I have a house (NoVa area) that was built in 1975 with one zone. My Furnace and heat pump need replacing. I am getting bids to upgrade the old system and add a new second zone to my 2 story house with large basement. There is a significant temperature issue with the 2nd floor. I know that I will be getting some upgrades with as the new systems are two stage, variable speed blowers. Also, I will also be redoing my insulation.

So I was wondering -
1)Is there a difference between Bryant/Amana/Rheem?
Original system (100K BTU furnace).

2) In bidding the second zone unit, most say I would not need more than a basic unit as it is not a large area.

3) Are these systems generally comparable.

4) They all talk about communicating thermostats. Should I have them installed on both systems

5) Are they good prices?

Bid #1 - lower zone (replacement) - $8,200
Rheem RGPE-10EBRMR 100,000
Rheem RARL-049JEC 36,000
Rheem RCFN-HM4824 36,000

Bids #2 - lower zone (replacement)- $8,560
Amana AMVC80 100,000
Amana ASXC 36,000
Amana CAPF 36,000

Bids #2 - lower zone (replacement)- $6,300
Bryant 315A 90,000
Bryant 126 36,000
Bryant CNPVP 36,000

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Upper Zone -
Bid # 1 (New Install) - $10,500
Rheem RHSL-HM2417 24,000
Rheem RPNL-024JAZ 24,000

Bid # 1 (New Install) - $12,900
Bryant FV4 24,000
Bryant 225B 24,000