Yes, because the 65 air handler meets the tax credit requirements (though theoretically only one of the systems would need to qualify since the cap is $1500). For the 3 ton unit, either the 4TEE3F39 or 4TEE3F40 are fine. All XR15 models are rated at 75 dBA (sound level). This isn't the lowest nor the highest across the sound level spectrum, but it is average and would not be considered loud by most. Even Carrier's Infinity model exceeds this sound rating in some situations. So, I highly doubt it will be of any issue whatsoever, but sound is a perceived nuisance.

Oops - I meant to tell gary that I couldn't figure out the ARI directory. TD - thank you so much for the Bryant numbers I received an email from one of the companies saying that he had been in a class yesterday about Carrier's new Performance stat called the Edge. He said it was very impressive and therefore quoted me on: 3 ton performance heat pump 25HPA536H performance fan coil FV4ANF005 performance edge stat and outdoor sensor 9 kw auxiliary heat 10 parts and labor warranty $8056.00 If I want to still have the infinity fan coil and stat I'd have to add $504. It would be an addt'l $300 for a media filter series P102-MF. An additional $1200 for the Inifinity Air Purifier. So the lowest bid so far but still expensive. Soooooo here is a completely different scenario I'll throw out there. The instigating factor in all this was our yearly maintenance that showed the coil needs to be cleaned so it doesn't freeze up the system. They also have said each year they come out that they can't believe the thing is still working because of it's age (23 years). Would it be unwise to just pay the money to have the coil cleaned and just run the current system til it quits? I usually perfer to be proactive, but the thought of NOT having to kick out $9000+ right now sure sits well.

I heard back from Sansone today with their load calculation. They are saying my total cooling BTU requirement is calculated at 22,984 BTU; but my sensible requirement is 20,394 BTU. A 2-speed 2 ton unit will not provide enough sensible BTUs (around 16K); and a 3 ton will be too much (around 25K) which is over the +15% max parameter. So based on this, that is why they are saying I need a 2.5 ton unit to be sized correctly. The ONLY one they stock is the CA16NA030 (builder model) with the FV4-002 would be priced around $4000. For them to order the 24ABC630 is $600 extra and the 24ACC630 is $1000 extra, saying that it is not recommend. They also said 'for as much as we'd like to sell you a more expensive 2-stage system, your sensible BTU will be under at the 2 ton and over at the 3 ton'. Later today I had another dealer come out (Island Air). I didn't show them the cooling figures I got from Sansone. This other dealer (which is also rated high on Angie's List) said that they could get me the 24ABC630 with FV4-002 for the same $4000 price that Sansone wants for the builder's CA16 model, and the 24ACC630 is $300 more. Then they said as far as a 2 stage 24ACB736 + FV4-002, that I would need the 3 ton, as it would operate at the lower stage (2.5 ton) most of the time and only go to the higher 3 ton stage some in the summer, but only for a short period. It's price at $4600 (same as Sansone, but Sansone says its not the right size). Also, the 5-stage 24AVA936 + FE4-002 would also be at the 3 ton, but with since it has 5 stages, would step down to 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1 ton depending on what is needed. Their pricing it was $5800, again same as Sansone. So at this point I'm not sure which system or dealer to go with.... Sansone (that did the Load Cal) is saying I need 20,394 Sensible BTUs, and the only way to get that is with a 2.5 ton. But the only one they stock is the CA16 builders that I don't want, and their prices for the 24ACC/ABC are way too much. The other dealer (Island Air) doesn't sell the CA16, and the price for their 24ACC/ABC is better than Sansone. But they are also saying that I would be fine with the 2-stage 24ACB736, 24ANB136, or 5-stage 24VNA936, since they would be operating at the lower stage most of time, but at least offer extra cooling BTUs at the higher stage when needed.

I've got a similar dilemma -- Had a 2-ton York heat pump that died after 5 1/2 years -- fried compressor. We need to put in a larger unit anyway, since we put on an 800 sq ft addition this winter. Our specs: 1970's single story ranch; 1800 sq ft on main level, 1000 sq ft basement (700 finished), with 800 sq ft insulated/concrete crawl space under addition. We live in South Dakota, so winters can get awfully cold, and summers are hot and humid. We've gotten multiple quotes for heat pumps and have narrowed it down to two units we're seriously considering. Any advice/experience with these or similar units would be most appreciated. Wondering if one is superior to the other as far as problems/service calls in the long-term. Carrier Infinity 3-ton Trane XL16i 3-ton both would be installed with variable speed 3-ton electric auxiliary heat units in basement of house. We've been told we need to install larger ductwork leading out of the air handler to increase the efficiency of the unit and decrease the risk of strain on the system. We don't want to end up needing to replace another system in 5 years, but we also don't want to end up doing more work than is necessary. thanks for the opinions