carl I don't mean to dispute the previous poster but his comments are not correct. Carrier has recently introduced the Performance 16 which is a two stg HP condenser(same as Bryant's Preferred 16). Plus I believe Carrier's Comfort 16 and Bryant's Legacy 16 are both two stg. I still like heat pumps that have electronic demand defrost feature rather than time/temp. this eliminates nuisance and unnecessary defrost cycle calls. these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. My personal favs are Trane's XL15i or XR15 and AmStd's Heritage 15 Heat Pumps. you seem to have a difficult time making a decision. IMO Good Luck!

Tim, Have you considered a hybrid system? All I see in your equipment quote are split systems. I assume you have natural gas heat? The hybrid system didn't enter my thinking until pretty late in the process. I just assumed I'd replace the existing system with the exact same thing, just newer. And then someone suggested I consider a hybrid setup.. and I'm glad they did! The more I looked into a hybrid system, the more it seemed to make sense to me, considering upfront cost and operational cost in the future. I was initially concerned about the comfort level of heat from the heat pump. But with the adjustable level of the switchover point with the hybrid system... even just using either the furnace or HP only if I want... gives me options I wouldn't have with a split system. I'm able to control the way our house is heated. I like those options.

Thanks Mike for following up...here is my AHRI # 3636432...ptrap problems installed backwards-took 2 techs yesterday a good 5 hours to install flue pipe and another 2 more hours to figure out the Infinity stat needed to be NIM, but I believe this came from someone that was "helping them" over the phone..there has been 4 different techs giving advice to each other and still not correct plus 3 other installers helping doing something..we did have 3 new returns and 1 supply drop added..but now also concerned how they ran the new pieces of the gas line it is not secured to the floor and is very wobbly just kinda of hanging unsupported across a3 foot section before it is connected to the old gas line..these are the best techs according to salesperson..cant get anyone to return calls at the company..also sent him pics via email...have an option that they will take back and refund 100% if unhappy.(have not paid anything as yet)I believe we have been patient enough with their inability to get us going, plus not happy to be stuck (or would I ?) using them for warranty or service in the future..need to pull the plug??sorry so long..thanks

Rangerneil, You did not indicate heatpump or AC. I have a Bryant Puron AC system which is the same manufacturer as Carrier. I think your infinity thermostat is the same as my Bryant thermostat. It appears your thermostat was not set up properly by the installer as to the proper outdoor temperature and current humidity levels and possibly the indoor temperature. These three can be reset to the proper settings. You will need an accurate or near accurate thermometer and either a hygrometer or psychrometer to measure the humidity inside at the thermostat location. Do not use any radio broadcast for any of your measurements because they will not be as accurate as the conditions outside of your home. When you check the temperature outside, measure it in a area away from concrete. If your installer placed the Outdoor Air Temperature switch too close to the compressor, it will never indicate the true outdoor air temperature because you will measure the ambient temperature plus the heat coming off the compressor. But I am going to assume the installer placed it away from the compressor. You need to get a decent thermometer and hygrometer and/or psychrometer to measure the humidity. It may be easier and cheaper to call back the installer and have them do the measuring and recalibrate the thermostat. Ask about the location of the OAT if you have one. You should have the installer instructions for the stat. Read through it to see if an OAT is mentioned. If you decide you want to measure using your own instruments, then stay away from those $20.00 hygrometers from either Radio Shack or the home centers as they will be + or - 5 or more percent off from actual humidity. Now take note of your stat's indoor readings for room temperature, outdoor temperature and humidity readings and record them on a piece of paper. Do the same for your actual measurement of outdoor temperature and record that also. You will need both of them when you re-calibrate your stat. But before you purchase anything, check your stat for a advanced settings button. If you have this, then press and hold this button for about 10 to 15 seconds until a install/service menu pops up. On this menu, you should see "Settings" as one of the choices, highlight this using the scroll button. Click the select buttom, usually located on the right side of the stat. The next menu will be the "Setup Menu" with the "Thermostat" highlighted. Select this and another menu called "Thermostat Setup" pops up. As you look down on the menu, you should see "Offsets". Scroll down to it and select it. The final menu will say "Thermostat Setup" again and you will see three offsets adjustments to either raise or lower depending on what your actual outdoor and indoor temperatures are and your indoor humidity offset. The first choice may be the indoor temperature adjustment and the other choice should indicate for the outdoor adjustment and then your indoor humidity adjustment. Use the temperature selection button to make your adjustments. Refer to the readings you recorded on paper and make your adjustments to add or subtract from the thermostat readings. Then you are done. Press the advanced button briefly and you will be prompted to save your settings. Select yes. Afterwhich, your stat should be showing the correct measurements for the outdoor and indoor temperatures and indoor humidity. Hopefully, You have an AC system as I am not positive that a heatpump has the same configuation as an AC system for set up purposes. Then maybe this info can help others. If you have the install/setup booklet for the thermostat (not the user manual) it will explain everything about the advance settings menu's.