I certainly wouldn't do the 3 ton XL16i. I'd go with a good, properly-sized single-stage unit. If 2 tons is what your home needs now for max design conditions, I agree in not going with the 2.5 ton unit; although 1/2 ton probably wouldn't cause you significant problems, it's best to design for what you have now if home improvements several years down the road are uncertain. So I would be considering either the 2 ton or 2.5 ton, whatever you and your contractor decide is best. The XL14i was discontinued in R-410A, so I would double check what model you'd be looking at. I would avoid the older R-22 units and get a system using the new R-410A refrigerant (like the XL16i, except that's not a unit I recommend). The XL16i isn't a stellar performer in my opinion, more so in the heat pump model. The difference between high/low isn't great, so your low stage would be oversized most likely, and the dehumidification wouldn't be great in that unit either compared to Trane's single stage units. The XL15i is a very good unit. Another thing is that the XV90 is gone as well; it's now the XV95, unless you're looking at the XV90i with the built in electronic air cleaner "CleanEffects" but I'm certain your dealer would have told you, since it's a selling point. So in summary I think you need to get all model numbers to know what you're getting.

daffer I think your strategy is right on target. The only question is whether you want dual fuel(var spd furnace backup) or an air handler(with strip heat backup). With an air handler and strip heat, you would need to check electric panel/service to see if you have capacity to handle backup strip heat. If not, cost to upgrade electric service. Here are three best configurations with var speed air handler. I like the numbers of the Carrier Infinity 16 HP with Infinity controller best. It has better BTU numbers both heating and cooling. 552846 Active Systems XP19 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XP19-060-230* CBX32MV-068-230* 58500 12.05 16.30 53500 8.25 32800 1481762 Active Systems XL19I WEATHERTRON TRANE 2TWZ9060C1 2TEE3D65A1 56000 9.90 15.75 51000 8.50 31400 1250425 Active Systems INFINITY 16 PURON HP CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 25HNA660A30 FE4ANB006+UI 60000 11.10 15.30 57500 9.00 34200 You know 5 ton is correct size? I would check Duke Power and see if they offer any rate incentive for HP heating. 410 refrigerant is the way the market is moving. IMO

Dangar Just so you know, they don't build workhorses like that anymore. My personal favorites would be AmStd Heritage 15 or Trane XR15 with best var speed air handler Tam 7 series. Add a small heat strip. Are you in a coastal location/environment? Here is my personal checklist. Obviously correct sizing is important. If you are unsure, then request a load calculation or even perform it yourself for a nominal fee online. there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork system. these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant line set you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant. Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost. IMO

>> Hope to hear an update from the original poster of the thread soon as well. Hi, still here. :) Yeah, so far, none of the contractors have proposed a 'mismatched' coil and condenser. One said 5/5, but all the others have been 4/4 so far. No load calcs yet. One contractor said he'd do it if there were a commitment to go with them. So if they commit to dropping their price and changing some of the equip to match better proposals from others, then we may have something.. :) [unfortunately, although they had a polished sales presentation, their bid missed a couple elements with regard to equipment, including the low voltage wiring and the mismatched coil size (width)] I did see that the 4-ton XL15i requires the 7/8" x 3/8", so looks like I'm good. (phew) A contractor on Friday also said I'd need additional wiring to hook up a heat pump outside, so looks like it was missed by the one proposal. I think this has been asked before, but is the TL900 the same as the VisionPRO IAQ? I have two more contractors coming Monday, so after that will hopefully have all the information I need to start discussing it further with 1 or 2 and start negotiating equipment and price details. On related topics: There have been other differences in proposals, with some suggesting/including a replacement condenser pad, some not. I currently have what looks like an interlocking plastic condenser pad. Doesn't appear damaged, although may be slightly out-of-level (will be checking to make sure). Surrounded by bushes that I keep in check, and mulched w/ weeding done when needed. I understand concrete is the best option, but doubt the pads being included in some of the bids are much better than what I have. I'll be doing my own check to confirm what I have would fit the new condenser/heat pump. And, some are including an Electrical Disconnect/Fuse rewiring, some not. There's currently a disconnect (no fuse) connected to a 40amp double pole circuit breaker. One guy told me "that should be enough, but if it isn't and it trips a lot, we'll fix it free of charge" or something to the effect; which I'm not sure whether it's a good deal that he's not trying to sell me something I don't need or a caution flag that he doesn't know if it's sufficient.. The XL15i documentation says "Min Cir Ampacity = 30" and "Max Fuse Size (Amps) = 50", so I'm not sure whether that means the 40amp circuit breaker is sufficient or not.