The first advice is make sure the AC has been sized properly. The contractor needs to measure the area of floors, walls, windows, and determine the insulation values of the exterior walls and attic. This information will determine the heat gain of the house. A size of 3 to 3.5 tons sounds about right for your house, but you want to make sure since you have never had AC. A unit that is too big is as bad as a unit which is too small. You also need to find a contractor who will do a good installation. This is the most difficult part for the homeowner. I usually recommend looking for companies which are factory authorized dealers which are small enough for the owner to be personally involved in the installation. The contractor also needs to verify the existing duct work is properly sized for the equipment. The AC will never work properly if the duct work is too small or poorly installed. Trane and Carrier are considered two of the best brands. Lennox and York are a notch lower, but still very good. These companies offer several models from low end equipment to top of the line. When shopping prices you need to do an apples to apples comparison of the models between brands. The quotes should list the model numbers of all equipment and all work which will be done. You will get comments if you post the details of your quotes.

We live 20 miles south of Houston. Our home is 45 years old, Brick with 2,345 square feet living area. We are all electric, no gas on the property. Our A/C is a 4 ton with electric heat strips that was installed in 1992. We have done everything the utility company recommends to make out home energy efficient. We still get over $800 electric bills. I have a bid from Trane dealer. (Home Depot) The salesman said our current A/C was a 10 SEER when installed and loses 4% per year. So using his figures I a running at about a 4 SEER. He proposes to install either a TRANE XL14i for $8,123.45 or an XL16i for $9,775.00. Also an air handler to match with 20 kWh of heat strips. All the above is with the ten year parts and labor extended warranty from Trane. They also want to service the new unit twice a year for $149 per year. We are currently paying .155 per kWh. Two questings. How much can I realistically expect to save on my electric bill with either of these two units and is the price reasonable.

If you were me, you would run away from Trane hi efficiency heat pumps. I have had the new unit, air handler, new lines for almost 3 years. The installer is certified by Trane and the unit has a 10 year extended warranty. When it was sold to me I was told everything is covered. I now have a 850 dollar bill on my hands because Trane refuses to pay the installer for work that had to be done on the unit last month. They have worked on the unit 5 times in 3 years. I can email you the documents that show that Trane will not back up the warranty, if you send me your email. By the way the unit does not currently work and I am not sure who to call, other than my attorney. Trane seems to not care when issues are pointed out. They go on selling the units like hot cakes and ignore those such as myself that have units that do NOT work. eddie_brown@yahoo.com

debi I assume you mean 2200 sq ft, not 22,000. Pls confirm. You currently have oil furnace or boiler? If furnace, is ductwork same for heat and AC or is AC ductwork separate? post back. your starting point should be correct sizing and inspection of ductwork system both supply and returns. there are many brands some better than others. more on that later. AC installs should be in spring or fall because refrigerant charge should be made in 70+ degree weather. I do not like winter installs. you might consider a heat pump to cover heating needs in shoulder mths which might be helpful against the more expensive fuel oil. IMO