Lornetta:

You do not say which State you live in or what size/type house you have. Need this info for a good response.

I looked up the unit on Bryant's website and it's their top of the line with 2-stage scroll compressor and R410A. But it's only a 13 SEER (minimum allowed by law) and most 2-stage compressors are used for hi-efficiency (16 SEER plus) applications. Not sure if you need a 2-stage scroll when most units, especially 13 SEER, use a single stage compressor. If you live in State with a long, hot summer you can conside a 2-stage but not at 13 SEER. I saw that Bryant had other models but I don't remember them as I type this. You should ask them to quote the all of the a/c models in their line so you can have a good idea of the price range within models.

You must also get 2 other quotes to see the range between HVAC contractors. Bryant is made by Carrier but there are other mfrs: RUUD/Rheem, Trane/American Standard, Goodman, Lennox, and some make other names under their own unbrella. You may be surprised of the $$ difference among them. The more quotes you get, the smarter that you will be. You should be able to cut a nice chunk of $$ out of that quote depending upon where you live, sytem choice, and smart shopping (unless you are in a crisis replacement, then all bets are off).

"existing Heil unit that can not carry the load of two floors (approx. 24,000 sq. ft.)"
- should be 2400 sq ft

Also, you do not say the size of the old a/c unit. If it's a lot smaller than the new 4-ton, the new 4-ton may require duct enlarging to get the airflow needed for 48,000 btu's of cooling.

There are HVAC calculations called a Manual J for system sizing, and a Manual D for ductwork sizing. Most HVAC contractors do not do these, but they will help you get the right system to work in your home, especially if you are going to spend $14,000.

Best of luck to you.

I have a similar question. My current Carrier unit on top of my 1870 rowhouse (~1600 sq ft on two levels plus a basement) here in Washington, D.C., has had numerous problems, and I called it officially dead yesterday when the compressor decided to quit. (It had also leaked refrigerant and had had a hard start system installed in the last two months.)
My HVAC guy wants $10,500 for a Bryant Evolution system, Model 577BNW036090 (two stage variable speed with "perfect humidity control" and 14 SEER Puron), including installation (which isn't insignificant here since you have to use a crane to get it to the roof).
Does this sound right to anybody? It would be ~$1800 cheaper for me to get the next best Bryant without the perfect humidity control, but humidity is a big factor here in D.C.
Thanks so much, this is my first house and first HVAC unit to buy!

Newtohvac:

Exact same advice applies to you as the original poster.

Don't let the "perfect humidity control" fool you - all central a/c units provide humidity control as long as the unit is sized correctly and runs enough. I live in Baltimore and just put in a 14 SEER Goodman, single stage. 2 stage compressors are top-of-the-line, and are not normally needed in most HVAC applications. Your install requiring a crane is not typical and will indeed add to the install cost.

Same best of luck yo you.

Newtohvac:

Exact same advice applies to you as the original poster.

Don't let the "perfect humidity control" fool you - all central a/c units provide humidity control as long as the unit is sized correctly and runs enough. I live in Baltimore and just put in a 14 SEER Goodman, single stage. 2 stage compressors are top-of-the-line, and are not normally needed in most HVAC applications. Your install requiring a crane is not typical and will indeed add to the install cost.

Same best of luck yo you.

Thanks for the info, garyg.
Since you're so close in Baltimore, know any one I should call to get an estimate from here? The estimate I have is from Rod Miller, and I'm getting estimates from John C. Flood and Climate too.
Or maybe you want to do it, if I throw in your travel costs?

So I got another estimate today, this time for $8240. This is for a Carrier package unit, 48D036090-3, 3-ton. Again, factoring in the area (which is expensive to live in), the crane (which they say will run $825 itself), what do you think? This is definitely cheaper than the other one, but I'm not thrilled with this one either. Is it that the HVAC guys here are seeing a woman by herself and jacking up the price, or is it just living in D.C.?
Getting one more estimate tomorrow.
Thanks for all your help.

Newtohvac:

I am just a homeowner like you, but I am indeed an HVAC-educated homeowner. You knocked your price down by $2k compared to your first quote. How did you make out with the original Bryant dealer and his single-stage units (forget about 2-stage units)? I like 14 SEER units -one step above builders grade 13 SEER. You still have other manufacturers to consider: Trane/American Standard, Rheem/RUUD, Goodman, etc. If you are desperate for a/c, you could always install a window unit or 2 to buy some time while you make your decision.

"Is it that the HVAC guys here are seeing a woman by herself and jacking up the price, or is it just living in D.C.?".
- I wouldn't say "jacking up the price" but you want to get the system that works best for your home. You should also have them throw in a 10 year parts and labor plan.

Can anyone comment on the price for this install ? Seems a little steep. Do I need the dehumidification and variable speed ?

I have a basement apartment that is ~900 square feet. . I am located in Atlanta .

Bryant 18 SEER 2 ton system . This system is variable speed with dehumidification. Condenser, Model # 189BNV024000; Coil, Model # CNPVP3017ALA; Furnace, Model # 315AAV036000; and Wifi capable touch screen controller, Model # SYSTXBBECN01-A.
Total Price: $9,590.00

This is an 11 yr old thread..not good forum etiquette to piggyback onto someone else...repost and start your own thread, you will get a better response.

TD