Again NOISE levels between models is not a factor. SEER 14 is NOT
necessarily any quieter than SERR 10.

I have dug up the dB readings from the manufacturer's or spec sheet.

Trane up to 15 SEER: 72 dB
Trane up to 11 SEER: 76 dB
Sears 10 SEER Unit: under 30 degrees celcius (74 dB) - Over 30 degrees
celcius (76 dB) (2 stage)

I like the 2 stage of the Sears Kenmore unit actually. I know if I had
a 2 stage furnace this would be great but I don't. Will the 2 stage
outside Unit be any of any benefit?

Money IS important. Trust in the installer IS important. A
comprehensive package, one that includes ALL services needed in the
replacement, IS very important.

Good advice. At this moment, the most "trusted" installer is the most
expensive by far. And I also have to find an electrician to come in and
pull the high voltage line. In addition, the most "trusted" installer
is also offering half of the warranty for the trane parts and 1/10th of
the labour warranty! Not good.

The installer that does the building and duct load calculations in
writing and shows them to you is the one I would pick.

I have never received any calculations from the first 2 authorized
Trane installers. I only received a suggestion for a unit size and they
both match. 3-ton. I actually found them from the Trane website
(Canadian section).

Does Sears sell Trane in Canada?

Sounds like Trane is high quality stuff. I am seriosuly considering the
up to 11 SEER unit now instead of the up to 15 SEER unit. But I love
the Sears guarantee. 10 yrs parts AND labour!

This is getting tougher by the day. Man this is overwhelming work for
someone who really didn't know much aboiut this area a few weeks ago.
Thanks everyone for your insight! Any more tips would be greatly
appreciated!