AC proposals - your thoughts? [x-post]

Contractor A: 1) Lennox “Signature Series” model SL280UH090V60C, Wi-Fi™ capable, communicating technology, 80.0% efficient, variable speed fan and 2 STAGE, Low 57,000 and High 88,000 Btu input burner gas furnace. -Lennox model CX35-60C-6F, high efficiency evaporator coil. -Lennox “Signature Series” model XC21-048, 4-ton, R410A refrigerant, Sun Source® Solar and Wi-Fi™ capable, 18.0 SEER, 13.5 EER, communicating technology, 2-stage cooling capacity A/C condensing unit. Zoning capable -Lennox I-Comfort Wi-Fi™ capable digital, programmable thermostat. -We will flush the refrigerant line set from the evaporator coil to the new A/C condensing unit. (I haven't asked if they can replace the line set since I know that is important) -labor and material provided by us and exclusive to the manufacturer’s warranty for 2-years following date of completion. -To include one (1) year of our Ultimate Maintenance Policy at no additional charge. After rebates: $8,028.00

2) Lennox “Signature Series” model XC20-048, 4-ton, R410A refrigerant, Wi-Fi™ capable, 19.5 SEER, 13.0 EER, communicating technology, variable capacity DC Inverter controlled cooling A/C condensing unit. Manufacture’s 10-year warranty on compressor and 10-years on all parts. New A/C condenser to be installed at location of existing unit. We will install a new outdoor service disconnect switch. Install Lennox I-Comfort Wi-Fi™ capable digital, programmable thermostat. Remainder of installation, including SL280UH090V60C Gas furnace and warranties as stated above. Zoning capable. After rebates: $7,827.00

3) Lennox “Elite” model EL180UH090E60C, high efficiency gas furnace with high efficiency ECM blower system. Manufacture’s 20 year warranty on heat exchanger and 10-years on all other parts. New furnace to be set in same location as existing furnace. Install a new Lennox “Elite” model # XC14S-047, 4 ton, 16 S.E.E.R., 13 E.E.R., high efficiency condenser with single stage compressor and Comfortsense 3000 thermostat. Manufacture’s 10 year warranty on compressor and 10 year on all other parts. Remainder of installation, including warranties as stated above. After rebates: $6,886.00

Contractor B:

Carrier 5-ton AC with 120k BTU 2-stage gas furnace 59TP6A120E20-22 Furnace – 96% AFUE 24ACC660A03 Condenser – 16 SEER CNPVP61-24 NL Evaporator Coil TP-PAL thermostat Condenser Pad, Condensate drain to existing 3/8” x 1 1/8” refrigerant pipe set 2 years repair service labor 10 years Carrier all parts warranty Lifetime Carrier heat exchanger warranty Modify ductwork to fit new equipment 20 amp circuit to furnace $10,599.

I will ask if they can give me a quote for 80% AFUE furnace with 14 SEER condenser.

Contractor C:

1) Carrier 5-ton AC 24ACC460 – 14 SEER No new furnace Thermostat 0161 10 yr parts 2 yrs labor $5,710 (this option much cheaper because they offer extra 10% rebate if no new furnace is installed (gives them more time to install more systems for other customers)

2) Carrier 5-ton 24ACC460 – 14 SEER Carrier Comfort 58STA110-22 (single-stage, fixed speed blower) – 80% AFUE, 110 BTUs Program Thermostat Warranty: -20 yrs heat exchanger -10 yrs parts, 2 yrs labor, 5 yrs thermostat $9,329

3) Carrier 5-ton 24ACC660 - 16 SEER Carrier Performance 58PHB110-20 Furnace (single-stage, Multi-speed blower) – 80% AFUE, 110 BTUs Program Thermostat Warranty: -20 yrs heat exchanger -10 yrs parts, 2 yrs labor, 5 yrs thermostat $10,309

I had more estimates done by others but already eliminated those. I currently have a 5-ton, single stage 80% AFUE furnace in a ~3,000 sqft home.

Contractors A & B did manual J's. Contractor B told me based on the calculations I would need something in between a 4 and 5-ton, but there's nothing in between so a 5-ton is necessary.

Contractor C didn't do a manual J calculation. He said there was no need for calculations because based on the ductwork I can't/shouldn't go lower or higher than 5 tons. He also told me he recommends the single-stage 5-speed blower motor furnace b/c the 2-stage is too expensive and the variable speed is sufficient. Not sure if he was being honest or trying to pull something on me.

Another contractor who has performed service for me before offered to do a 14 SEER and furnace (probably single stage) for $5800. So cheap but he's not accredited with the BBB.

Questions: 1) Your thoughts on these proposals? 2) Why are all the contractors recommending furnaces with different BTUs? That doesn't give me much piece of mind when choosing one. 3) I've read the difference between 2-stage and variable speed. What I don't understand is if these matter for cooling a home. Everything I've read says a 2-stage and/or variable speed is better for heating the home. Is it as helpful when it comes to cooling in hot temperatures? 4) What would be the difference between 2-stage single speed (if those even exist) and 1-stage variable speed?

submitted by /u/Makeleleroll
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