The evap coil needs to be a certified match with the condenser. Or else you won't know the actual SEER, EER, and btu output. Don't mis-match the evap and condenser - bad move. Good luck.

>>> Our AC died two days ago. I am replacing the AC unit this weekend. I have 3.5 TON unit. The best quote I got is $2200 for new 3.5 TON unit (converting to 410a), new coil, new pipes (from teh coil to the unit), some duct work, 5 years warranty on the unit and 2 on labor.... Mick: Where do you live? $2200 for a 3.5t unit is a decent price for a low-end system. What brand and model # did they quote? It's hard to compare prices unless you are positive it is apples-apples and then even regional pricing are different (don't ask me how that's fair). Tarek: The quote above for ~$2400 is around what I was getting quoted this year to replace the coil in my 2.5t gas/electric packaged unit located on the roof. Replacement units ran anywhere from mid $3k to $10k for approximately the same level systems (Ranging from 3-3.5ton, 13-15seer, and 45-70k btuh on heating input). The Home Warranty can sometimes screw over the homeowner, other times not as bad. Sometimes the contractors are held (read: encouraged) to keep costs very low to keep business coming their way. So they are paid pennies for the covered part of the installation and they must recoup the cost somewhere. So it comes out in higher non-covered charges for installation.

als in nh,it is always better to match the same brand indoor coil with the outdoor because you will have a matched system, lab tested and rated.There is ARI ratings on each system in every brand.You can have a larger indoor coil than the outdoor size.It is a common practice .It increases your capacity on a given system and sometimes needed.Sometimes the load comes in between the exact manufactured tonages.Example would be a 3 ton evaporator coil with 2.5 condenser.Keep in mind cfm(airflow) is also a factor in those ratings.Never a bigger condenser than evaporator.

What is age of system? Price is frisky but have to admit I would not recommend mismatching an evap coil to a condenser. If the repair is your choice, then shop around. Matching coil should be available both from Carrier and Bryant dealer. IMO