Check with the dealer on the furnace model number. It isn't the XV95.

I prefer a Trane evaporator coil even if it means losing a small bit of cooling efficiency.

Price is good.

Ductwork could just need balancing dampers installed, or a larger duct run to the rear bedroom. Is the ductwork accessible?

My bad on the number, he the actual model in the quote was the one I have, but he gave me the numbers to "upgrade" to the VV95, two speed, 95%. In terms of the ductwork, I need sopme help. What makes it accessible? In other words, to me it all seems inaccessible...so how do I tell the difference between easy and hard for a pro? any sense on estimates for larger runs or the dampeners? he intimated it wouldnt be cheap, but never talked numbers

I assume they're quoting a 3 ton a/c. This will require around 1200 cfm (airflow), and it's important to ensure the ductwork is sized to handle this load. Did the dealer measure the ductwork or in any way ensure it was adequate? If not, I think you're due for a couple more estimates from reliable dealers.

Inaccessible means tearing down the ductwork to do any modifications. Accessible means attic access or unfinished basement. Does one part of your house get plenty (almost too much) airflow while other parts get little airflow? If so, I think manual balancing dampers can be installed at a reasonable cost (I can't estimate a number, the dampers themselves aren't all that expensive). They can be adjusted by hand to control airflow that travels through each trunk line. I assume this bedroom is a 6-7" duct connected to one of the main duct runs in the house.

Where is the unit located? Can you see any of the ductwork? A dealer on-site should be able to advise you on how to correct the issue. A variable speed blower is a good start.

Thanks Ryan. It is indeed a 3 ton AC unit. I assume you think the XV95 is a good unit? They all looked at the ductwork to some extent, but no one said it needed work. It is a maze that has been amassed over the life of a 90+ year old house, that has an addition in the back (which, as you might suspect, is the back upper room with poor air flow in the summer). I am concerned that there silence means it will quote "work" with the new equipment, but I am missing an opportunity to fix a different issue than just broken the furnace/AC. The last gentleman made it clear that this system would not fix the problem, but did not propose a fix. I am sensitive to price, so I guess he did not quote it, even as an add on, for fear of me perceiving him as pricier. The unit is in the basement, and the ceiling is not finished so you can see it down there, where it goes from there is beyond my vision and thus, without any knowledgebase, I have no idea what it may be doing after that. The blower in the XV95 is variable speed, I think. Should I attempt to have him proffer some solution that may abate the problem to differentiate the bid? Is this overreaching or in-bounds?

Thanks Ryan. It is indeed a 3 ton AC unit. I assume you think the XV95 is a good unit? They all looked at the ductwork to some extent, but no one said it needed work. It is a maze that has been amassed over the life of a 90+ year old house, that has an addition in the back (which, as you might suspect, is the back upper room with poor air flow in the summer). I am concerned that there silence means it will quote "work" with the new equipment, but I am missing an opportunity to fix a different issue than just broken the furnace/AC. The last gentleman made it clear that this system would not fix the problem, but did not propose a fix. I am sensitive to price, so I guess he did not quote it, even as an add on, for fear of me perceiving him as pricier. The unit is in the basement, and the ceiling is not finished so you can see it down there, where it goes from there is beyond my vision and thus, without any knowledgebase, I have no idea what it may be doing after that. The blower in the XV95 is variable speed, I think. Should I attempt to have him proffer some solution that may abate the problem to differentiate the bid? Is this overreaching or in-bounds?

You have every right to at least request that he proposes some solution to your airflow problem. Whether he knows how to fix it or at least improve it will differentiate an experienced dealer that understands Manual D (standard for duct design, like Manual J is for load calculations) from a salesman -- in my opinion. The XV95 is a good unit.

How many estimates have you pursued thus far? I think 3 is a good number, and future estimates you may want to press the hot/cold areas more, especially since it sounds like the ductwork is perfectly accessible for the most part. At least in a way that the system can be somewhat balanced.

I have five estimates with the final coming tomorrow. The last guy is in the lead for numerous reasons, shoukd I propose to him that he fold something in at a discount rate for the problem, or expect him to kick that in to win the bid? Hopefully my last question, so thanks again for all the help

First they need to explain (and likely figure out themselves) what they are going to do to fix the issue or at least improve the airflow to that bedroom. How this effects the total price will depend on what they decide to do. I would expect to pay something over the original install cost. Tell the dealer that you want them to do the work and don't want the final cost to prohibit you from selecting them -- hopefully he's reasonable and can work something out. The price doesn't sound high to begin with.

Why the Aspen coil and not a Trane coil? To get the tax credit, I imagine. What is the tax credit for 2011? I should know this but don't. Last year it was still $1500 max/30% total install cost.

Okay, looks like the tax credit for this year is $300. I imagine the initial quote was then in the $6k range.

EB

I agree with Ryan.

The XV95 is a very nice furnace. You will need a good two stg stat like HW mdl #8321.

Since the fed govt tax credit is not in play, I would insist on a Trane evap coil over a third party brand.

lineset should be replaced and I recommend a good 4-5" pleated filter media cabinet.

as long as ductwork is accessible, improvement to airflow should not be a big deal. ask dealer for recommendation.

IMO
Good Luck!

Thanks again guys for all the help

Thanks again guys for all the help