Thanks for the input udarrell! The main reason we're looking at the 15+ SEER units is to take advantage of the current tax incentives...should be able to get a more efficient unit for the same or less cost than a less efficient one (hopefully). As for heat gain we've replaced all the windows over the past couple years and are going to add all new insulation on the 2nd floor which should help out quite a bit with keeping the temps even (the 50 year old rock-wool is probably only worth at most r-8 at this point, haha). We're in the process of getting as many quotes as possible right now, hopefully one will end up a winner (both contractor and quote).

Thanks for your reply. I have not considered replacing both. Right now I am not sure what to do... Just move the AC with the risk or replace one system or replace entire system with one very efficient one + zone system? You just added another option in the process: replacing both.... My budget does not allow replacing entire system or both systems. Also, can anybody recommend a good company in this area? Trenton-Princeton-South Brunswick? I am not sure about areas, but in this part of NJ the companies in this line of work maybe making lots of money because their are not crazy about this job. The company offering Lennox would not offer an upgraded setup as a quote because it is their policy not to do so(??!!), another company told me in my face that this is not the kind of job they will be interested in (???!!, probably because of the AC move), the American Standard company did not get back to me in 2 days and so on.... The company offering Carrier was ready to had me sign on the contract the same day it arrived and presented to me (very upset that my wife was not around)... and I just got another quote from the only guy that in fact measured everything - manual J - looking at insulation, windows and so on , but his offers range from 15K-20K - however the only profession behavior so far, but 20K? Who are these people/companies? We are talking about thousands of dollars here, not 100-200.... My question I guess is: is the American Standard offer worth spending additional $1,000 (over the Lennox one)? Also, is Heil the low product from Carrier? Thanks, Vali

it is a 1 1/2 story, upstairs open to landing and loft overlooking d/s living area. Makes for 20ft ceiling in living area. Quote 1 did say he would do a load test before starting. I am about to call quote 3 with questions.Included with quote 3 system to include : recovery of freon, dipose old equipment,float switch, programmable thermostat, auxiliary drain pan, high & low voltage conduit at outdoor unit, city permits & inspections, adapt to existing ducts, new gas cut-off and flex connector, all new vent pipe. I was dissappointed that this model I would have to pay for 10 yr labor whereas Infinity series comes with 10 yr l&p. But he said measurement wise an infinity wouldn't fit in attic. Is the media box filter what we change out? If so ours is 24x36x1, not the easiest to find and none of the contractors have mentioned this.

I also live in NJ and I am familiar how the Clean Energy program works. I have to be honest I don't care for it. The contractors quote a high price and then the state comes in with a rebate to bring it back down. The result is you are usually paying an inflated price. The hook is you have to replace your water heater and add insulation at some very high price. So the quote is $17,662 minus the $4000 rebate for a net of $13,662. For this you are getting a 2-stage Infinity furnace and a single stage AC, with a water heater and blown in insulation. If $2000 goes towards the insulation leaving $11,662 for the equipment and installation. If it were a 2-stage AC I would say you are at the high end of the price range, for a single stage it is over priced in my opinion. You can try what Tigerdunes has suggested, but I am confident the dealer will not go along with it. Do you need a new hot water heater? Paying $2800 for a hot water heater is absurd. Realize that this will be a vented model which will not operate during a power outage. With the low price of gas even they are estimating a 40 year pay back. You will be lucky if the hot water heater lasts 20 years. I think you can do much better with pricing. Get a quote from a Carrier dealer who doesn't participate in the program. If you need a hot water heater you can buy a basic tank in Home Depot for less than $500 plus installation. If you have R30 insulation in the attic, then adding more is probably not going to have a big impact (look at the payback years). Attic sealing is good DIY project. Put the money toward an attic hatch or make one yourself. Finally not sure about the $4000 in labor. Installers will rarely quote labor charges, or even breakdown the price by item.