Carrier Infinity-Bryant Evolution packages

[gat210]

I have narrowed my search to 2 contractors with a long and good standing in our area of Michigan. I have 2 proposals that have had manual J's done and both have come to similar results. So here are my questions-
1. Differences between Air cleaners. 1 has proposed the Bryant perfect air
and the other 4" media (Merv 10) Is it worth the upgrade to Perfect Air
2. I would like to have a air exchanger installed and have read many things
about what would work better HRV or ERV and can it be used in place of
make up air. My thought would be ERV because I do not have humidity problems in the winter and it would be better than
just pulling in raw make up air
3. My current unit is a 125,000 comfort maker with a 5 ton condenser and a 4 coil. Yes I know it is messed up, but the qustion is..I had a measurement
taken from both returns with a manometer and it came up to 1500 CFM
the duct work on the supply side is properly sized at a 5 ton, but from
my research the return air is only set up for 1400 based on the size of the
duct work. These 2 proposals that are being proposed are completely
different for the return air. all proposals for this would be running round
individual pipes back to the furnace due to i logistical problems of
increasing the main trunk. QUESTION how many returns do i really need
for a 2000 sq ft finished basement

Info on the house
2900 sq ft ranch with 2000 sq ft finished basement R48 ceilings R13 walls
9 foot ceilings with a few 14 foot vaults. 7 standard returns on main level
Overall comfort is good on main level. Many large windows with very little
direct sunlight during the day. (alot of trees)

Contractor 1
Load Calculation 108,000 Heating 66,000 cooling
Bryant Evolution Series 355C 60120C-120,000 BTU Three-Stage V
Bryant 5 Ton 288ANA Heat Pump with 6” risers and Poured Concrete Pad
Coil CNPV6024ATA
Bryant Evolution Thermostat
2-Bryant Perfect Air Purifier’s GAPAAXBB2025
Bryant Large Bypass Humidifier
Additional Return Air for basment
10 Year Parts Warranty
1 Year Labor Warranty

Contactor 2
Load calculation 112,000 Cooling 63,000
Carrier Model 58MVC120 Infinity ICS 95+ 3 Stage Variable
coil CNPV6024ATA
2 performance EZ flex air cleaner Merv 10
Use existing Carrier humidifier
Infinity Control
Carrier Model 25HNA948 Infinity 19 Dual stage heat pump
Adjust Ductwork at Plenum Addition of (4) Return Airs and (3) Supply Airs for Basement w/ Diffusers
Ducts Sealed at All Accessible Areas
10 year part warranty
10 year compressor warranty
10 year labor warranty
1 year service agreement

both contractors are close in price but the biggest difference I see
is the Air purifier... media Merv10 cabinets
the amount of duct work being propsed for the basement
and warranties. contractor 1 would upgradeto 10 year for x dollars

Note. both contractors have all certifications through Carrier and Bryant as authorized installers

ANY THOUGHTS?

[Todd S 2]

There is a night and day differance in performance (and cost) between the 2 air "cleaners".

The merv 10's are "free", the "air purifiers" are really expensive.