That price quote sounds out of line... something doesn't add up. I'm in the SouthEast, where cost of living is generally lower than most other parts of the country. For lower end equipment (13 SEER A/C with 80% furnance), I didn't get any quotes below $6,500. Most quotes for equipment that qualifies for the tax credit were generally closer to the $8,500 number. In the end, we went with a recomended private licenced contractor that got us a system to qualify for the tax credits at a cost just a little south of $8,000 and it seemed like a bargin. Equipment cost sounds about right, but the labor cost seems low. The worry there is that it's an installer that might be taking short-cuts to come in as a low bidder. What I learned from my experience in getting the HVAC system updated is that WHO is installing the equipment is more important than WHAT is getting installed. Basically, I've been told that most manufactures are getting major components (like the compressor) from the same source. But it's also possible to take short-cuts to get a system installed. A short-cut system WILL run. But the prognosis for long life isn't as good. Basically, you can get a longer life with cheap equipment installed correctly than you can from expensive equipment installed poorly. So my advice to people who are looking to replace their HVAC system is to get a quote from three or more places. No one can properly quote an HVAC install without a sight visit. Use that time of the sight visit to in effect interview the company/installer. You SHOULD get quotes that are all about the same even if the equipement isn't exactly the same. Ignore quotes that are "out-of-line", and then of the quotes that are left, ignore cost and go on your instincts on which contractor is likely to do the best job.

Tigerdunes, So you are saying you're familiar with the climate here--and you would be comfortable leaving out the LP? I have wondered about this myself, since the house we just sold (subdivision, mass-built) was heatpump only, with LP ventless logs in the LR. Our utility bills were very low. But now that we're building, everyone we ask is saying they wouldn't do it any way other than HP w/ furnace backup. I don't understand why, since our bills have always been low with elec. HP-only. I forgot to clarify--there is no Nat. Gas. It would be LP from our own tank. We are planning to have 1 set of vented LP logs in the LR. We actually used them quite often in the last house to supplement the heat, and take the chill off. They made a big difference in heating the house, but that one was 2-story and I think the heat was able to rise. Not sure if they'd have the same effect in a ranch. I will research the systems you mentioned, as well as some of the terms you used! It's like reading Chinese!! haha I will also use the fuel calculator-will take some research to find the numbers but it looks helpful. Thanks! Ryan, you are right about needing more quotes. Thank for getting me moving on that. I passed the plans along to one sub today who has 40 years' experience and works alone. Thanks again for all your help. I've been searching for threads on here regarding elec. HP only vs. gas backup, but can't find anything.

So get the touch screen Connex w/ wifi control, I'm assuming that is the newest. I forgot to mention that I will have a two system so 2x 987M and two A/C units one system for each floor. Do I need 2 of the high end Connex WiFi controllers or is there a way for one WiFi Connex and a sub controller for the other system?

A properly sized unit should be able to maintain reasonable humidity levels (though maybe not at 78 degrees without a dehumidification mode). The dual-stage unit will help control humidity. The only way of extra dehumidification with the XL16i that I know of is with the TCONT803/Honeywell TH8321 thermostat, which will overcool to control humidity. Ask your contractor why he proposed the VisionPRO IAQ when the BK terminal is already in use by the XL16i, thus not allowing the dehumidification feature of the VisionPRO IAQ (which is great as it actually slows down the blower). If you want an alternative that can make use of the VisionPRO IAQ, I'd go with the XL15i. It's a single-stage unit, but sized properly it should control humidity fine with the added advantage of the VisionPRO IAQ. Here are possible setups (ask your contractor what size he would recommend--I would NOT go with a 3 ton for your size home). Now, there are different air handlers that can go with these units, but the 4TEE3F39 air handler is tall due to the Vortica blower. The 4TWX5024A1000A (2-ton XL15i) with the 4TEE3F31B1000A yields 13.00 EER, 15.25 SEER and 8.60 HSPF. The 4TWX5024A1000A (2-ton XL15i) with the 4TEE3F39A1000A yields 13.00 EER, 16.00 SEER, and 9.00 HSPF. The 4TWX5018A1000A (1.5-ton XL15i) with the 4TEE3F31B1000A (only rated match with the 1.5-ton outdoor unit) yields 13.00 EER, 15.00 HSPF, and 8.50 HSPF. Feel free to print out my responses if it will be easier for you to go over these possible issues with your contractor. Good luck.