DIYbanter - View Single Post - Need help with choosing right central air conditioning

wrote:
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.

Three is nearly NO noise difference between SEER 10 and Seer 14-16
units. Noise is NOT the factor that you imagine it can be.

You have the correct idea below, pick a solution from a vendor that you
trust, and at a price you can afford. SEER 10s are no longer
manufactured in the USA, not true in Canada as your cooling needs are
QUITE different from USA Gulf Coast states. A/C is running RIGHT NOW
here in Houston TX. Outside air temp is 83.

Quad glazing of windows is, I think a common building practice in much
of Canada. Most windows in the USA are STILL single glazed, with double
glazing standard on new construction (but with aluminum frames on
starter homes). Some ares get access to triple glazed windows, but
their use is not widespread.

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.