Are you replacing a 2 ton unit that ran well during its day, or has one or more contractors conducted a (real) heat calculation (manual J) to determine your sensible and latent cooling needs? I hope you're not upsizing based on a contractor's 'experience'.

Higher SEER ratings mostly depend on a large or oversized coil which by nature, does not dehumidify as well as smaller ones, all else being equal.

Since you didn't comment on your present source of heat (furnace or air handler), I'll assume that it is a single stage unit and you are not replacing it. Again, many units depend on having a variable speed air handler or furnace to attain that SEER. Also, a variable speed unit will enable the a/c to run slower when necessary to remove humidity, when controlled by a proper thermostat or in some cases, by the addition of a humidistat.

If you have a 'hair' problem, I would use a low MERV, non-restrictive filter and change it frequently. Low cost insurance.

I would give preference to a contractor who presents a detailed quotation (and heat calc).

V

My current a/c is a two ton, no one has suggested I go higher. The FPL (power company) website shows I need a two ton- no higher or lower. I live in Florida. Everyone here (just about) has a reverse cycle unit that heats as well. A heat pump would cost too much for what I would save with a small house. I think I used heat maybe ten days last year and not entire days. For my 1000 sq. ft. house the reverse cycle (air/heat_ heats well. Both units, incside air handler and outside compressor thingy are way past their prime, with the unit outside in very bad condition. Every company advised me to replace both at the same time. I'm not sure what you mean about variable speed air handler. Please explain further. Also, what brands are good, not so good, etc. Thanks.

Variable speed air handler means essentially that the blower inside the house can run at different speeds. Running at a lower speed when cooling allows for better moisture extraction (dehumidifies better).

In simplest terms, the higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. But this efficiency comes at a real monetary cost. that is, as the SEER number gets higher, the increase in the amount of money to purchase gets bigger. At some point, the money you pay will be more than the electricity you would save over the time you'll stay in the house. It's going to depend on the costs between the SEER 14, 15 and 16.

the current rebates that are available should also be part of your pricing. And how long you plan to stay in the house.

There is a tax rebate of 1500 for sixteen seer (and above), that's why I am considering goign possibly that high. That's in addition to the rebate. I'm probably going to be in this house forever. It's hard to figure out how much more seer would be worth it. Some a/c companies do not qualify for hte rebate. FPL is very stringent.