In your other post you said you currently have a 5 and 4 ton systems. Are you now saying you have 4 and 3.5 ton systems? What sizes are now being quoted? The 2-stage AC condensers only come in even whole sizes (ex: 3, or 4 tons). Is this contractor working through Costco?

You contractor needs to provide the complete model numbers which will indicated the size and the model of the coils. Also is he replacing the line sets and thermostats?

Finally I thought all new HVAC installations in California required a load calculation. Is this not true?

Warranty differences?...

I just installed Day & Night in my own house - it is fine. Lennox is pretty good.

All things been equal the offerings are very similar. Imho Lennox tad better, used to not been able to get any parts ... but now parts are everywhere. So a wash..

Oh mike I wish the load calculation was required. There is a contractor shortage where I live so even getting a call back is a win and only 1 of my 5 quotes even went in the attic to look at the system. No body measured.
We do have a current 4 and 5 ton but from the previous post I think the 4 and 3.5 are going to be sufficient.

They said they would replace line set if it won’t flush but said I don’t need to replace 20 year old line plus “some of line is in walls”.

I only have the full info for the Lennox which they are pushing.
Condenser | Model:
Lennox EL16XC1-048-230
Dwnflow Coil | Model: LC42/49K9BG
Furnace Model: EL296DF090XE48C
Lennox EL16XC1-042-230
Coil | Model: LH42/62E9C
Furnace Lennox EL296UH090XE48C

Thanks a million for your time

Keeping our nest thermostats. And no I dumped my Costco bid even though way cheeper because I was nervous about instal.

Got the information on the Day and Night. G96VTN0801716A for 4 ton Furnace.
G96VTN0601714A for 3.5 ton Furnace.
CCA748GKA1 for both AC units... Because they only come in full tons, the 4-ton AC with a matching 4-ton coil, and pair with the 3.5-ton furnace.
They don’t want me to use the Lennox Pure Air with the Day and night though unfortunately.
And I was incorrect, the Lennox is EMC constant torque not variable speed blower like the Day and night is.

The Day Night equipment is made by ICP which is the same company as Carrier and Bryant. I think the furnace is the Carrier Comfort equivalent and the condenser might be a Carrier Performance equivalent since it is 2-stage. The nice thing about the Day Night is that is has a 10 year No Hassle replacement warranty. The 60K and 80K furnace sizes are more appropriate.

Ask if the condenser which will be paired with the 60K furnace can be 3 tons instead of 4. If he says yes, then I would recommend the Day Night equipment over the Lennox.

Ok Mike, you rock! one more thing. I really want to have the Lennox PureAir added to the Day and night. This is a media filter, PCO, and UV filter. It has MERV16 and the contractor said this might be too restrictive for the Day And Night. This was “included” in the price already and they are trying to replace it with something super cheap with no price change so are they full of it, or is airflow a real issue with the PureAir?

The higher the MERV rating, the more restrictive to air flow. MERV 16 filters and UV lights are unnecessary in my opinion. You should be fine with a MERV 8. All you need is a box to hold a 4 inch media filter. There is no reason why the contractor can't adjust the price to reflect this lower cost item. Going from a 4 ton to 3 ton will also be a good cost savings.

Installing two systems at the same has a nice profit margin for the installer. It won't kill him to costs some cost and seal the deal.

Can’t talk them into the downsize unfortunately. Not even the Lennox 180k btu if we do that to get the PureAir filter. They say with our very high ceilings we need it. And they are on the hook for replacing the unit if it’s not strong enough per their guarantees. And no discount for not adding the two Lennox PureAir which they price at 4K and we were hoping would help with allergies and COVID.
With a contractor shortage in the area customers need to court them not the other way around. Alas my choices are limited.

I wouldn't use a MERV16 filter - we use MERV8 and they are sufficient, work just fine. I, too would go with the 2 stage AC - you have a mild but damp climate so optimal dehumidification is important.

Is the contractor willing to reuse the Nest thermostats? If so he will have to reset them to work properly with the 2-stage equipment. I would also insist a C wire is properly connected. That means three additional wire connections between the thermostat and the furnace. You want the Nest thermostat to control the stages and not the furnace control board.

Thanks a million Mike. Given that I can’t get them to change price or size, you still lean Day and Night? I don’t like they are making a larger margin off me (no PureAir and cheeper equipment) but I really want what will be most reliable system more than anything. And the variable speed blower and 2 stage air are nice). My favorite contractor wanted 4+5 tons so at least I have talked these ones into coming down to 4 and 3.5. Do you have a media filter you like?

Damn my contractor quit on me for asking too many questions and because they are overbooked. Now back to the drawing board.

How about this one. It is just downstairs but this guy I trust.

Install Bryant 2 stage 96% efficiency M#926TB6080V 80K btu furnace with variable speed motor.
Install Honeywell Filter box on top of unit for easy access.
Install Bryant 4 ton coils with TXV metering device.
Install Bryant M#127CNA048000 4 ton 2 stage condensing unit in existing location.

The Bryant models are both from the Preferred line. It is good equipment and is fine for your needs. It comes down to the installer doing a good job and not rushing by cutting corners. Get a 4 inch media filter box if possible. The filters are more expensive but in your climate you would probably change them once a year.

Have you decided to replace the downstairs equipment only? How does the price compare to the Day Night quote? Bryant usually has rebates, but they tend to be in the Spring and Fall, You should ask if there are available. What about local utility rebates for high efficiency equipment? Check to see if you qualify for anything.

Great questions Mike! I can’t tell you how helpful you have been! This installer gets rave reviews and really helped us in a jam one time. He was only willing to quote the one system now because he is so busy and his back hurts but says he will do upstairs when he gets the time. He was a little curmudgeony with me but as a woman by myself (and 3 little kids) I find this very common with contractors. Especially when I ask them to consider a smaller system than we currently have or they know I got multi bids. His price is a little higher than the others but not the highest given the two stage. Plus the Day and Night team backed out and our heat is on its last legs. I called and asked the Bryant guy to do it yesterday but have not heard back yet. I’m scared to ask him for anything at this point. If the Bryant guy cannot do it then I’m considering asking my Fraser Johnson guy (who insists on 4+5 tons) to install first the 4 downstairs and then if it is undersized like he predicted then change it to upstairs. Although this sounds very expensive and possibly not possible. Anyway thanks so much for coming with me on this journey. You wouldn’t believe the lies I have been told during this search which I only caught because I got multiple quotes.

Good installers are in high demand, so my advice is if you are comfortable with him then give him time. You have two systems so if the downstairs heat stops working, the upstairs one will keep the house comfortable. Don't panic and install something that is not appropriate.

Please keep us up to date on how this turns out.