I would not worry about the reciprocating vs. scroll compressor. I actually like the Climatuff (reciprocating) compressors. They are regarded by many in the industry as one of the most durable/reliable compressors ever produced. They are built by Trane, and I myself like them but know others prefer scroll compressors. They are used less in Trane's product line than they were in the past. Seems the scroll compressors can yield greater efficiency ratings in the larger tonnage (>3 ton) size range. As for the indoor air handler match, technically air handlers do not have a "capacity" per se but are given a nominal tonnage rating. The total system capacity is determined by the combination of the outdoor unit/air handler. The combination appropriate for your application would depend on a few factors, including airflow and sensible/latent heat ratio requirement as per your load calc (and compared to expanded performance data for the various rated combinations), as well as physical size restrictions. Capacity and efficiency ratings will vary with each matchup; generally the larger indoor air handlers can yield higher efficiency ratings, but the ratings should not be the sole determining factor for which air handler is selected. Sorry, I'm not familiar enough with all of the service co.'s covering the Annapolis territory to give you a meaningful recommendation. But best of luck to you in selecting the contractor that will size, install, and commission your equipment properly. This post was edited by ryanhughes on Tue, Feb 18, 14 at 23:35

Thanks TD. I will look into the L series to double check - and the 9kw strips. Thanks for the suggestion with the Performance series - the Carrier had already supplied that quote to me as well. But it had the Infinity heat pump as the outside unit with performance everything else. I've asked him to revise the quote - but it looks like the performance setup would be about $2-3k less than the infinity setup. I really do like the idea of the communication with the Infinity setup (like the stat too). I'm OK with the price. I think that number looks average comparing it to other threads on this board. I think my 2 Trane guys were pretty high, but they are the only 2 authorized dealers in town. Bryant Evolution quote came back more than the Carrier Infinity. Thanks for the advice. I might put up the final 2 quotes in a bit to get thoughts - the Performance setup vs the Infinity setup.

I'm actually still thinking about it. Basically the salesman on this deal said they were offering the XV95 for the same price as the XV80, but only with the XL16i, not the XL15i. I tended to believe him since I had received an estimate on the XL16i/XV80 combo from another company that was within $50 of the XL16i/XV95 that I'm talking about here. I have asked about the XL15i, but I was told that I'd get a better deal with the XL15i when combined with the XV95. I'm going to revisit this and ask for specifics. The only thing I can see that the XL16i has going for it over the XL15i is the fact it's a two stage unit. I live in Atlanta GA btw. A heat pump would be tough sell to the wife. She doesn't like them, and put her foot down (right on me) when I tried to get one for the upstairs. Also, while electrical rates are reasonable now, if all the cap and trade legislation comes to be, I think electric rates may be hit harder than natural gas, just my opinion.

What area of country do you live? -- Northern VA (just outside DC) What is your electric rate? -- 6.32 c/kWh annual average If you live in an area that has high humidity, then you want the HW VisionPro IAQ stat. It has the "dehumidify on demand" feature and Trane does not offer this stat. don't get hoodwinked. this is the way to go if you want superior dehumidication in your home. -- I asked about using the VP IAQ. He said the Trane fans run at only one speed, as opposed to the Carrier fans that can be programmed for slower speeds for dehumidifcation. So he says the Trane 802 would do the same thing as the Carrier T-stat. Post mdl number of furnace. --condensor:4TTX5060A1000A --XV80 2 stage-TUD120R9V5K --Coil-4TXCD064BC3 (24.5") --ARI site gives SEER=14.50 and EER=12.00 and est. annual operating cost at $335. I assume a load calc both cooling and heating has been performed. --Nope...none of the 8 contractors will do it. That's alot of BTUs. -- My current one is 162kBTU! I have never heard about the dual return. doesn't mean it's not true. -Hmmmmmm... The complete lineset should be replaced if at all possible. this is just good insurance and relatively speaking is inexpensive- especially for size and new refrigerant. insist upon it. --I'll check why he said "suction" and not the entire lineset. The 10 yr Trane ext warranty is good only if you need it. you do want the Trane warranty though, not a dealer warranty, or any other third party warranty. Trane will mail you the certificate. --Yes, it will be a Trane warranty. Thanks...Gary