Pamella: I am going to tell you the news that you don't want to hear. You are going to need a new 3/8 liquid line if you want your new system to operate properly. Many old Trane systems used 1/4" or 5/16" liquid lines. New systems use 3/8". I had to replace the liquid line when I replaced my 21 year-old Trane heat pump. A quality contractor will not install a system with an undersized liquid line. I would also agree to stay away from the big box stores. Find 3 local, reputable, cooling contractors in your area and get quotes. Goodman will work well if it is installed properly by a professional installer. Many a Goodman has been installed by hacks because anyone can buy a Goodman. If you go with Goodman, upgrade from the 13 SEER to the 14 SEER. The 14 SEER has a Copeland scroll compressor which is industry preferred. Also, get the optional TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) for the indoor coil ($75 option). It does a better job at regulating refrigerant flow to the coil than the flowrater expansion device provided with the coil/air handler. Best to you.

The last meeting i had with the manufactures they told me that no mater what you do it is hard to get the oil that is stuck to the inside of the lines, cleaned out of there. I think you can vacuum for hrs. and it won't take the old oil out. Just my opinion but i would never reuse the old R22 lines. Later paulbm

Thanks, for the replies. I specifically asked about the existing duct work, and all three said it's fine. Actually the noise is probably due to our trying to compensate for the temperature differences between upstairs and down... we have to mostly close the downstairs vents to push enough air upstairs to get the temperature half-way decent. Perhaps with the VS unit running longer, we could open the downstairs vents more and eliminate that problem. It sounds like 2-stage is out simply because it would be too big for our house. Regarding thermostat, he indicated the programmable Edge should provide everything we need and from what I've read, it should include ability to control humidity. But you raise some good points. It sounds like I need to verify a thermidistat is being included... is this a separate sensor, or part of the thermostat itself and I just need to ensure I'm getting the right model (perhaps TP-PRH)? Regarding dryness from outside air infiltration... our house is pretty tight, but this could be coming from the windows... I'm also looking to replace them with more energy efficient vinyl replacements, so that may help that situation as well. I think I'll hold off on the humidifier until the HVAC and windows have been replaced, and then evaluate. Regarding tigerdune's comment about 80% furnace... if I recall the discussion regarding this proposal, the 96 was required to qualify for tax credit. If I were to opt for the hybrid, could this qualify based on the heat pump rating alone? Thanks, Brian

One guideline is square feet. 20 X Square feet= lumens. But since you have one fixture, you may not be able to get enough lumens. Perhaps buy an 8” led replacement that has the most lumens? You want an led replacement that will be a replacement for a fluorescent bulb.