My current system was installed in 1994 when the house was built. I have been shopping around and receiving quotes which varies significantly even with the exact equipment.

With all the research, I am leaning towards choosing this for my home:

Trane condenser *XL20i 4TTZ036 3 ton 36,000 btu 2 stage 410A
Trane gas furnace *TUHMD100ACV5VA 100,000 BTU
thermostat TCONT950
Trane CleanEffect whole house air cleaner TFD245CLFR
Trane humidifier THUMD200

I've had a load test done by more than one person and the size of units varies from 60-120 BTU's and 2.5-4 tons air condenser.

Still unsure on the sizes of equipment needed. Any incite as to equipment choices, prices,etc will be appreciated

So far I starting to think the contractors who could get the rebates/loans from the gas/electric companies inflate their prices

Thanks

For what size home?

What size and efficiency is your existing furnace?

What size is existing AC condenser?

What mdl evap coil quoted? And yes it makes a difference.

How are the insulation qualities of your home?

You should know that NJ is one of the most expensive states to live including HVAC and obscene taxes.

Post back with info requested.

IMO

I'm in Camden County w/2500 SF 2 story home which requires slightly less than 60K.

V

Tigerdunes questions

For what size home?
---2700 Sq Ft 5 bedrooms

What size and efficiency is your existing furnace?
---100 000 BTU, I believe 80% - Seems to work well however a few rooms could use additional heat (possibly duct issues)

What size is existing AC condenser?
---3 ton, however when we looked at the house before purchase, I noticed a few window units around the house. The owner claimed she was attempting to save by not cooling the entire home (divorced)

What mdl evap coil quoted? And yes it makes a difference.

---I didn't even ask about the coil, ( I should have since I read about evap coils here...

How are the insulation qualities of your home?
---Just moved in a few weeks ago- Insulation seems moderate from the walls we opened up during a few upgrades

You should know that NJ is one of the most expensive states to live including HVAC and obscene taxes.
---I'm learning fast of how expensive NJ is...forced to move out of NYC (kids)

Veesubotee:

Town-Jackson NJ
AFUE?-AFUE of quoted furnace 95%
Furnace cycle-From the past month I noticed frequent cycles even with moderate temperatures in the night

Thanks again all

I wouldn't make a move without asking for a load calculation in writing on the software letterhead. Room by room analysis.

This is a sgl strory or two story?

Age of home? You need to know the outside wall insulation rating, attic insulation rating, and crawlspace underfloor insulation rating. What type of windows?

Those window units bother me and are a symptom of not enough AC cooling in the summer. Sit up and take notice!

Ductwork should have a thorough inspection as to size of lines both supply and returns, leak test, insulation qualities of ductwork. Homeowners typically overlook the importance of a good ductwork system and most dealers don't care-they just want to sell you the equipment.

IMO

-I actually sat down with one contractor who entered the size of each room on some computer software, I didn't realize I needed to know the attic and wall insulation ratings or if he entered that information

-no leak test of duct work conducted nor insulation qualities of duct work-

-Of the 4 estimates conducted none brought up any of the issues you mention.

I am so confused maybe I need to call up for additional estimates...

Underfloor basement ceiling should be insulated.

You should insist on a load calculation.

Kind of windows in home?

I have suspicion you are undersized in cooling and oversized in heating.

And you should have a thorough ductwork inspection with dealer addressing any concerns about hot/cold spots in your home.

IMO

I assume the furace is in the basement and the duct work is sheet metal. Since the duct work is in conditioned space it will not be insulated. The duct work which is exposed in the basement can be visually checked for leakage. You will not be able to inspect duct work inside walls.

I think your furnace should be no bigger than 80,000 BTU assuming a 95%+ efficiency. The 3-ton AC sounds a little small. I would think a 3.5 ton single stage, or 4 ton 2-stage would be the correct size. A proper load calculation will confirm the correct size.

It seems the contractors you have met so far either don't know how to do a load calcualtion, or are doing some gross calcualtion with incorrect results. Keep looking for a contractor who knows what he is doing.