Narrowing AC replacement down to a few quotes... your help is greatly appreciated.

I’ve weeded out several quotes due to budget and needs. I feel pretty comfortable with all 3 contractors, and I am looking for something budget-friendly and reliable. Will have a few more estimates before a final decision. 3,000 sqft home in Maryland, gas furnace, single system. Company A’s proposal seems pretty tempting.

Company A: Carrier 24ACC660A03, 16 SEER CNPVP6024 Coil $5,900 58CVA135-20, 2-stage variable speed 80% $3,463 furnace only Comfort thermostat - $159 Condenser pad, Condensate drain to existing, refrigerant pipe set, start & test 2-yr repair service, 10 yrs Carrier, 20 yrs heat exchanger Total = $9,522 He quoted me prices for separate equipment. I imagine it might be cheaper if bundled together. I will be asking them to provide quotes for comparable Carrier 16 SEER + multi-speed and 14 SEER + fixed speed

Company B: 1) Carrier 5-ton 58STA135-22, 135k BTUs, 80% Carrier 24ACC460A003, 14 SEER Carrier coil CNPVP6024 Carrier TP-PAC thermostat Remove and dispose of old equipment Existing line set (can replace line set for no charge but does not patch up drywall. Is this necessary? Includes new power wire from panel to furnace and breaker Includes all permits and inspections New disconnect Precast pad Condensate drain hook-up Connect to existing electric Adapt to existing plenum System start-up 10 years parts, 20 years on heat exchanger, 5 years thermostat, 2 years Gold Service Plan $9,169

2) Carrier 58PHB135-20, 135k BTUs, 80% Carrier 24ACC660A003, 16 SEER, AHRI# 5914905 ADP coil PG77960D245B2505AP Carrier TP-PAC thermostat $9,763

Company C: Trane XR14 T4TTR4060L1000A, 14 SEER (up to 16 SEER) XR80 TUD1D120A9601A, 4-speed 80% Coil: ACE60A24245L015 Nexia 824 thermostat Replace line set New composite pad Reconnect all electrical to new system Install new fused disconnect for AC Start & test $8,568.37

1. Company C’s quote includes a condenser rated up to 16 SEER but his quote says 14 SEER (I’m assuming it’s because this particular setup can only go up to 14 SEER). Are the setups for Company A & B rated at their advertised SEER?
2. Is it crucial to replace the refrigerant line set? Company B can replace the set but they won’t re-patch the drywall. Is it that important? I don’t know how to do drywall and they aren’t sure how much they’ll have to cut. The current pipes are compatible with 410A.
3. What things should I make sure are included in the contract instead of assuming they will be done because it is considered standard? Things like condenser pad, condensate drain, disconnect, the wiring and breakers, etc. (basically everything besides the major equipment)
4. How is the Trane 4-speed furnace compared to the Carrier multi-speed?
5. Would a Carrier coil be better than the ADP coil for Company B Option 2? Not sure why ADP coil is offered.

submitted by /u/Makeleleroll
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