Are you saying the difference between the quotes is the condenser model? If so, that's pure nonsense.

What model thermostat?

New lineset?

New filter box?

Dealer should recommend improvement to the two rooms that have temperature difference. Very common problem though. Obviously airflow is poor, not enough BTUs. How many returns upstairs? Don't expect any significant improvement to these rooms because of modulating or two stage furnaces. Usually this is ductwork related.

Finished basement is below grade? I would think the 90 KBTU model furnace would be more than adequate. I would want to see supporting documentation to justify the 110 model. What size and eff is existing furnace?

For information, the XC17 AC condenser configuration qualifies for fed tax credit, the XC 14 condenser does not.

Finally, I would recommend getting a competitive quote from Carrier/Bryant for comparison.

Post back.

IMO

This post was edited by tigerdunes on Mon, Nov 18, 13 at 8:14

Tigerdunes,
Thanks much for the input. In response to your questions:
1) The difference in quotes is based on condenser diff only
2) Thermostat: I-comfort Lennox
3) New lineset - yes
4) New filter - No. Approx 3 yrs ago, had 20x25x4 filter put in - Healthy Solutions Climate Model: HCC20-28. FYI: Quote offers Honeywell F-100 for about $400.00 additional cost and Aprilaire Humidifier Model #700 for $450.00 (debating humidifier install)
5) Basement: all of it below grade
6) Existing oil furnace: Input: 131K BTU/hr, 80AFUE (Tempstar Lincoln series, Model NUOD105BHA)
7) Competitive quote from Carrier/Bryant in process, will let you know when I have it.
8)XC-14-041 coupled with CX34 62C and SLP98UH110V60C gives a SEER of 16 (AHRI ref 4253822) - does that still preclude the fed tax credit?
9) The evap coil is for a 5+ ton system, so it bothers me that this may not be matched to the 3.5 ton condenser and can damage the coil in the long run. However, Lennox tech document lists it as a match in the AHRI match listing. My understanding was the general rule of thumb is to keep the evap coil to no more than 1/2 ton in excess of the condenser's specs. Any thoughts?

Tigerdunes,
Also meant to add that there are three returns- one on each floor (incl basement) located on the hallway for the main and upper floor and smaller return in the basement.
Thanks

Tigerdunes,
Also meant to add that there are three returns- one on each floor (incl basement) located on the hallway for the main and upper floor and smaller return in the basement.
Thanks

The AHRI number you provided is not found.

Here are the matching AHRI numbers according to my research.

5429554 Active Systems XC14 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC14-042-230-** CX34-62C+TDR 1405 SLP98UH110XV60C* 42500 13.00 15.20 1 RCU-A-CB 338

5139349 Active Systems XC17 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC17-042-230* CX34-62C+TDR 1405 SLP98UH110XV60C* 41000 13.50 16.50 1 RCU-A-CB 301 Yes

As said earlier, the XC17 system qualifies for fed tax credit, the XC14 system does not.

The $2K up charge on the AC condenser from the XC14 to XC17 is absurd.

Not a big deal on the larger evap coil. All manufacturers do this to get their efficiency numbers higher. The main thing to verify is the AHRI match and both these coils are a match. See above.

Not sure what other info I can provide. If you are serious about the Lennox system, then tell dealer he must do something about the cost of the condenser upgrade.

Let's see what Carrier/Bryant have to say.

No doubt you are going to save a bundle getting off oil.

Has dealer offered any recommendations to improve temp variance on the two problematic rooms? Press him on this. Now is the opportunity to get something done.

Nothing wrong with existing filter cabinet. I assume you plan to reuse. Humidifier is your call. This is all about comfort and keeping inside humidity within a proper range during heating season. If not a problem now, why bother.

Let me know if I can help further.

Good Luck
IMO

Thanks Tigerdunes. Will be in touch with the Carrier/Bryant quote.