First thing to do is figure out who did a load calculation to determine sizing. Two different sizes means one or both are incorrect. Sizing is very important. The Trane setup would likely be better, but you need model numbers for everything. The XV95 is a better furnace with a variable-speed blower and 2-stage heating. I'd recommend Trane's TCONT802/803 thermostat or the Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ to control it.

Thanks for the recommendation on the furnace and thermostat. Both reps did a load calculation. The Trane rep thought I might be able to solve some hot air issues on the second floor with a bigger AC at 3.5 ton, but the 3.0 ton Carrier was more expensive that the Trane, and the Carrier rep thought I had duct issues that wouldn't be fixed by a bigger AC anyway. Hopefully I am making sense? Furnace went out last night, and I've spent the day cramming. Two more reps tomorrow.

The best thing to do is fix the duct issues. This is a very likely cause of the temperature issues. I like the thinking of the Carrier rep. A bigger A/C most likely will make things worse if size is not the issue. Longer run cycles from the 3 ton would do a better job if 3 tons is enough. Keep us posted.

Trane XR13 is 3.5 ton, up to 14 SEER
price 1.9K
Trane XL14I is a 3.5 ton up to 15.5 SEER
price 3.1K

I live in Cincinnati where the summers are VERY humid and the AC is used from May through October. What do you think?

Your actual SEER rating depends on the coil used. Unfortunately, these ratings are quite deceiving at times because the system won't get the rated SEER/capacity with poor airflow and a deficient ductwork system. What did the Trane rep have to say about the ductwork? While the Trane equipment quoted is better, the Carrier rep seemed to have given a better look into your comfort concerns. Oversizing won't help.

As far as the ductwork goes, it is what it is, since the only way to make any modifications is to tear up my house. The duct limitations are minimal -- nothing we can't live with -- just one bedroom that doesn't get as much airflow as we would like.
I have two other contractors coming out today and need to make a decision by this afternoon so I will have heat by tomorrow evening.
Right now, these are the two quotes I have. Can I get your opinion? I'm particularly interested in the difference between the two (Trane) and three (Carrier) stage furnace, your take on the control included, and your previous comment about the AC coil (how can I find out which coil is better?)
Thanks,

Trane:
(1) Trane (15 SEER 3.5 Tons) Ultra Efficiency Air Conditioner W/ R410A Model 4TTX5042*1000*
(1) Outdoor Unit Pad
(1) Copper Insulated Lineset
(1) Trane Cased Aluminum High Efficiency Upflow/Downflow/Horizontal Coil Model 4TXCC054AS3HCA
(1) Trane (95% AFUE 100000 BTU) XV 95 Two Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace Model TUH2C100A9V4VA
(1) Flue Venting
(1) Trane Two-stage heat (gas or electric) and two-stage cool and humidity Model TCONT803AS32DA
(1) Aprilaire Expandable 8 in Media Air Cleaner for Furnace Model Model 2400
(1) Trane Duct Mounted Humidifier Model THUMD300ABA00*
(1) XL - Complete System / 10 Years Parts & Labor Warr

Carrier:
(1) Carrier (15 SEER 3.5 Tons) Performance Series Air Conditioner W/ Puron Model 24APA542A003
(1) Outdoor Unit Pad
(1) Copper Insulated Lineset
(1) Carrier Cased Horizontal N Coil Evaporator Coil Model CNRHP4221ACA
(1) Flue Venting
(1) Carrier (95% AFUE 100000 BTU) Infinity Variable Speed Gas Furnace Model 58UVB10020
(1) Carrier Infinity Thermostat Control Model SYSTXCCUID01
(1) Aprilaire Expandable 8 in Media Air Cleaner for Furnace Model Model 2400
(1) Carrier Carrier Humidifier Model HUMCCLBP2317
(1) Labor to install complete system
(1) Complete System / 10 Years Parts & Labor Warr

kitty

while you have not provided pricing,these quotes/equipment are similar.

There is one major difference

1.Carrier's Infinity Thermostat/controller is simply the most comprehensive on the market and is superior to Trane's TCON 803-no comparison.

if you decide to select Carrier, you should request their tin plated evap coil. I would also ask dealers if they have
quoted the best evap coil/application as far as efficiency/performance.It does matter.

the outside condensers are both quality sgl stg models. since I believe you have reasonable electric rates, I would consider upgrading the AC condenser to the heat pump model.

if you decide on Trane, go with the Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ stat.

I strongly recommend you have your ductwork measured and inspected as well as a load calculation for correct sizing.
What size is your existing AC? You can't just routinely increase condenser size without making sure you have adequate ductwork properly sized to carry the conditioned air. Being oversized is just as bad as being undersized. You could just be making a problem worse.

what size and layout is your home?

IMO

House is 3300 s.f., two-story with finished basement, 11 rooms total, dual staircase for great circulation. Current AC is 2.5 ton.
With your help and alot of cramming, this is what I plan to purchase. Give me your opinion...especially if I should purchase the Honeywell controller you recommend instead of what is listed below.
Thanks a million!

Outdoor:
Trane Hybrid Heat XL16i (heat pump)
Model 4TWX6036C1000A
(R410A Refrigerant)
3 Ton
2 Stage (70% low) Scroll compressor
Up to 17 SEER

Indoor:
Matching Indoor Coil Aluminum R410A
XC95 furnace
Model TUH3C100ACV4VA
100,000 BTU
Up to 96.7% AFUE
Variable speed
3 Stage Gas Heat
EZFLEX Cartridge Air Cleaner
Large Bypass Humidifier
Control: XL Touch Screen Communicating

10 year parts and labor on everything installed
3 years (spring and summer) of scheduled maintenance
NATE Technicians AND Installers
Precision finish work
1-day installation

kitty

you are getting ready to drop a bit of change

you need a load calculation

you need a thorough analysis of your ductwork

you need to investigate zoning controls for three levels/living areas

and you certainly do not need five stages of heating-two ftom the HP, three from the gas furnace

IMO

I agree that 5 stages of heating is excessive. Equipment wise I strongly prefer Trane (better coils, more durable in my opinion) but don't think you'll be dissatisfied with either brand. You do NOT want the Carrier coil listed. It is an ACA coil which have been prone to leaking. Insist on an ATA tin-plated coil with 10-year warranty if going Carrier.

