The second quote is equivalent (equipment-wise) to the first, just 50% higher. The third quote has nicer components but the price is high. I'd take the first quote or ask him to quote you on a 16 SEER Goodman system with a VS air handler.

I like the second quote better, it has more details. Carrier's reputation seems to be better than Goodman's (other contributors are invited to comment on this) so it's better equipment. More importantly, the first bid seems intentionally non-specific and vague. Almost evasive, avoiding specifics.

My personal preference - that's a deal breaker when I get bids. HVAC bids I've gotten in the past have always included brand, model, and size for hardware to be supplied. For those bidding on work for me - be specific or don't waste my time.

The first quote is incomplete. You need the model numbers of the heat pump, air handler and thermostat. On the second quote you need the thermostat model number.

Is the second installer proposing a dual system. Tell us about your existing boiler (fuel, radiators, etc.) Your answers will determine if this is a good option for you or not. Also find out how much is the annual maintenance plan. The 5 year labor warranty is nice but not if is going to be very expensive.

Thanks for the response. Yes, I currently have oil heating so they would setup my oil heating as the backup for when it hits a certain temperature. Also, I found out the annual maintenance doesn’t have to be through them but just needs to be maintained annually in general as to not void the 5 year labor warranty. Their annual maintenance is $149/year.

Some personal thoughts: Is it replacing another 3 ton unit? If so, how old is it?

If it's 15+ years, I'd get a Manual J calc performed to verify this is the correct size for your home.

Its replacing a 17 year old 2.5 ton central air only unit . Both quotes recommended 3 ton.

If *I* were you, hire a company like Load Calcs or the dozens of others to do a Manual J for you. Should be a few hundred (or less) to verify that's the right size equipment.

However, the Carrier deal seems like a better option, even though I'd probably go with a SEER14.

Some additional tips:

- Make sure they correctly size your returns. Time and time again I have seen undersized filter grills with high face velocity. Manual D says a filter grill should NOT have over 300fpm of face velocity. I shoot for about <=250fpm because I like quiet systems with longer filter life. This is important to keep static pressure down on the return side // prolong filter life.

- Also make sure they perform a static pressure test *after* the unit is installed. And have them show you the results. It should be under 0.5 (0.3 is ideal).

- Get a dedicated surge protector for your equipment (Something like this: https://www.intermatic.com/Catalog/us/Products/Surge-Protection/Hard-Wired-Surge/CD1-024R). Seriously.

I currently have oil heating so they would setup my oil heating as the backup for when it hits a certain temperature.

The first quote has 10KW heating element for the air handler. Did he propose not using the boiler for heating? The heat pump will reduce the amount of fuel oil for for heating. Do you want to keep the boiler and the fuel oil tank? Is the boiler used for domestic hot water? You could go all electric and get rid of everything associated with the boiler.

What is your location and the size of the house? Did the old 2.5 ton AC keep the house cool on the hottest days of the year? Did the installers give a reason why they are recommending a size increase?

The second quote is a superior installation. Here are two items I don't see on the first quote:

1. Replace copper refrigerant line sets on exterior of home (3/8x3/4x20')
2. Emergency drain pain w/ (2) PVC drains and emergency sensor

The first quote will flush the refrigerant lines. That is OK if they are flushed properly and they are the proper size. Going up in size may mean the lines could be too small. Is the air handler going into the attic? If so, then an emergency drain condensate pan with a sensor is very important. If the pan overflow the heat pump will shut down and you won't have water coming through your ceiling. The prices difference are more about the quality of the installation and not so much the equipment.

If you have the funds, the Carrier Performance would be my recommendation. It is only $1,160 more after the rebate. Much better equipment than the Comfort condenser and air handler.

The quotes are a bit of apples and oranges. As G noted, you need to have a manual J calculation performed (a calculation of your home's heating and cooling loads.) This information would be used to determine the capacity of the system and to understand the breakdown of cooling loads (sensible and latent) which could justify the upgrade to variable speed equipment. The dual fuel (it's only duel fuel, Mike, if the controls aren't set up right) heat pump option is worth considering if your heating season includes a number of weeks when the temperature is above freezing.