These are both high end systems which are very expensive. In most parts of the country you may never see a return on investment on this type of equipment. Where are you located and what is the size of your home?

If you are serious about buying this type of equipment then you need to be confident they will be properly sized and installed. Did either of these contractors do a load calculation? Have they verified the duct work is properly sized?

Post the complete model numbers of both systems to get opinions whether what has been proposed makes sense.

Be careful about the SEER comparison, this can be misleading. Get the AHRI matching number on each system proposed...

IMO

Are you just getting the AC condenser and coil or a furnace/air handler also? Need model numbers for each piece.

Thanks for the feedback. To answer your questions, as best I can...

I'm in Austin, TX, so our AC gets a lot more of a workout than the furnace.

We're getting the entire system replaced-the condenser and air handler/furnace.

Our house is a two story, 2,600 s.f. plus.

Both contractors felt our current ducting was adequate.

The model # for the Lennox air handler is the SL280V. Unfortunately, I don't have the model # for the Carrier unit.

Hopefully this helps.

You don't have a valid quote until you get model numbers for the furnace, condenser, and coil. If the contractor won't' provide them then you shouldn't do business with them.

In addition you want the model number of the thermostat. This is very important since these are communicating systems. The quote should also specify the what type of filter, and whether the line set (refrigerant piping) will be replaced or not. Once you have all that information in the quote, then you can start making a decision which is the better HVAC contractor and if the pricing is competitive.

I think because I'm in such a booming market where everyone's swamped, the quotes don't go into that much detail. Now granted, the Lennox one was much more detailed than the Carrier one. Both are highly regarded in their reviews and were recommended to me by people I trust.

Just to simplify things-are there any significant differences between the brands where one is preferable to the other? The contractor that gave me the Lennox quote also deals with Carrier, but said he's partial to Lennox.

the dealer is partial to Lennox because more bux go into his pocket...get the details on mdl condenser size, evap coil, furnace, air filter cabinet, and thermostat. New refrigerant lineset?

TD

"I think because I'm in such a booming market where everyone's swamped, the quotes don't go into that much detail."

True but tell them you can't make a decision and sign a contract if you don't know what you're getting.

Buying HVAC equipment in the middle of the summer or winter is not a good strategy if you want a fair price and a good installation. Can you wait until fall?

Are you willing to sign a contract without the details of what you are buying?

Comparing the high end equipment both brands are equivalent. For $1500 less I would take the Carrier equipment if it is being installed by the same contractor.