I am getting ready to buy a new A.C. unit for my 1300 sq. ft. home in North Central Texas. Winter is fairly mild most years, but Summer arrives in May and lasts until September. I've received quotes for Heat Pump and regular(?) AC units. The contractors all recommended the heat pump,which is around $400.00 more than the other units. I plan to keep this house at least 10 more years I can tolerate being cool much better than being hot. Average utility bill is $75-$125 in the winter, double that in the summer. I'm thinking 2.5 ton unit, up from 2.0 ton. Any suggestion on which kind of unit would give the most efficient bang for my buck?

Heat pump will save and be worth the extra bucks,, as for 2.5 ton unit, sounds a little small to me for a 1,300 square ft house, but I live in a different neck of the woods than you do,, get more opinions and make sure installer has a good rep. shoddie work will kill you.

Go with the heat pump. Its made for your area. One thing to remember if your not use to a heat pump the average supply air temp is around 98 degrees, far less than the supply air temp of a gas furnace but it will keep it at a moore constant temp. And yes for less money if you compare the SEER.