Thanks guys, I got a new quote today. Lenox Elite Series XL16 -036-230 Compressor 2 Stage Variable Speed 3 Ton Air Handler Lennox Signature Model # CBX32MV-036-230 Variable Speed Quote: $6,600.00 plus $500.00 Lennox Rebate & $500.00 JCP&L rebate total cost $5,500.00 after rebates. Question, is it more efficient to have a 2 stage compressor in my area as we only use the A/Cfor about 4/1/2 months . The XL17 in my second quote is a single stage in the Signature Series. There is a $1,500.00 difference in the pricing. Also the air handler in the second quote is the top handler in the Signature Series. Your yhougjts would be greayly appreciated.

The price of propane is rising, isn't it? In this case, I'd consider heat pumps that will switch over to propane when the temperature is low enough to warrant the use of propane over the efficient heat pumps (around 35-40* or so). Few matchups will get near the 19-20 SEER range. You need the sizes and full model numbers of the equipment being quoted to know for sure. Trane, Carrier and Bryant all make fine products. If going with Carrier, ask for a tin-plated copper coil (heard of leaking problems with Carrier's *ACA standard copper coils--I guess all mfg's have leak problems). The Infinity/Evolution is a nice system. I personally favor Trane over Carrier--I think Trane's quality is hard to beat, but that's just my opinion. I do wish the XL19i was available in R410A, but that will be a little later. Is your electricity particularly expensive? Going with the top-of-the-line SEER/units may not have a great payback. 20 years old? They've done their time. As far as duct noise goes, if your ductwork is sized correctly, then you should be fine. However, the variable-speed blowers maintain proper CFM and will overcome slightly deficient ductwork systems. If the ductwork system is undersized/deficient, it will be louder as it attempts to maintain proper CFM (versus the PSC blowers where if the ductwork was poor it wouldn't vary its speed to maintain airflow). If it's quiet now, I don't think it will be a problem--I'm just pointing this out about variable-speed blowers. Once you get a few quotes, post back with the info and we can advise.

Quote 1 (local guy): -Luxaire TCJF 24 15 SEER $2985 (2 ton) adding a 96%, 2 stage, multispeed Amana furnace would bring the total to $5285 -talked about improving my ductwork to make it more efficient Quote 2 (Home Depot): -Rheem, didn't leave model number, size, etc. $5995 plus a 2 stage furnace adds an additional $5995 -no clue about ductwork Quote 2 guy went on and on. Where did you meet? We have financing, blah blah. He kept trying to play us against each other.

Could also be the contactor. The big solenoid switch that turns the thing on. I had a spider commit suicide in mine. Cleaning fixed it, but they are easily replaced. Since it's a rental, I would find out who is responsible for the AC. Even if the management office is not, someone else is.