Hi Guys, I'm looking to buy an A/C next month and my head is spinning with all of the information that I am getting.

It looks like I will be most likely going with a York A/C. I am looking at the "Lattitude" (cheaper) and the "Affinity" (more expensive) model. (Below is a link)
York Heating and Air Conditioning: Homeowners: Air Conditioning: Select a Model (http://www.yorkupg.com/homeowners/air_conditioning/select_a_model.asp)

I have 2 questions surrounding my choice.
1. First of is it worth paying the extra money for the Affinity model (I plan to live there for a long time)?

... the big question
2. One salesman is recommending that I go with the R-22 version instead of the R-410A. What do you guys think about that?

His argument is that...
a. They can't just dump R-22 systems because just about all homes currently have one.

b. There are new "more ecologically friendly" replacements for R-22 coolants on their way. I think that he called it R-22c.

c. Because there is a friendly replacement for R-22, the old systems will be serviceable and the the newer R-410A coolant will fade away into obscurity because they will represent such a small minority of the market.


I would appreciate any comments/recommendations on the above!
thanks,
Brett

It's going to basically break down to "Pay now" or "Pay later". HVAC systems don't have the 40 year life that some had. It's more like 10-15 years.

At some point R22 will come from recycled products only. At some point R410A will become cheaper than R22. When? Don't know.

Personally R410. The installler is probably worth more than the brand.

Effeciency or SEER rating is going to be dependent on how often you use your AC. If you only use it when grandma visits, then you can buy a unit with a less SEER.

If you have gas furnace, you might decide to get a heat pump instead of an AC only unit. This will allow your system to be dual-fueled. This depends on the electric rates in your area.

One salesman is recommending that I go with the R-22 version instead of the R-410A. What do you guys think about that?

Not a problem R-22 will be available in the future. The units that use R-22 will be discontinued in 2010.

They can't possible just dump R-22 systems because just about all homes currently have one.

He is correct.

There are new "more ecologically friendly" replacements for R-22 coolants on their way. I think that he called it R-22c.

I do not know about R-22c but there are replacements available now.

Because there is a friendly replacement for R-22, the old systems will be serviceable and the the newer R-410A coolant will fade away into obscurity because they will represent such a small minority of the market

Incorrect R-410 is here to stay.

Many people are afraid of R-410 because of the higher operating pressures, the lubrication oil used with R-410 sucks up moisture faster that mineral oil used in R-22. This can be a problem for service people who do not follow the proper protocol when using R-410.

To properly work with R-410 all service people should attend a training class.

There is more to this story. You could also be served by doing a Google on R-410.