I purchased a home last year (9 year old home - roughly 4400sq ft across basement, first and second floors - second system supports one room on first floor and some of the basement - crazy) and have seen high gas and electric bills (we are in the Northeast), so I am planning to purchase a more efficient HVAC. I am currently installing vents into the basement, Lennox PureAir system, UV light, zoning (for second floor), explanding the return air and some other corrections to the system (need to be done independent of HVAC decision). I was convinced to use Lennox (G71P and 16 SEER Heat Pump) for the new AC or Heat Pump and Furnace, but I am seeing lower costs with a comparable Carrier system (Infinity ICS and Infinity 16 Heat Pump). Any pros/cons on Lennox v Carrier v Trane? Any other recommendations that I should consider?
Thanks!

Any pros/cons on Lennox v Carrier v Trane? Any other recommendations that I should consider?

Equipment about the same. The engineering manual J and manual D and the install is more important than the name on the equipment.

The question is how quick is your pay off with your 16 seer system to the system you have now. Is your system working up to its standard? Has it been serviced? It may not be your heat and air system not working right but your home not working right-- low R-value of insulation in attic or craw space, bad widows, bad door gaskets and so on. You can buy the highest and best SEER system on the market but if your home is not built or ready for it your savings will be very small.