To be clear I did NOT say that they INSTALLLED the $30 thermostat for $200. I said they sold me a $30 thermostat for $200! The INSTALLATION and the SERVICE CALL were TOTALLY different charges so the whole thing was about $600 (and it conked out 3 days later so changing the thermostat didn't fix the problem,and so much for thier "diagnosis") so I DO think that the people I dealt with were thieves. I find it interesting that you would jump to such an erroneous conclusion as to me being difficult being the problem. That was REAL helpful. What I had hoped for was somewhere to start educating myself about what to look for in a good central air conditioner and what factors make one better than another, and if there ARE any REAL hazards about one kind of system over another (although I find that unlikely in refridgeration but I don't know which is why I'm asking). Otherwise the NEXT few people I deal with may try to convince me that System X will explode,and that is why Sytem Y which THEY install is better. Thanks

In your climate, I would get a quote on several brands including Goodman. The cooling season is short in MN. T agree with Ryan, I personally would NOT go above a 14-SEER. First & foremost of importance is the correct order of proper procedures to follow for optimal efficiency of operation, & long trouble-free equipment performance. Before you do anything else, educate yourself enough to ensure that you request the proper things be done in the proper order of sequence. The ductwork system & airflow will need to be thoroughly checked. - udarrell Here is a link that might be useful: Air Conditioning & Ductwork Systems

Portable air conditioners will prevent cash and lower your energy bills, however provided that you're strategic in however use it. Okay, currently that we tend to got the cliff-notes answer out of method, let's dive a touch deeper into however you'll use a conveyable air-con unit to avoid wasting cash on your monthly energy bills. that does not mean that you simply cannot use this kind of air conditioning to assist you economize and lower your energy bills. If a conveyable air conditioning is such an energy hog, then however can it save money? If you propose on moving a conveyable air conditioning from space to space, these area unit powerfully suggested. what proportion cash does one assume you've got lost, by cooling rooms that do not really want to be cooled? Instead, attempt setting your thermostat at an inexpensive, nonetheless still comparatively snug, temperature, so use a conveyable air conditioning to quickly quiet down the foremost vital rooms. It's true that they're not the foremost energy economical air conditioning accessible, however if you're clever in however you utilize the device, there's little question that it will prevent quite little bit of cash and lower your energy bills.

Nothing's ever 100% perfect, so there is room for slight differences, but the unit should be relatively level. Can't see it from here though. Just took a look at Carrier's installation data for one of their units, and it says, "NOTE: Unit must be level to within ±2° (±3/8 in./ft) per compressor manufacturer specifications."