Hello! I'm in serious need of a new a/c unit after ours died this past weekend. It was a 4 ton carrier, 9 seer, 14 years old. We've gotten 5 quotes & are seriously considering between 2 companies based on quality of prior installations (that's what I hear is most important, not price). All 3 companies have given bids on Payne, Carrier & Trane. Trane of course being the most expensive.

All bids are considering 4 ton units at 13 seer with the new 410A refridgerant & programmable thermostat. What I am looking to get feedback on is what someone in the industry not bidding on our job would recommend. Are any of these systems quieter? Do any of them require less repairs on average & are any of them worth the higher $$$? We live near Orlando, FL , so we need something that cools well. Also a factor is that we are planning to move in the coming 2-3 years so we won't be at this house long enough to realize a savings by getting a higher seer rating.

The bids we have gotten thus far are as follows:

Payne $4400.00
Carrier $4900.00
Trane $5100.00

All systems include new lines. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated as we are trying to confirm bid & purchase tomorrow 10/17/07.

Thanks!!

pammark ---

If you have not received an answer or purchased a new unit let me try to help.
First of all, Payne is made by Carrier, who also makes Day & Night and I believe one other brand. It's like the situation with Hotpoint and GE. Usually, units cost from $1800.00 to $3000.00 + installation. The most important thing I read from your post is that you are going to move in 2-3 years. If you or any family members, friends, etc. are not living in the house, buy the LEAST EXPENSIVE UNIT you can. You will not get any more $$ for your house because it has a "Trane" unit or any other more expensive unit.

I would always try and pick the company that has the best reputation for a good install. Nothing worse than taking the cheaper price and having the system screwed up from the get go . Get references.

I agree with hvac1000 cheaper is not better. The new home owner will want a higher seer unit and it may reflect in the offer on the home if you go with the cheaper system. Compare the warranty of all your bids.

Higher SEER will take longer to recoup initial investment.
I just had a Trane SEER 13 3 ton (my sq footage may be less) but I love everything about the new system: quiet, good warranty, installed by established local professionals, who have been in business for decades! They handled all aspects of the install: permits, clean-up, removal of old unit, etc.

I live in Orlando and am on the search for a new ac unit. I am wondering who you went with and if you are happy with what you got?