Carrier Comfort Series or Infinity

[masingh]

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Hi,

We live in a 3 story, 3400 Sq feet house in northern VA and looking to replace our HVAC system. The HVAC company has suggested couple of options:

1. Carrier Comfort Series:
a. Comfort 13 Air Conditioner 4 ton. Model # 24ABB3. 13 SEER
b. 4-Way multipoise induced-combustion gas furnace: 58STA/STX (Series 140). 80% AFUE
c. base series programmable thermostat

2. Carrier Infinity Series: This is recommended by the HVAC company and has a manufacturers rebate.
a. Infinity 17 2-Stage AC. model # 24ANB7 (24ANB748A0030). 16 SEER
b. Infinity 80 variable speed 4-Waymultipoise gas furnance. # 58CVA/CVX Series 150 (58CVA110-f-1-20). 80% AFUE
c. SYSTXCCUID01 Infinity Control User Interface


The carrier Infinity series is more expensive. Q) Are these system good/comparable and also do suggest which one should I go with?

Any idea if if the 2 stage AC and furnance help for mid-Atlantic region from comfort perpective (northern VA/D.C area) and does that also help with the cost?

Thanks,
masingh