You have to decide what you want, really. The first quote has 2 nice A/C units with 2 great furnaces. The second quote has 2 heat pumps (nice dual fuel setup) with the same furnaces (I assume). However, the Classic series heat pumps aren't 2-stage like the Ruud UARL's. Ruud and Rheem are essentially the same with a different logo. How did they come up with sizing? Ask them if they did a load calculation to determine the heat loss and heat gain or if they're just going by old size or rule of thumb (bad idea).

Thanks. Yes they both did a load calculation although interestingly came up with different numbers. They were even further apart but both changed when they heard the others calculations. The furnaces are the same(except for size). I was wondering if the heat pump was "better" than the central A/C despite the heat pump not being two stage and sized less(they are convinced I only need a two ton and 2.5 ton heat pumps but have come up with two 3 tons)

Thanks again for any advice.

The model numbers in the second quote are for the coils. You need to ask for the model numbers for the heat pumps. The heat pumps, depending on your utility costs, can save you in the heating mode with the gas furnace used when needed. However, with such a nice furnace, you may want to use is as your primary heat comfort source (estimate 1's idea). 5 tons is a LOT of cooling. I'd ask to see the heat gain numbers of estimate 1 before installing a 5 ton and a 3 ton. You can ask them their calculated heat loss and heat gain figures in BTU's (these should be specific, i.e. xx,xxx btu's - if they can't produce them, red flag...).

mugiber

I question both furnace and AC/HP sizing. You need a Man J performed and get a copy in writing for your review. I suspect you are oversized especially quote #1.

With NY's electric rate structure, I am not certain that a HP makes economic sense plus a HP may be overkill with a modulating furnace. What exactly is your electric rate? what is nat gas rate?

I am not familiar with Rheem/Rudd modulating furnace model numbers but you must have their mod thermostat for it to operate the full range of heating BTUs.

A suggestion. I would look at the Lennox G71 mod.

$5400 for insulation? humm.

IMO

Here is a link that might be useful: Lennox G71p

Tigerdunes recommending Lennox? :)

I agree on the sizing and second the necessity to get a heat load and heat loss calculation performed to determine sizing.

The current gas furnaces are two twinned 100K. The home has brick/stone walls and I think both calculated poor insulation due to the stone. Between the size, current 100Ks, and lack of good insulation, I think that effected their size estimates.

Current Electrical 0.107 $/kwh
Current Gas $1.38/therm
(not sure if I also add the gas delivery charge of 0.174 which is not included above)

Thanks again for the recommendations. I will ask about their Manual Js...but this is a huge old house, so not sure about the sizing issue. The second estimator hooked up a blower to look at "tightness" of the house whereas the second did not.