In cold climate a more efficient but more costly multi-zoned system is commonly used called a hydro-air system. In place of multiple less efficient open flame furnaces the hydro-air system uses multiple air-handlers (just a box with a fan and a set of heating and cooling coils) each served by a separate exterior AC compressor/condenser unit and all served by one high-efficency condensing boiler. Each air-handler would have a thermostat and the duct system from it could be split into additional zones using automatic dampers. The system is designed to heat and cool with more constant lower velocity less conditioned air. One air-handler is usually placed in the basement and another in a conditioned attic to reduce duct work but they can be placed on the floor served or all in one space.

The price of propane is rising, isn't it? In this case, I'd consider heat pumps that will switch over to propane when the temperature is low enough to warrant the use of propane over the efficient heat pumps (around 35-40* or so). Few matchups will get near the 19-20 SEER range. You need the sizes and full model numbers of the equipment being quoted to know for sure. Trane, Carrier and Bryant all make fine products. If going with Carrier, ask for a tin-plated copper coil (heard of leaking problems with Carrier's *ACA standard copper coils--I guess all mfg's have leak problems). The Infinity/Evolution is a nice system. I personally favor Trane over Carrier--I think Trane's quality is hard to beat, but that's just my opinion. I do wish the XL19i was available in R410A, but that will be a little later. Is your electricity particularly expensive? Going with the top-of-the-line SEER/units may not have a great payback. 20 years old? They've done their time. As far as duct noise goes, if your ductwork is sized correctly, then you should be fine. However, the variable-speed blowers maintain proper CFM and will overcome slightly deficient ductwork systems. If the ductwork system is undersized/deficient, it will be louder as it attempts to maintain proper CFM (versus the PSC blowers where if the ductwork was poor it wouldn't vary its speed to maintain airflow). If it's quiet now, I don't think it will be a problem--I'm just pointing this out about variable-speed blowers. Once you get a few quotes, post back with the info and we can advise.

My first advice is to find a contractor who will do a load calculation. The contractors should not be guessing whether you need a 2 or 2.5 ton condenser. My initial thought is the 2 ton size would be more than adequate. The upstairs bedroom is going to be warm because it only has one supply vent. That is not going to be enough for a second floor bedroom that is 170 sq. feet. If the bedroom door is kept closed at night the air flow will be even worse. Did you get model numbers with your quote for the furnace, condenser, and coil? If not your quote is incomplete. Carrier and Rheem are good equipment, but you should avoid the low end models. How do the equipment sized compare with what you have now? Is the scope of work documented in the quote?

Sorry the furnace had two numbers on a sticker attached to the side. The first is TUH2B080A9V3VAB the second is 9391NGP1G. All of the units quoted are 3 tons. The manual J came back for a three and a half but all three said that the current ductwork would not support the larger unit. Also, they all asked how comfortably the house heated and cooled. My lot has a lot of trees and I feel like the house was very comfortable both in the winter and summer. My highest electrical bill during the summer is usually around $220. So based on my input and the fact that there would need to be major ductwork they all felt comfortable keeping a three ton unit. Let me know if you need anything else or if those are not the right numbers. I am about as ignorant as it comes where HVAC is concerned. Thank you