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dieterle · Aug 6, 2008, 12:38 PM

I received two quotes for a 14 and a 15 SEER Trane R410A heat pump. The price difference was $2900 between the two quotes (there's duct work $$ in the quote as I am doing a major remodel and adding lots of new space)

The question is should I ave the $2900 or does the extra efficieny pay off? I'm sure the answer is it depends, but is there a rough guide or calculator for me to model an ROI?

wmproop · Aug 6, 2008, 02:00 PM

You would never be able to notice the difference,maybe in 40-50 years it might pay for itself,, but I`m one that doesn`t believe the 14 seer is worth the difference in cost compared to a 13 seer unit,, the varible speed motor you need for the 14 seer unit will cost you $800.00 TO $1,ooo.oo when you have to replace it down the road, you will have to deduct that from your savings also.

jip55 · Oct 17, 2009, 10:44 AM

Average your 4 highest summer months light bills from the last year, or more years if you have them available. Now find the lowest monthly energy bill for the year, usually May or November, depending on where you live. Again use several years to get an average if you have the bills at hand. Subtract the lowest from the average. This equates into how much cooling energy you use in a month. Multiply this number by how many months you actually use you cooling system in the year. Divide the $2900 difference, between the 14 seer and 15 seer units, by this amount. This will tell you an approximate time frame for recouping the cost differential. If it is less than 12 years, get the 15 seer. If it is more than 15 years it will probably not make up the dfference before the system fails. However this calculation does not take into account for environmental concerns or the rising costs of your utility bill, but will give you some direction on what best fits your circumstances.