The XL15i with 2 stage furnace and TCONT series control (or better yet Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ) or even XL16i air conditioner with communicating indoor unit and thermostat would be a good route to go. Make sure you get the sizing right--very important.

I don't see the 4TXCC054 coil as a rated match. I would make sure your installer is using AHRI data to get the ratings for exact model numbers.

kitty...you are living my life!!! at least my 18 yr old comfortmaker is still running..we live in MI so its really cold...of course all the furnace guys say we'll die with our cracked heat exchanger....we sleep with the c/o moniter in our bedroom..no c/o showing up...yet....
i'm looking at the same trane xv95 as you....also the lennox signature 2 stage variable....i'm also looking at the goodman 2 stage variable....
what do you experts say about goodman....why can't i get a chevy thats loaded...instead of the cadillac? the goodman has the 10 year guarantee also....
oh...1 more thing....your saying 10 years on the labor too?
they're telling me 5yr on labor and 5yr on parts for the trane....is this something i can bargan for?

AC-Trane Hybrid Heat XL16i, 17 SEER
Furnace-Trane XC95
Control: Train Tcont900A
Includes humidifier
Includes free upgraded filters for three years (3 per year)
Includes 10 yr parts and labor for everything (yes this is in writing)
Includes three years of free scheduled maintenance (spring and fall)

I have had three complete load calculations done by experienced guys. Two of the three recommended a 3.0 ton, and the other guy recommended at 3.5 ton. Problem was, the AC unit jumped from 3.0 to 4.0 ton -- so if I wanted a bigger one, I would have to jump to 4.0. I stayed put and spent the extra money on a hybrid -- heat pump and AC. Cost another $600 for the hybrid, but according to the salesman I will likely recoup that within 2 years max. We'll see! And if I don't like it for any reason, he will remove it and replace it. In this way, I am covered in case the 3.0 ton isn't enough. I can always have them swap it out.

The furnace decision was linked to the fact that I live in a house with all wood floors and lots of antiques, so humidity is a big issue with me. During the winter months, I keep 2 of the big humidifiers running on my main floor, and one in each bedroom upstairs. I try to keep the humidity around 40-45% in the winter.

Although five stages is overkill, the XC95 works with the Tcont controller and the heat pump to better moderate the humidity level in the house. We'll SEE how it works. I just want to be able to cut down on filling my humidifiers all winter.

Overall, we spent a big chunk of change, and we will be moving by the end of the 10 year warranty. If we leave earlier, then the guarantee is passed to the new owner.

I love my house, and we have taken excellent repair and care for it, making lots of fun improvements along the way. So the new system will be something we can enjoy and then pass along to the next family to live here.

Thanks to all you experts who helped me along the way on this blog. Your input was really important, and you gave me some great advice.

Spander, Where in MI? My parents live in Ludington, in-laws in Grand Haven/Holland, and sister in East Detroit. If you want me to, I can email you some PDF quotes from my contractors, and/or talk more at length. Couple of things I've learned is that Lennox is so-so, DON'T get the Goodman or an Armstrong, and for God's sake, go for the company with the best installation team (that means NATE certified INSTALLERS and not just technicians. Find out as much about the installers as you can. The guy I chose had a short resume on each installer coming to my house, plus pictures of his work and references for me to call.

Great equipment choice provided everything is sized correctly. I think Trane makes some of the better, more reliable products on the market. I also think Trane's communicating system is an upcoming commodity.

Well, the install is nearly complete. The team who did it is amazing, so I'm glad I focused on that during my search. Lead man told me that my old furnace was operating around 60%, so I'm looking forward to the savings. I want to do a little more investigating to understand how the stages on the two units work together. Looking forward to playing with the control. Thanks again for everything.

Kitty

you have selected very nice equipment. the only concern I have is the sizing of the HP, the size of the gas furnace, and the size of your ductwork both supply and return.

at what temp will installers set your changeover point from HP to Gas? I always recommend balance pt temp plus 10%.

I suspect you may never use low stg on a three stg gas furnace because of the HP. Never have liked buying something that I will never use.

Hope it works out for you-normally with good ductwork it will be very quiet.

IMO

Tiger,
What are your specific concerns about size? I will talk with the installer about the changeover point. Thanks. As far as the stages, the temperature in the house was 66 when they fired up the Trane, and the furnace heated the house to 72 within an hour -- using only the low stage, so it will definitely be useful. Right now, its 28 outside and the heat pump isn't running because it has nothing to draw on. And you are right, it is unbelieveable quiet. Installer had a few minor ductwork suggestions, but all in all, things are sound. We had new windows in 2006, so the house really is retaining the heat. Thanks for everything. I will check the changeover point.

kitty

specific concerns

oversized on furnace? undersized on HP? undersized on ductwork?

what size furnace did you select?

you needed a load calculation in writing. it is amazing that so many consumers/homeowners will spend this amt of bucks without a written load calculation and analysis of both equipment and ductwork. HOs just don't seem to realize that great equipment with deficient ductwork will cripple both the system,your comfort, and operating cost.

Oh well..

IMO

Kitty-

Mind sharing who installed your unit. I also live in Cinci and shopping for a new unit.