CARRIER PERFORMANCE SERIES
Furnace: 2-stage 58HDV080 (80,000/56,000) (95%)
AC: 2-ton 24APA7 Performance 17 (17 SEER)
Coil: Not mentioned in bid
Total Cost (before tax credit): $7,900
Total After tax credit: $6,400

Contractor would need 2 days because he said 2" PVC pipe would be used instead of the 3" in our current 88,000 BTU 1992 Carrier Weathermaker, and he would make a new holes for the new pipe closer to the unit than the ones that currently exist that stretch down the basement wall.

TRANE
Furnace: 1-Stage XR95 (76,000) (95%)
AC: 2-ton XR-15 (15 SEER) (no tax credit)
Coil: T4TXCB025BC3HCA
Total Cost (before tax credit): $6,900
Total Cost (after tax credit): $5,700
Contractor said he's use existing 3" pipe and work would take 1 day.

Finally, I've asked the Carrier contractor what the difference would be if we went with a lower SEER AC for our 1949 little colonial (1200 sq. ft above the finished basement). I don't have an answer on that yet. Any ideas on how much less a 15-SEER would be?

Both contractors seem very good and have received excellent reviews from customers in a local consumer services magazine.

Thank you for your help/advice.