Thanks for everyone's replies and thoughts. We are actually, not
replacing an old unit. We are wanting a new install along with
ductwork.

I am not too sure I want a SEER 10 unit today given that it is no
longer manufactured in this part of the world. We mihgt be usign the
unit for 3-5 months out of the year but we want it quiet for the
neighbours as well.

We have 3 quotes:

Quote #1:
About $9,000 CDN for full install (not including power from panel to
the outdoor unit - will need to bring in electrician to do that: anyoen
knwo how much this will cost)
- Trane 3 ton cased coil - 14 SEER (410A)
- Plus balancing the forced air system

Quote #2:
About $6,600 CDN for full install (including all wiring - the installed
says eh can do this work all himself)
- Trane 3 ton - Up to SEER 15 (XL14i)

Quote #3:
Not here yet but the Sears.ca sales agent mentioned somewherea roudn
$5,500 mark for the SEER 10 unit.

I am pretty sure Quotes 1 & 2 are quoting the exact same unit based on
the brochure model numbers so there is a very big difference in price
quotes. $9K is probably out of my range but the 2nd quote gave me asue
for hesitation as the installer is doing everything himself (including
the high voltage wiring). I have no experience in this area but the
first quote wouldn't even touch this area as they suggest a specialist
/ someoen who is licensed to do the high power work. This is what made
me nervous. But the price difference is $6,600 and $9K? Big difference!
Perhaps I can ask them to not balance the system, this shoudl drop the
price by quite a bit no?

Any advice and tips? What else can I provide for the group to help me
solve this one? I am still not sure what to do and where to go with
this one.