Quick update guys....

3 different folks came over to the house and looked at my system/house,
and gave me quotes....now here are some of the points that I need some
feedback on:

1. They all confirmed that at the end of the year there will be no more
sub 13SEER models....13 will be the lowest end. Which brings to the
point, doesn't it make more sense to buy a 13 SEER given that parts and
what not will be more readily available in the future?

2. Couple of the guys who came out install both Carrier, trane, and
Rheem, and they all agreed that Trane makes the better part......is
this accurate? They all mentioned the way the parts are made, the all
aluminum fins, etc etc.

3. going to a 13 SEER (r22) variable speed units, I'm looking at $3700
for either Trane or Carrier (with the Rheem at $3250). Going to a 14
SEER, R410, Trane we are looking at $4300!! Trane apparently has a
promotion as well to have free Electric air filters when you go to
their XL14i series......................here is where I am stomped! is
it worth it to invest the extra $500 or so to go with the XL series
unit, R410, and the electric air filter thingy, or just stick with the
XR12, R22, units for $3500?

so basically it breaks down like this:

Rheem, 12 SEER, one-speed, RAMM series : $2700
Rheem, 13 SEER, var speed, RAMC series: $3250
Carrier, 12 SEER, one-speed, comfort series: $2900
Carrier, 13 SEER, var speed, perf series R22: $3500
Carrier, 13 SEER, var speed, perf series R410: $4100
Carrier, 14 SEER, var speed, perf series R410: $4300
Trane, 13 SEER, var speed, XR12, R22: $3500
Trane, 13 SEER, var speed, XR12 R410: $3800
Trane, 14 SEER, var speed, XL12 R410, $4300 (free electric air filter,
etc)

any thoughts?