Guys, truly appreciate your input. I asked one of the contractors about changing the line set instead of flush. He said it would be $600, but he has had no issues with flushing. I'm wondering whether this changeover from R22 to R410 has been long enough to show issues if the flushing has not been done properly. For peace of mind I'm leaning towards having it changed regardless of the promise of doing the job correctly. Regarding the low end AC, I'm starting to wonder if he is just putting things together from a catalog, rather than truly knowing the model numbers and matching them correctly. For what it's worth he did come recommended by a family member who he did a good job for. But then again, the contractor mentioned that he has stepped away from residential for a while and has been doing commercial installs. The other quote he gave me which I had not included was for an American Standard 4 ton platinum SV furnace AUD2C080ACV42A 4 ton gold XI conditioner 4A7A6048H1000A XADDH1360 16seer Coil This is the same price ($11600) as another A-S quote (above) except that one is a 5 ton gold SV AUD2C100B9V5VB and this one includes the new line set. Setting aside contractor competency (which I'm not discounting at all), which one of these works better as a system (and possibly has better value for the money) A) American Standard 4 ton platinum SV furnace AUD2C080ACV42A 4 ton gold XI conditioner 4A7A6048H1000A B) American Standard 5 ton gold SV furnace AUD2C100B9V5VB 4 ton gold XI conditioner 4A7A6048H1000A C) Rheem/Rudd prestige RGPE10NBRMR RARL049JEZ Lastly, on the Rheem, there is RGPE10N and RGPE10E differentiated by Heating Input Designation, electric ignition vs Nox model. What is the difference there? Thanks again.

Baldloonie- I think it's just to run ducts out to back room which is only electric heat. The room is right off the room with the furnace. Ryanhughes- The 10,000 rebate is part of the NJ Clean Energy Program. It's a rebate a lot of people aren't familiar with but it's great. It's actually a reimbursement for saving energy for buying new higher energy efficiency products. You can be reimbursed for 50% of the cost of the work up to $10,000 plus have an opportunity to finance the balance at a 0% interest rate for up to 10 years if you reach certain efficiency requirements. There's specifics such as you obviously must meet certain efficiency levels, can only use contractors certified in this program, must have an energy audit done, etc. Check these 2 sites out: Explains the efficiency requirements for loan (This site also shows programs for some other states but I know nothing about those) www.energyfinancesolutions.com Explains the steps to get the maximum rebate of 10,000 http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/home-performance-energy-star/benefits-and-incentives

Quote #1 does not include increasing the size of the ductwork which needs to be done because you are replacing a 2 ton with a 3 or 4 ton (depending on the quote) and a 1.5 ton with a 3 or 3.5 ton. Quote #2 also includes zoning equipment/controls. There is a VERY large discrepancy in size of existing units vs. proposed units(both quotes) Did any of these contractors do a heat loss calculation? You should ask to see a manual J, which will determine the proper size system for the home. I understand the size needs to be increased due to the additions to the home, but what is the proper size? I would not sign any contract without a heat loss calculation first. That is the basics. Post back and we can continue this. Or email me @ woody22478@yahoo.com. I can forward you info and links to help explain better.

I live in Michigan. My home is a colonial with approximately 2400 sq ft. The current heating system, when it worked, was excellent. The house would heat up in a matter of minutes. The temperature also stayed pretty consistent. In the old house we also had the furnace replaced. I hated, hated, hated the new furnace. The furnace would turn on, the house would get warm, then the temperature would go down about 5-7 degrees before turning back on. The air was also super dry and we had never had that problem before. I don't want to make that mistake again. Here's the actual information from the quote: Remove and haul away old equipment. Install Carrier 110,000 BTU 80% efficient furnace with 35ft chimney liner. Install a Carrier 3.5 ton 13 seer central air package with 25ft copper lineset, ac pad, a coil cond (can't figure out what he wrote) pump to pump to laundry. Elect (can't figure out what he wrote) and disconnect. All permits, sheet metal, work, taxes, and cleanup included. Warranties: Furnace - 20 year heat exchanger Parts - 10 year Service & Labor - 2 year Total Cost - $4890 Extras: air cleaner - $200 95% Carrier 100,000 BTU furnace $700 more It seems that it makes more sense to get the 95% or 96% furnace but I really don't know.