On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:04:59 -0700, Bill wrote:

Looking at replacing our 15 yr old 3 ton Trane (10 seer) with a new 3
1/2 ton 14 seer American Standard or Trane with a variable speed air
handler. Reasons are mainly to save energy both cooling and heating
costs. Our current heat is (3) 5k strips. We live in the southeast so
a heat pump would be the best way to go. So far quotes are $4K to
$4,500. I am seeing deals on 3 yr old and newer units on Ebay and
Craigslists for $800 and less. I have been quoted by one source an
installation charge of $1000 - labor only if I provide the system.
Anyone have experience doing this? Perhaps we could buy an aftermarket
warranty? Things are pretty tight budget wise - thanks, Bill

Besides other things, you have to consider in the cost of purchase the
money you could earn on the price. If you pay even only 2000 dollars,
in a simple savings account that would earn 100 to 150 dollars a year
depending on what happens to interest rates. If it's in blue-chip
stocks, you might earn twice that, minus commissions. I don't know
what CDs pay these days.