windance

the government standard is the 13 SEER low end builder models.

I will assume you are building a nice home with very good construction/insulation qualities.

I would not have the 13 SEER in a nice home if operating costs are important to you.

Am Standard makes good equipment including their HPs.

you need to have a load calculation performed to correctly size new HVAC. Request it in writing.

here are my recommended specs for new HPs.

15 SEER, 12+ EER, 9 HSPF
matching var speed air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410 a refrigerant
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost
staged backup heat strips
thermostat with dehumidify on demand feature.

I would recommend Am Std Heritage 15 model.

and if budget allows, geothermal may be an option to consider.

IMO

As above, can't tell if it's the right size without a load calculation.

I spoke with the heating company and the sales person agrees with tigerdunes that the 13 is just not efficient for the house we intend to build. He recommended at least a 16 or the now 20 that is taking the place of the 18seer. I want an efficient system, but don't need an over kill with a bunch of bells and wisltes. However, if the efficiency is that much greater on the 20 than it may be worth it as I intend to stay in the house for several years. Does any one know a ball park figure about how much difference in cost there is between a 13, 16 and 20 seer unit and if the extra benefits will outweight the price difference if you live in the house say 15 years? I will still have a 4 ton unit. We spoke about putting the 14 seer for the other unit as it is one that will not be ran all the time. Does that sound smart or not?

Have this contractor show you documentation proving 6 tons is needed for a new construction 3500 sqft. home. I'd have doubts if this can't be provided. I heat/cool a similar size home (of which is a finished basement, however), and 4 tons is plenty (1986-built home).

16/20 SEER units provide 2-stage operation. If going 2-stage I definitely recommend the 20-SEER units over the 16-SEER units, since the 20-SEER units have 2 compressors with much better staging capacity (50%/100% capacity split--better for longer run times and better dehumidification). This way you can get the complete ComfortLink II system (you could, still, with the newer 16-SEER system, though).

In most cases, a 14 or 15 SEER system offers the best combination of purchase price and true operating costs.

The additional cost of a 20 SEER system will never be recovered in energy savings during the life of the equipment.

Good luck.

I agree. It's hard to justify the difference for a 2-stage system when a good single stage with v/s blower can accomplish similar results with the right controls. IF going 2-stage, though, I'd encourage the OP to choose a system that has a better capacity split between high and low stage--namely, the XL20i/Heritage 20.

ryan and Gary,

I looked up the numbers on a 4 ton Heritage 20. This is progress?

3220941 Active Systems HERITAGE 20 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6Z0048A1 4TEE3C07A1 45500 12.00 17.25 45500 9.00 25200

rather disappointing. short on both heating and cooling BTUs. Looks like the only thing special is probably the price. Give me the Heritage 15 (XL15i).

1382179 Active Systems HERITAGE 15 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H5048A1 4TEE3F65B1 48000 12.25 15.00 47500 9.00 30200

IMO

Similar to what we were seeing with the XL19i. Wish the performance was superior for the pricing on those units.

We have decided to go with either a 16 or 20 seer American Standard unit with two stage, variable speed, etc. 4 tons on main side of house 2500 square feet according to load calculation. The only difference in the two in price is $1100; however, on the 20 seer they give you a free 10 year warranty. That brings the difference in price to $550. It seems to me that we should go with the 20 seer since it is such a small amount more. For the other side of the house, (1000 square feet) which that area is the guest side & will not be occupied all the time, the load calculation called for a 1 1/2 ton. We are going to use the 14 seer unit with no additional parts & labor agreement. I have been told that American Standard no longer makes the 1 1/2 ton; therefore, we will have to get a two ton. They tell me they can slow the fan speed down to be like a 1 1/2 ton. Is that correct and is there any problems with doing that? Is the 14 seer unit a good unit that normally holds up well since we will not be buying the 10 year parts and labor policy for $550. They tell me that the $550 is their cost for the agreement for 10 years. These units will be placed on a new home that will be built shortly. Does any one know if there are any type of energy tax credits available for new homes (not first time home buyers)? So far, all I see are credits if they are for home improvements and there is some type of $2,000 credit for the builder that I didn't quite understand. If you have any information on the tax credits, please let me know. Do you feel I am making the right decision on the selection of the units. How about the slowing of the fan speed? All other suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.