new lineset. 4) It is a matching coil. He did not have the model #. 5) A ? Filter Track Box is included in the quote. 6) Because the furnace is an 80% furnace, I am actually getting 80,000 BTU output, not 100,000 BTU. 7) Due to technical reasons, it would be difficult to put a 95% furnace in the attic (where the current one is located). It can be done, but would entail significant expense.

I have a new luxaire heat pump I"m happy with. Luxaire is same as York. My luxaire is very quiet. American std. makes good stuff. Usually York stuff costs less than american std. The lifetime warranty on parts and the 5 year labor warranty is a good deal. Also the price isn't terrible for that good equipment. I would go with the american std. Get the heat pump option for $500 more. Its worth it. I would also ask how much more to upgrade from 14 to 15 seer single stage compressor. I'm on american std's website and they are single stage at 15 seer. I'm not sure, but I don't think american std use scroll compressors. Its not a big deal. There compressors are well known for being quality and lasting a very long time. My old trane 12-seer was running just fine at 17 years old. I choose to replace it to take advantage of the tax-credit and to upgrade from straight a/c to dual fuel.

gaelen these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem,Carrier/Bryant. ...... I would not purchase a re-branded system period. I find that type of selling strategy very suspicious. I did go on the James River site and it told you very little and absolutely nothing about the manufacturers they represented. for me, that raises a red flag. I am not certain you could get a certificate for HVAC tax credit qualification on a so called James River Select model. Take a look at my link below on one of the reviews. The AmStd dealer is listed as an authorized dealer? You have been quoted a Heritage 15 HP system. Excellent sgl stg HP system. You are replacing a three ton system? What size heat strip do you have? Trane/AmStd make a 7/12KW staged heat strip that I would recommend.I would ask dealer to break out the cost for the zoning control and other associated costs. What mdl zoning control? Why do you want it? I assume this includes ductwork modification. Correct? Thermostat selection depend on whether you go with zoning controls or not. Trane has been behind the curve in this area for many years compared to Carrier. Honeywell has had a long business relationship with Trane/AmStd and makes their stats. The HW VP IAQ would be top of line if you elect a non-zoned system. Other choice would be the 803. If zoning controls, then a good basic on-off HP thermostat(2) as the zoning control board would handle the system's operation for both zones. I am not a fan of the CleanEffects(AccuClean) because of the maintenance/cleaning schedules that most homeowners do not follow. I prefer a good 4-5" box filter cabinet Merv 10. I am not going to comment on the need for ERV or Humidifier as you know your home's characteristics and envelope better than I do. Here are AHRI HP Directory performance/efficiency numbers. 1384032 Active Systems HERITAGE 15 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H5036A1 4TEE3F40B1 37400 12.70 15.00 36200 9.00 IMO Here is a link that might be useful: James River Air Review