Finally got the quote from the 2nd Trane dealer: Furnace: XV95 + Honeywell VisionPro IAQ, new air supply ducting to upstairs bedroom, new cold air return on main - $5865. Furnace Model No. TDH2B080A9V3VA This has an output of 49,400/76,000 BTUH for stage 1 and 2. My current 80% AFUE Heil is rated 75,000 BTUH input, so this XV95 has at least 25% more heating capacity. Heat Pump Option: XL15i - $5905 complete. Model No. 4TWX5036B1000A (3 ton capacity, house is 2300 sq ft, 2-story) Installed with Trane Coil, Model No. 4TXXCB036BC3HCA (other dealer quoted a 4TXCB036BC3HCA, so maybe the above is a typo?) ARI Ref# 1384223 Cooling Capacity, 34800 EER (cooling), 11.40 SEER (cooling), 13.5 Heating Capacity @ 47F, 37200 Region IV HSPF (heating), 8.3 Heating Capacity @17F, 24200 This doesn't exactly look like a very stellar system combination for the price as none of the specs on the HP/coil combo would qualify it for the $1500 tax credit. I do believe the XV95 would qualify however. The other problem is I don't think the furnace or the HP would qualify for our local utility rebate of $350 since you can't get the rebate on a 90%+ furnace if installed as a backup system with a HP, and I don't think the HP listed here would qualify on it's own. Guess I would have to install the furnace and coil 1st, claim the rebate, then install the HP or AC if I felt like it. It's all too damn confusing. Pricing from all the dealers is pretty close, but the quotes are not exactly apples to apples so it is a bit hard to judge. I thought the XL15i had much better efficiency ratings that listed above. Think I need a quote on an AC unit instead of the HP as I still don't like the idea of the 95% AFUE furnace just sitting there most of the time. Would love any input or suggestions.

Re: the Manual J. The only one that claims to have done a heat load calc is the Lennox dealer I like. I'm a bit confused by the result they came up with though as it was quoted as a "minimum of about 32,000 BTUH." Lennox makes a 70K gross, 66,500 net and Trane makes an 80K gross, 76K net furnace. Our current model is a 75K gross, 60K net, which heats the house just fine so I think the Lennox is a better fit, especially considering the multiple stages of regulation. Being the engineer I am I may do my own calc since I have all the measurements. Took at look at a little program called Heat Calc and for $49 it may be worth doing a detailed calculation, although all four dealers essentially proposed the same size units (2300 sq ft, 2-story). Would be nice to see how the loads change with different attic and subloor R-values, both of which are in bad condition now. Lennox dealer says they used to sell Trane. He claims the local distributor never stocked what they needed. Lennox has their own factory stocked warehouse in Seattle. Lennox dealer is also MUCH more responsive to my questions and has been very helpful. Other guys don't seem nearly as interested. Looks like I will go with Lennox.

I would like to see the evap coil model number for each quote. I don't like the idea of a smaller AC condenser in the Trane quote. Any hot/cold spots in TH with existing system? What exactly are you looking for in the new system? I suspect you are being oversized in the 80 K furnaces that were quoted. I would want to see a load calc both heating and cooling. Post back. IMO

Thanks for the quick response. I am not really sure what the benefits of having a communicating system are or the benefit / impact of having just the furnace communicate vs both furnace and AC. I am lacking an air return near my upper master bedroom which does not get sufficient heat / cooling. Both contractors said my home is very "open concept" and doesn't need a new air return and the new furnace blower will improve this room. They also said that the 2 ton AC is undersized and should be 2.5 ton, but trane doesn't offer 2.5 ton in the 2 stage XL 16i and 18i. In your opinion is the PerfectFit media cabinet worth getting / spending extra $ if I already have a new infinity air cleaner and media filter? Thanks again for your help.