I have the American Standard version of the Trane XV95 and like it a lot. It's a massive improvement on the 20 year old oil furnace it replaced and the variable speed motor is very quiet. I only know the heating is on when I pass close to a vent and feel a gentle flow of air. I'm in new England and paid $5700 for a complete installation, so furnace, duct work to hook up to old ducts, all wiring including new 2 stage thermostat and CO monitor, and removal of old oil furnace and oil tank. I got a $600 rebate on that cost for the furnace and $25 for the new thermostat.

I may get dinged for saying this, but they are both reputable manufacturers and the efficiency ratings are comparable. I believe you would benefit yourself by selecting by the service provider you trust more than the manufacturer's equipment. The primary difference between any two installations is the service provider. If virtually anyone's equipment is properly installed it will operate well for around 15 years (ASHRAE estimate). If it is installed by a contractor that is either unqualified or just doesn't care, you will have problems from now on. Ask around and find someone you can trust to install it properly and back their work. You will be glad you did. I have written an article on this very subject. I think it's pretty good information for anyone about to replace heating and air equipment. Here it is. Air and Energy Solutions. Again, Trane and Carrier are both reputable and either piece of equipment, if installed properly will serve you well.

Nice article. I have recently taped all my old ductwork....it was frightening how much air was leaking at the joints, but I could only get to the exposed bits in the basement. I notice that my basement is a bit cooler now so that heat must be going into my apartment. The duct work is still uninsulated as that will be a bigger and more expensive job.........but actually having the exposed ducts heat the basement a bit isn't so bad so I might just leave it so it doesn't get too cold as it has the laundry and workshop.

The only thing I can contribute about the furnaces is that I really like the variable speed blower on my new furnace. Its far gentler and quieter than my old single speed blower .

Just interested Rachel, what region do you live in and how big and well insulated is your home?

Thanks (I think) for the interesting articles, Air and Energy Solutions, but allow me to suggest that the moving clouds behind the text make it VERY difficult to read. I stopped reading before finishing, it was making me dizzy.

Thanks for all your answers; I've learned a whole lot.

We're in the Baltimore area, and our house is a typical 40 year old house: not the greatest insulation.

SnidelyWhiplash , Thanks for the critique. That may be something we change. I had the same concern.