How was the system sizing determined? Was there a heat gain/loss calculation done? Post the model numbers of the furnace, coil, and condenser. The model numbers should be on the quote. If not, call them back and get all of the model numbers in writing. What are your electric rates (cents per kw-hr)? What are your gas rates ($ per therm)? Georgia would be a good climate for a heat pump. You may be quoted a heat pump but need model numbers to confirm. What are your winter temperatures like?

Tigerdunes, I am in the York, Pennsylvania area. The property is insultated very well. I recently insulated the ceiling, floors with Fiberglass insulation, and the walls with 2 1/2 inch Lowes Insulation Board.

Thank you for your replies. Yes Tiger it was authorized dealer. I know he wanted to put in 17" furnace cabinet & coil because my 24" closet(I know it would have to be dropped in from attic,not through closet door) and said it would be hard to repair and service if 21". However the Goodman guy didn't complain about the size of closet. Goodman guy, said the HP with dual fuel would be nice, but it would take getting use to a cooler heat with HP, until gas heat kicked on, since we are use to gas heat. I will call AS guy back and ask about the other sizes. I will also get another AS guy out here. I feel that I really need a load test, esp. since when I look @ AS stuff, alot of what you suggested is either 3 or 4 ton, not 3.5 ton which is what I have. Back in 1996, when my a/c went out, they put in carrier with a bigger coil, no test done then either. I think the orginial was a Rheem 2.5 or 3 ton. I want to get this right and hopefully have it last 25 yrs up. What is you opinion on the Goodman? Rheem? Carrier? Also which is cheaper, HP or AC, with gas heat? I might be willing to try HP, hubby NOT. Thanks guys.

I was able to get info on the existing furnace from the data plate. It's a Carrier Model 58ss140-BC, Series 110, 167,000 BTU. The data plate said the blower is "157", whatever that means. The motor spec was 1/2 hp. Mfg date 1982. That's all I found on the furnace. I found next to nothing on the a/c. The data plates outside are gone. I could see where it was but there was just rivets. A single, long rectangular unit outside. Like I said, vintage 1974, from the builder. According to my mother, the quoting contractors guessed that the system was 4 or 5 tons. I don't know anything about who said what. Turns out the Lennox/Costco guy was the only one to quote an upgraded unit. He also quoted: Option #3B. $9,185. Platinum Package. A/C XC17-048 and 2 stage gas furnace SL280UH135 with variable speed and I-Comfort Communicating Controller. I'm having a hard time getting her to look at the Am Std quote because they didn't quote her an upgraded unit option and their basic units were only about $1,000 cheaper than the upgraded Lennox units. ($9,145 vs $7,945). About the house, I tried to describe it above. Built 1974. 3200 sq ft. and two stories. Attached garage. Full sun exposure--the property is not shaded. Brick exterior with not a whole heck of a lot of insulation. (I remember my parents being mad that the builder gipped them on the insulation.) High quality house though, expensive neighborhood. Stick framed over a full basement. Attic with pitched shingle roof. Colonial. Original single pane wood windows with storms windows, maybe a tad drafty. After being widowed with 4 kids in 1978, she never had the money to remodel anything and everything is pretty much 1974. Anything else you want to know about the house, please ask. This is all I could think of.