The $9000 price sounds on target, with the Bryant probably being a bit higher than it needs to be. That's normal for some companies to be higher than others--some companies have higher overhead, and some can just get away with charging more.

I'm not sure how Lennox has appeared to be lower than Bryant or Trane in terms of quality. Lennox, in my opinion, builds solid equipment. Almost any brand will have a 10 year warranty nowadays. Some say Lennox parts are difficult to get, but that's different for each area. And if it were the case, I doubt that dealer would still be carrying Lennox. For heat pumps, sometimes Lennox units aren't putting out the best performance in terms of efficiency, but that doesn't apply here and isn't the case for each model. All I'm saying is, I wouldn't discount a dealer whom you felt comfortable with simply based on reading some others' opinions on Lennox on the internet. Lennox is fine, and other brands are not really better or worse for the most part (my opinion).

Turn your research-aholic weight toward Mini-splits. You might even decide to put a unit downstairs.

You are a lucky dog to have hydronic heat. Don't mess up your house with ducts.

"Turn your research-aholic weight toward Mini-splits."

Be sure to listen top one in operation before laying down money.

I have used them a number of times in communications rooms to make sure racks of equipment do not overheat.

I do not enjoy working in the rooms when there is trouble.

I have also used Unico in my house (twice), in customer's houses, and in larger communication installations.

It is a more gentle white noise and far more tolerable.
In many cases it cannot be heard over the equipment fans (and they are pretty quiet).

I wouldn't focus on the equipment or price, especially in an old house. It's all about the quality of the install and the ducting design.

I'd recommend against a minisplit system unless you are trying to cool just one room, while there are multi evaporator units you would really be cutting up the house and they are UGLY.

Brickeye's suggestion of the Unico (a brand of high velocity system) that uses small (+/-) 2.5" supplies are great in an old house and may even provide the ability to move some air to the first floor. These however are more expensive and complicated systems and the install/design is super important for these systems to function properly.

FWIW, my parents just added AC (new system in attic) and they used Lennox equipment and they have had no problems (yet, only 2-3 seasons).

Thanks for all the feedback already!!! We're really trying to stay away from the mini-splits or ductwork from the basement up into the original floors--all for aesthetics sake. For having all of the original windows, this house really is well-insulated and stays relatively cool on the first floor throughout the summer...the house has six bedrooms and we have three kids, so we really need the central A/C upstairs because the window units are getting very annoying since all the rooms are now used.

Glad to hear that Lennox isn't terrible--we like that company, they're local, and well-established/respected. Can't wait to hear how the other bids come in. I'm fine with having ductwork in the ceiling--I'm trying to keep a nice balance between the integrity of the house and our comfort as a young family. That doesn't offend me like some other changes might. The attic is GIGANTIC and the ductwork will be kept off to the sides, so if we ever get a chance to put our dream rec-room in up there, short knee-walls would cover it.

Honestly, I'm pretty confident that with the two open stairwells the front third and back third of the house should be cooled pretty well. The one room in the middle of the downstairs is our living room, so if that doesn't get cold enough, we'll go with either one window unit or one mini-split. My parents have them in their 50's ranch, and while they love them, I just can't get over the look...

Thanks...any other info would be much appreciated!!!

-Sarah from Albany

Contractor is 10 times more important than equipment
The XC21 is a good system, 2 speed condenser.

The Bryant you may consider a 3 ton 187B communicating 2 speed condenser with a FE4 communicating air handler and evolution controller or a non communicating 2 speed condenser 126A(include compressor sound blanket) with a FV4 non communicating air handler with a T6 Edge Thermidistat.

Price: It takes a lot of time to do little things and little things add up.

Also if you went with the lennox guy. Would he be on your job site doing the work?

Thanks for the help!! I'll write down the suggestions and ask the different companies.

The Lennox guy that gave us the quote was not a normal salesman--he's an installer who's used to old houses, so that's why they sent him. I would specifically ask if he would be the one installing it, that's for sure!!

Thanks again for the suggestions...one more quote Monday from the Carrier guy (Choice Heating and Cooling) and then we'll see what the final verdict is!!

-Sarah