I"m in NE ohio also. I 2nd the comment on nothing special regarding the pricing. A 14 seer A/C would be better than the 13 seer and shouldn't cost much more. The 2 stage 95% gas furnace is a great idea considering the amount of heating days in our area. 2 stage furnaces really help make things more comfortable. A third stage of heat from a heatpump makes things more comfortable still. You can get more for your money with different brands and be just as happy. I recently replaced my A/C with a heatpump. I run my natural-gas on my 90% furnace when it gets below 30 degrees fahrenheit. A heatpump with a gas furnace is definetly something too consider (dual-fuel). If you do choose that route ask for Honeywell wireless focus pro thermostat to control it. It has an outdoor temperature sensor that interfaces with the inside thermostat to control which system kicks on (whether the heatpump, gas-stage1, or gas-stage2). A heat-pump in a dual-fuel system will save a litle money now, but can really save you money if and when natural gas prices go up. Heat pump shouldn't cost a ton more. Some people choose to run the heatpump at above 40 degrees fahrenheit. They might use low-stage of gas furnace between 20 and 40. And high stage below 20. If your interested, I can give you phone number's of a couple licensed installers who will give you a ballpark prices over the phone. They are surprisingly reasonable. This might be a good time to get a quote since there currently isn't extreme weather so its kinda 'between season'. You may want to explore the Luxaire brand. Me and my neighbors have had success with that brand and they are less expensive than Trane. They make some quiet furnaces and A/C - heatpumps. Hope this helps.

I'll focus on the HVAC side since I don't know much about direct vent hot water tanks. The quote provides enough information about what they plan to do which gives me a good feeling about this installer. However since you are providing the equipment, the quote is high in my opinion. Sounds like they are still quoting the job as if they provided it and marked it up. I think it can come down at least $5k. Who is providing high voltage power to these units, or is this an additional cost paid to another contractor? Also to clarify, will there be multiple returns on the first floor as well or one central return in the living room? I would clarify with the dealer about the ductwork system. By the quote it sounds like it is all hard metal, with no flex duct even in the attic where it is common. If this is the case, great. This could account for why the quote is on the higher end. I would strongly consider upgrading to the 15 SEER condensers if the unit price increase is not more than a couple hundred per unit. They should be quieter and are overall nicer units in my opinion even if they have the same cabinet. Another upgrade to look into is a high efficiency media filter for each unit. They typically get replaced every 6 months or in some cases up to a year, and they provide better filtration of the air and hence protection of the equipment. These may add a couple hundred per unit installation.

koko how many sq ft on each floor and the basement? basement is used as living area as well? did dealer perform a load calculation? $23,000 after all state and Carrier rebates but before the fed govt tax credit of $1500? certainly not cheap is it? I suggest securing another quote. keep in mind Bryant(Carrier's sister company) has exact same equipment normally priced less than Carrier. IMO

2ea 5 ton 16 SEER Systems in the Goodman Brand with duct systems in Tulsa from www.morrisheatandair.com would have cost no more than $30,000 for equivalent products. Check out these brochures and find a Goodman Installer today on Angieslist. New 98% AFUE Furnace with true variable speed motor. http://www.goodmanmfg.com/DesktopModules/GoodmanProducts/ProductFiles/32CB-GMVM97.pdf New Evaporator with TXV http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Portals/0/pdf/CBs/CB-GEVC.pdf New 18 SEER AC http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Portals/0/pdf/CBs/CB-DSXC18.pdf New Comfortnet Communicating Thermostat http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Portals/0/pdf/CBs/CB-CTK03.pdf Goodman Brand Air Cleaner http://www.goodmanmfg.com/Portals/0/pdf/CBs/CB-GIAQ.pdf Even if you are not in a Goodman Area, Daikin should be available in the same specs for that much, I would consider a Ductless Multi Split System with 12 indoor heads and up to 12 tons of cooling capacity, however they are not gas driven furnaces they are heatpumps. 3ea Daikin 4head systems would cost no more than $45,000. They operate at 19 SEER and usually qualify for a bunch of rebates. Here is the brochure: http://www.daikinac.com/content/assets/DOC/Product%20Brochures/CB-MXS.pdf Daikin and Goodman are the largest Manufacturers in the United States. Good Luck John Morris (918) 734-0040 www.morrisheatandair.com