If they are sizing the system to what you have now, they may be making a mistake. The house could have changed in the years since the original system was installed. An added room, new windows, more insulation, darker roof, more air leaks in the home ect. Ask and see which one actually did a heat gain- heat loss calculation and ask for a copy of the printout if they will. This will be the best way to at least see what the requirements are. I would never accept a "rule of thumb" X btu's per square foot nonsense.
Some brands have the lower end models which aren't made as well, but some brands lower end models use the same quality components. They should be willing to quote you any level system you ask for.
Would you be near "Regina" Canada? I know a good HTG & A/C man there.

It's a new home, so we don't currently have a system. I don't think any of them did much of a calculation, they all look at me odd when I ask how they come to the conclusion they did. They do the quote right in front of me and basically they just look at a sheet or do a quick punch of some numbers into a calculator while asking me my square footage, then "ta da", "here's your quote for your 2 (or 2.5) ton air conditioner".

I haven't asked for any particular system yet, as I was hoping some of them would actually have some expertise and give me some options. We are in a bit of a housing boom here, so I expect none of them have the time or desire to do that, so they just quote out the most common models and the ones they sell the most of/have in stock so they can get out of my house quickly and move onto the next!

Actually I am somewhat close to Regina. Not close enough for your guy to come out and see my house (I am just over 2 hours away), but close enough that climate and such is exactly the same there as it is here.

Are these contractors actually supposed to look around the house as well? Not one went upstairs or even looked around the main floor. They just looked at the thermostat and furnace in the basement. They didn't ask how many windows I have or anything. Maybe they don't need to though?

And thanks for your reply, much appreciated!

New home, donÂt currently have a system? Personally I wouldnÂt consider ANY system that wasnÂt geothermal  especially with the government rebates being offered! One integrated system to heat, air-condition and produce domestic hot water will result in energy savings that will likely be about 70% or even greater - year after year. Geothermal will also add the highest resale value to your home. ItÂs a no-brainer.

SR

I guess I used the wrong words, I should have said we have no a/c UNIT yet. We just moved in 8 months ago when the house was completed construction. We have an ultra high efficiency furnace and a tankless hot water heater.

I really just need some basic info on air conditioning models that would be suitable for the prairies in Canada and some tips on sizing. I'd greatly appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction as I am new to air conditioning and our dealers here have not been helpful.

I called one of the dealers that did a quote for me and asked why I was quoted on the Lennox 13 SEER models and not any others. He told me that where we live, A/C is generally run for about 21 days per year, people who like it cooler may run it for a few more days than that. Thus, in our climate we would never see the return on a more expensive unit.

This seems to make sense, I just don't know if his 21 days is accurate, although it is believable for our climate.

Silver

Post age, brand, model, and size of your furnace.
Do you know if it is two stg var speed?

TD

Furnace was installed August '07 but didn't get first used until end of October '07 (other than being tested). It is a Lennox G61V which is 2 stage, variable speed.

I have no idea where to find the size. If I take the side panel off, inside it says G61MPV - 36B - 070 - 06, does that help?

To put you in perspective you're somewhat north of North Dakota LOL..I lived in Calgary for many years where there were so few days one even needed a/c because it was so arid and really hot days so few. I don't think Regina is all that much different. A number of years ago, about 11 now, I came back east to the Windsor/Detroit area where it's extrememly muggy sometimes to help my elderly mom get some quotes on central air and we ran into the same thing, nobody did any detailed sizing. They just sort of sat at the kitchen table and said "you need this" Sears was the worst but I finally got the Carrier agent to pay attention a little. First off, mom didn't want her house freezing cold inside like some people do, old ladies don't like it like that. He quoted on a new then hi-efficiency furnace and an a/c that was 2.5 tons with a 2 ton coil or vice versa. The idea was that it would run longer thereby dehumidifying better without freezing her out. She's very happy with it's performance but we can't say the same about the Carrier furnace which has had numerous problems, replacement hi veolocity blowers etc. Fortunately mom swung for the 10 year extended warranty but last winter, the first since that warranty expired, that blower blew again and got noisy and it cost her $800. I'll never buy a Carrier product for myself.

Silver

First of all, you have a top of line Lennox furnace and since it is practically brand new I would stick with Lennox in my AC condenser choice. The two Lennox models you list are low end Lennox. Nothing wrong with them but they will be lower in SEER and higher in noise. They are basically the same except one is R-22 frig and the other is R-410a frig. If this was my home and I planned to be in it for the forseeable future, I would look at the mid range models such as the AC13 or XC14. You will need a matching Lennox evap coil as well. Now to the size. Ask dealer to perform a load calculation based on your home and climate. My idea since you have a 2 story is the 2.5 ton would be a better selection for overall comfort but the load calculation should be your guide. And if you have reasonable electric rates, these condensers are also available in heat pump models and would break the chill in the shoulder mths of spring and fall. Just a thought.

IMO
Good LucK!

Here is a link that might be useful: Lennox AC Condenser Line

Thanks TD! According to the literature they gave me, both the 13ACX and XC13 are R-410a. I told all of them not to bother quoting me on anything with R-22 (although one dealer still proceeded to quote me on the 13ACD). I was told that the XC13 was just the same as the AC13, just a new name?

I was also told that the 13ACX and XC13 really have the same components inside and that the differences were really just the packaging (louvred doors on the XC13) and 10 year compressor warranty on the XC13 vs 5 on the 13ACX. Lennox didn't seem to provide enough info to tell me exactly what were the differences. Do you happen to know what the difference is?

I did a bit more digging and it seems the difference between the AC13 and XC13 is R22 vs R410-a.

Silver,

My bad. The "X" in the model number indicates R-410a frig and the XC13 has a stronger warranty, higher SEER rating, better cabinet than the ACX13 plus is slightly less noisier. It would be a solid choice. It appears the XC13 and AC13 are the same except for the refrigerant difference.

Sorry for my error. The Lennox site has a nice comparison feature for their product line that helps with differences between models. Usually the differences will be efficiency,refrigerant,noise level,cabinet quality, sgl stg vs two stage,and warranty. And of course the main diff will be cost.

Good Luck!

No worries! Thanks! We've got a fantastic quote on the 13ACX from one dealer, then all of the dealers are fairly close on the XC13. I'd like the 13ACX because of the great deal, but I am also thinking the XC13 would be a better choice....ugh, I hate these decisions.

You are probably getting quotes using F22 because that is what everyone else is getting. If the techs don't normally do F410, the cost for freon will be very high for repairs. You will have repairs on the 410 systems. Buying high efficiency cooling for 20 days a year will never pay off. The equipment will be dead and gone before you ever see savings. Kinda like trading up on a long term car note. At somepoint, the note is double the value of the car.

I have several R410A systems out there and some 6 years old with no problems what so ever. The install may make the difference in this.