This system is actually 11 EER and 15 SEER, and not the 17 SEER you're being told. Not a bad system, though I do prefer the 180ANA048 model with the scroll compressor and ability to switch stages "on the fly" without stopping/starting. 12.3 EER and 16 SEER with the "20 SEER" unit. The Evolution control makes for a great system. The most recent install I saw in person was with Carrier's version of the 180ANA048 with an air handler inside, and it was very quiet and kept the home very comfortable.

Any rebates associated with this system in your area or through Carrier/Bryant (not sure when it expires)?

but is the pricing good?

If that price is before any rebates or tax credits, then it's ballpark for that system, but if you got another quote to compare, you could do better. Price is on the steep side.

all i have is a carrier quote for 3k more. where should i look to be on this? this quote is before any rebates. does anyone know the current bryant rebates?

Do you live in Beverly Hills? :) Pricing varies greatly by area, but the prices you've received are on the high side, with the $8600 being close to reasonable for that type of system. If the furnace is 95% AFUE, it qualifies for a $1500/30% tax credit. I know the Carrier/Bryant rebate was extended, but not sure until when. It would be around $1000 as well. Did your dealer mention this? I would look at around an $8,000 price tag for this type of system, before any rebates. Depends on installation circumstances, hard to say for sure without seeing what's involved.

i live in the norteast outside of philly. i was told his cost for the system was around $7200. There is minimal duct work being done (some size increases in the returns). we are discussing going to the 13 seer to see what the price difference is. and as far as rebates, he mentioned a $500 rebate from bryant making it $8100 with rebate.

I'd have a real hard time believing that system at his cost was $7200. I'm not far south from you (MD), and word from HVAC people I know, the Evolution/Infinity system dealer cost is anywhere from $4000-4500, give or take. I'm sure it varies by area, but can't by that much. I'd get another estimate if you're unsure of your area's pricing.

then is the $8600 for the NE area extremely high for that equipment or do you think i'm in the ballpark?

As I said above, it's fairly reasonable, and given potential rebates/tax credit (address this with the dealer), it's acceptable in my opinion given it is top-of-the-line equipment. It still would not hurt to get one more estimate to get a better idea of pricing in your area. Job pricing can also vary based on installation procedures/materials required. $8000 would be the ballpark price that comes to my mind for that type of system, so you aren't too far off.

" is the pricing good" the best way to find out is to get two more quotes and not guess. The one hour spent with each additional dealer maybe be worth hundreds of dollars per hour.

My queation is to ryanhughes: Are you a contractor or just an employee? There are many possible circumstances that could warrant an extra couple hundred dollars over what you consider a good price. Without personally looking at the job you cannot guess at that. As a business owner i do not think it is good practice to tell anyone that is not liscensed/certified exactly what the equipment cost is. If you are a contractor and you are not marking up the equipment price you are losing money. You have just hurt this guys contractors reputation and i dont think you would appreciate anyone doing this to you. It is fine to give your OPINION on the total cost. There is a reason any old joe cannot walk into a carrier/bryant wholesaler and buy this equipment. That privilege is part of what the customer is paying for. If a business owner has taken the time to get certified to purchase equipment he should be compensated accordingly.

I agree, and that's why I said that I feel his price is fairly reasonable, and that installation procedures/requirements will change the price.

It's not just for a contractor to be dishonest about his equipment cost ($7200 of the $8600 price). If that included all equipment and materials, then that would make sense. But otherwise, he's just making his margin of profit appear lower than it is. That should not have even been brought into the discussion. An installed cost is an installed cost. The contractor put his reputation on the line when he (seemingly, not saying he did for certain, and that's important to know) disclosed his actual equipment cost, which I think you'd agree is highly unlikely.