A $4000 difference between the 95% HE furnace (Luxaire) and the top of the line Carrier Infinity ICS Modular system (boasting 96.6% efficiency). Is it worth it? Is the comfort, noise and "energy efficiency" of the Infinity worth an extra $4K?

Other question/concern, is the the duct work. If the house is 30 plus, the duct work is as well. Should we be concerned with it or because we have been having no issues... if it ain't broke...

And last, any comments on air purifiers? My wife has some allergies and takes meds daily. We have one (portable) in the room, but wonder about having one added onto the heating system. Again, another $1000, is it worth it?

Thanks

Dan

What is your location?

I assume you live in an area/climate that has a wide range of winter temps. If this was my decision, I would be investigating one of the modulating furnaces like the York.

ductwork should be thoroughly inspected as to condition, size of both supply and returns, insulation qualities, leakage, etc.

I am not a fan of EACs. A good 4-5 pleated filter media cabinet is more than adequate for most homeowners.

IMO

We live in Wisconsin (Milwaukee area), so yah.. wide range is a nice way of saying it can $uck. Have our nice days (20-30 degrees)and then there is the days or week of -20 and possibly below.

We do have someone coming next week to give an quote. Will push/ask on the duct work. They carry Rheem and York systems as well, so I will be interested to see what they have. I know both carry the modulating systems.

As far as the EAC (Electronic air cleaner??), I think we should invest in getting the ducts cleaned (just before the new install) and then get the best filter. If we wind up with the modulating, I think that filter is going to be very important. (Didn't mention we have two dogs that shed constantly).

Thanks for that feed back.

Many duct cleaning jobs do little. Find someone who specializes in it, uses compressed air or brushes to actually clean the ducts too not just cut holes and suck a little bit of loose dust. A good duct cleaning job isn't cheap. Look out for the $79.95 Sunday paper ads and also those who "throw it in" with a new furnace.

I'm with tiger, the 4" medias do a nice job for a low price. If you really want the electronic ability, which gets the sub-micron sized particles that the media alone misses, I'd only go with the Aprilaire 5000. For bad allergies, might consider it.