Sounds a bit high, but we can't see the job and don't completely know what's involved. Get at least a couple of quotes. I'm not sure about that coil, so I'd get the full model number and ask for the ARI reference number for this combo to confirm that it is indeed a match. I found no match for the components (I was assuming that was an ADP TE coil, which is third party). Ask the contractor about the coil selection and ask to see an ARI certificate. Otherwise, it's probably not an approved match. Make sure the equipment is sized properly, which means not only going by the old size of the equipment. Why a 80% furnace? You don't use the heat much in NJ? Venting issues with the PVC of the 90%?

Thanks for the response Ryan.
I did get 4 quotes in all. SEARS quoted $12000 for Carrier comofrt series 13 SEER 3TON A/C and 90K BTU 2 stage single speed furnace.

Another contractor quoted $8000 for Performance series 13 SEER 2.5 TON AC and Infinity series 80K BTU 80% AFUE furnace. No humidifier though.

Yet another contractor quoted 7000 for Coleman system.

So looking at all the other offers I thought this guy's TRANE estimate was the best.

Here is the update on the COIL Model is TE47636CI75B2922 and it says Make is TRANE/ADP.

As for the not going with 90% Furnace the reason is new PVC venting that the homeowner association will not allow. So I am staying with 80% . The contractor said I will not miss much by going with 80% as opposed to 90% BTU.

He did do the load calculation by measuring the house, windows etc. How much more do you think I am paying for this job? Don't the prices vary by the market. I am sure if I did this in Alabama it would be cheaper than doing here in NY Metro?

Once again thanks for the input!

NY Metro? Might be about right. Prices vary by market and dealer. The Sears quote is ridiculous. Where did the Performance series guy come up with 2.5 tons? Did he do a load calculation, too? Bigger is not better for humidity removal and long life of the equipment. A load calculation is important. What you saw may not have been a true Manual J load calculation. That setup should provide 12.00 EER and 14.00 SEER. ARI reference number is 1178028 (it is not rated with that particular furnace, but it doesn't have to be--as long as you have the right airflow, the air conditioner and coil are the only components that need to match).

Ryan, you ROCK bro!! Thanks a lot for the responses.
The guy who quoted for 2.5 ton did no calculation at all. He just went by what is currently installed.

I have windows in north and south. The house is sandwiched between 2 houses. 3 out of 4 guys who gave me estimates recommened upgrade to 3 Ton. Two of them did the measurements of the house and windows and used a worksheet to calculate load.

The guys who has quoted he TRANE system will als o draw permits from the township. He comes across as a very reasonable and knowledgeable guy. Is a TRANE comfort specialist and is also NATE certified. Has been doing business for over 20 years. Did I tell you that he will draw new lines for the 410 refrigerant?

I can't get any references so i am really hoping I am making the right choice for both the price and the quality of installation. I am just going with the gut feel.

Any other words of wisdon?
Thanks again Bro. You are great!

"Two of them did the measurements of the house and windows and used a worksheet to calculate load." That's always a good sign. A Manual J can be done using a worksheet as you describe.

Sounds like you feel comfortable with the Trane dealer.

Another thought: Did he look at your ductwork? Going from 2.5 tons to 3 tons isn't a significant change, but if the ducts were undersized to begin with (many are), it's not a good thing to do. Did he suggest adding more air returns? Do you know how many air returns you have (draw air in)?

And no problem.

Of the 4 I am the most comfortable with the Trane guy, but that's mainly because of the comparison with the rest.

Yes he did look at the ductwork. He also looked at the suction in the returns all over the house. I have one return downstairs very close to the unit. Then I have returns in each of the 3 bedroom and hallway upstairs. He said the pressure was a little low in the returns upstairs because of the location of main return being so close and bigger in size to the blower. He said he would partially block the main return downstairs to make the pressure even in the returns upstairs.

He did not mention anything about the ducts not being adequate for 3 ton AC.

What he proposes sounds logical regarding the returns. It's important to remove the heat that rises upstairs.

See if you can get them to throw in a factory 10 year parts and labor warranty for little or no charge.

One last question. My old furnace and the boiler share the same flue for venting.
The contractor is proposing that he will continue to use the same system. Even though I am going with higher efficiency system that uses R410A refregerant. Is this OK? Would this pass permit inspection? Or should he reline the chimney? What does relining the chimney involve?

The refrigerant type doesn't play a role in furnace venting. I'm not sure about the furnace venting. Since you feel comfortable with him, you could probably go by his advice since everything else he's proposed is logical. I'll let someone else post about the furnace venting.