Both are good setups (except you want the 4TEE3F39A1 air handler with the Tranes for better efficiency), but the Rheem setup overall wins with its higher efficiency and 2-stage heating/cooling. Put either setup you go with on Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ thermostats for the best humidity control. The installation rather than the brand is the most important. Ductwork is an important factor in the efficiency and comfort of the system, so if it needs to be replaced, best to do it now. Make sure it is well sealed/insulated, and has sufficient return air.

Since they are replacement systems, they qualify for the $1500 tax credit with their efficiency figures. Talk to your dealers about this. I'm not sure on all the stipulations, so it may only apply to one system per household, but either way it's nothing you want to leave on the table.

Thanks for the reply. I had asked one of the Trane contractors about the 4TEE3F39A1 air handler and they wanted $500.00 more per unit and I wasn't sure if it was worth that much more. The federal tax credit is only good for up to $1500.00 or 30% of the cost in 2009 and 2010. Any thought on whether to use metal duct or fiberboard when replacing ductwork?
One other question, with both installed correctly is one brand any more reliable or cost efficient for repairs longterm. It seems there are more contractors out there that push or work on Trane than Rheem.

They're not being reasonable if they want $500 more per unit. The different size air handler certainly doesn't cost them that much for the upgrade.

I would prefer metal duct (with possibly flex duct connectors to the registers off the metal trunk line) over fiberboard/ductboard, but sometimes it's cost prohibitive.

I wouldn't really give Trane or Rheem an edge over each other, but I will say I really like Trane's outdoor spinefin coils the best. Where are you located? If near the ocean, the spinefin clearly holds up better. The spinefin coil has proven itself over the years, but Rheem too has proven itself to be a reliable, cost-effective option over the years as well. That's why I'd focus more on the better dealer.

What thermostats were proposed by each dealer?

I live in Maryland. The Rheem dealer is quoting a Honeywell Vision IAQ but the Trane dealer is pushing the Trane XL800. Rheem wants $200.00 more per stat and Trane is $220.00 more each.
Do you think the Trane coils are any less prone to leakage than Rheem? Also, Rheem has a two-stage scroll compressor and I think the Trane has a recipricating compressor. Would one hold up better than the other or provide better efficiency?

I am in Maryland myself but am not in this field. Are you in Montgomery County by chance (I do know of a few companies here)? The XL800 is a good thermostat but not as capable as the IAQ from Honeywell. The XL800 is a VisionPRO that says Trane on it, just not the VisionPRO IAQ which can slow the blower down to control humidity. Any mention of adding a 4-5" air filter for each unit? Good addition for better filtration and only needs replacement 1-2 times a year. Regarding coils, that's hard to answer, since leaks can happen in any brand once in a while. I would not have a problem with using either brand, I'll say that. I would not worry so much about what kind of compressor the outdoor unit has, scroll or reciprocating (though scroll is the industry preference nowadays, in the 2 ton size reciprocating compressors seem to be rather efficient). The 2-stage operation of the scroll in the Rheem is what gets you more efficiency and will provide you with better comfort during the summer since it can run during low stage mostly. I say "more comfort," but it's not significant insofar as the Trane with variable speed air handler and IAQ thermostat will provide very comparable results.

Hopefully others here can give you their thoughts as to which way to go, but I think they'll share the same opinion that it's the installer that matters most. If you're in Montgomery County, I may know some of the companies you've gotten quotes from. I know a couple of companies I "would" get quotes from.

Thanks for your input. I am in Washington County. The air filters you mentioned, are they Aprilaire or another brand? I currentl use 3M filters on the air returns.

The 3M Filtrete 1" filters are actually not the best filters to use contrary to marketing, because they restrict too much airflow for the average system (more airflow is more efficient and overall better for the system). The 4-5" media filter cabinets are manufactured by many brands, Honeywell and Aprilaire being two good, popular names.