u/bantaj

Getting bids for a full 2-zone HVAC replacement in Elmhurst, IL (Chicago suburb) and looking for feedback on pricing and equipment

Home has a two-zone system installed in 2006 (~20 years old), all original equipment, R-22 refrigerant. Two furnaces, two AC condensers, two coils — all in need of replacement. Existing Nest thermostats on both zones.

One contractor (Trane dealer, NATE certified, 30+ years, BBB A+) submitted two options:

Option A — $36,900 net (after $300 Nicor rebate)

• Premium modulating variable-speed furnaces: Trane TUHHB080CC (80k BTU, 96.7% AFUE) + TUHHB060CC (60k BTU)
• AC: Two Trane 5TTR7036 — 3-ton 1st floor, 2-ton 2nd floor, 20 SEER, R454B
• New Trane smart thermostats (replacing existing Nests)
• New coils with TXV, media filters, Aprilaire 700M humidifiers both zones
• Drain pan + safety switch, flush existing linesets, haul away old equipment
• 10yr parts / 10yr labor / 20yr-or-lifetime heat exchanger warranty

Option B — $27,950 net (after $450 Nicor rebate)

• Same scope but 2-stage variable-speed furnaces: Trane S9V2B080 (80k BTU, 97% AFUE) + S9V2B060 (60k BTU)
• Same AC, coils, humidifiers, filters, drain pans
• Reuses existing Nest thermostats
• Same warranty

Questions for the community:

1. Is the ~$9,000 premium for modulating furnaces (Option A) justifiable? I’m thinking it isn’t.
2. Are these prices reasonable for the Chicago suburbs?
3. Any concerns with the equipment selection or sizing?