Swingeasy

There are three equally important aspects of a new installation. Correctly sized and quality HVAC, the install itself by the dealer and his techs, and finally and perhaps the most disregarded and overlooked is a decent ductwork system.

Here is my general spec sheet for new 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 lineset
10 yr warranty on parts and compressor

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.

My personal recommendation is Trane/AmStd, Rudd/Rheem, and Carrier/Bryant.

Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new system that did not have electronic demand defrost.

The pricing on the Trane system is good.I need to see the mdl number quoted on the air handler. However I prefer the XR series of Trane HP
condensers.either XR13 or XR15 condenser.

Will not comment on the Bryant or Rheem quotes without seeing all model numbers, both condenser and air handler.

Post back.

IMO

x2 on tigerdunes post.

you have lots of different things going on.
each bid includes something the other doesn't

bid 2 install condensate pump and wiring in
crawls space for condensate trap required by code.
Add 12x12 cold air return in closet.(are you short on return air??)
Replacing return plenum and filter rack where it is loose now.
Replacing breaker or box at outdoor unit.
Install 4 circuit electrical box and
breakers in crawl space.

beware that other companies might add these items
on rather than bid them upfront & increase bid.

bid three:
variable speed air handler only bid with vs ahu..which
really helps control RH. ask for cost of
varible speed air handler on each bid
heat strips...what size?
line set for compressor protection
surge protector for the outdoor compressor
pad...for compressor??
digital control, pad, and line set.
As required by International Energy Conservation Code a new outdoor thermostat will be installed.
IECC only requires bid #3 to do this??

while bid 1...Trane is the least expensive bid
and the most expensive equipment they leave
out everything but the basics. although they
do tell what size heat strips.

you aren't getting a real apples to apples
comparism. call each back & ask about items
the other company bid (without giving co names)
find out what you really need.
do you need condensate pump? a new pad?
new electrical? who knows??

this would also be the time to ask for a load calculation.
rather than the rule of thumb sizing they are
all using. mastic sealing ductwork & supply boxes
where they enter via the floor, mastic seal of plenums
to equipment are always necessary, but in a crawlspace
you don't want to be pulling dirt & humid air into the
house.

kudos on the media filter. putting a media filter
on a well sealed (mastic sealed) duct system is
a good step.

once you get this information..
then get model numbers of condensors, air handler
units, and size of heat strips.
then you can do a comparism.

as is, you don't really know much about what
you need, only what they want to sell you.

best of luck

OK, thanks for all the info, I am reposting the prices without the yearly service contract prices and the best I can do on the model numbers, etc, etc. Hope these numbers help some on what you think. Thanks.

Install (1) Trane XB14 system, high efficiency air handler #4TWB4036 - 15 SEER rating 3 ton heat pump with air handler, 10 KW electric supplementary heater, non-programmable digital heat pump thermostat, drain line, refrigeration piping, connect to existing power connections, connect to existing duct
Install above Heat pump - $4,600.00
Install 5 inch media filter - $185.00

Total installed price - $4.785.00

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Install Bryant 15 seer Puron 3 ton Heat Pump with 3 ton fan coil, outdoor model # is 225BNA03600, the indoor model # is FV4CNF03T00., install condensate pump and wiring in
crawls space for condensate trap required by code.
Add 12x12 cold air return in closet.
Replacing return plenum and filter rack where it is loose now.
Replacing breaker or box at outdoor unit. Install 4 circuit electrical box and
breakers in crawl space.

Install above Heat Pump - $5,235.00
Install 5 inch media filter - $225.00

Total installed price - $5,460.00

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Install one new Rheem Prestige Series three ton 15 SEER high efficiency heat pump with a new Rheem Ultra-Tuff � variable speed air handler Model RHKL-HM2417, heat strips, line set for compressor protection, surge protector for the outdoor compressor, pad, digital control, pad, and line set. As required by International Energy Conservation Code a new outdoor thermostat will be installed.
Install above heat pump - $4,615.00
Install 6 inch media filter - $314.00

Total installed price - $4,929.00