Ask your electric service provider and you will get the most accurate payback estimate possible. After getting payback information,ask your realestate professionel for an estimate of what a 16 vs 14 will add to resale. Don't fail to ask electric provider,installation contractor,tax accountant and anyone else you think of about available incentives.

It would depend on the price difference and your anticipated usage. Theoretically, you would use 12.5% less energy for cooling (1-14/16). So assume a lifespan of let's say 15-20yrs, and see which ends up cheaper. A good calculator can be found here, because it accounts for your local climate.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/bulk_purchasing/bpsavings_calc/Calc_CAC.xls

Thanks both of you were very helpful. It is really nice of you to provide such information to clueless folks like me.

Unfortunately The lifespan of the 410a equipment seems to be in the 10-15yr rage before a major compnent failure (less the old R22 equipment) . I would use 10 years in the calculation to be safe,

Generally and depending on your location and cooling needs, a 15-16 SEER is the sweet spot for an outside condenser in a complete new system that includes a high eff furnace with a high eff or var speed blower motor. But if you plan on using an existing furnace that has a conventional PSC blower motor, you should just stick with a good mid range 13-14 SEER AC condenser with best matching aluminum evap coil.

IMO

You also should consider the equipment itself. All builder's grade equipment sold in the southern states now has a 14 SEER rating, in the north is is still 13 SEER. The better equipment typically has a SEER rating of a one or two points higher. The manufacturers increase the SEER ratings on the more expensive equipment so buyers feel they are getting more value for their purchase.

The time period for the return on investment shouldn't be longer than the time you plan to live in the house. When you sell the house you will not be able to recoup any extra cost on the sale price.

Higher SEER rating will use less energy and might be of a higher/better build quality.

SR

So if you're building a new system from scratch would it be worth it to go with a higher SEER rating?

You never answered on your location....but if going with a complete new system, ie outside condenser, furnace with high eff or var speed blower motor with best matching aluminum evap coil, then I would go no lower than a rated AHRI 15 SEER matching system.

IMO

I am the OP - location AZ. Would keep the existing furnace - not like its worn out since barely used. However if true I should figure on a 10 year life I should probably not proactively replace the a/c. It is 17 and works fine. It gets serviced.

So if you're building a new system from scratch would it be worth it to go with a higher SEER rating in SW FL?

for above poster, it's considered poor forum etiquette to hyjack another person's thread...start your own...

IMO

And it's even ruder to chastise someone in public like that tiger dunes. In fact that's the second time you've left me a snarky comment in two days. Being snarky with those of us who are so obviously less educated than you are, does nothing to help us.

And while the OP's system would be different, it would be helpful to hear because of the different systems needed in different parts of the country.

To the OP my apologies for sending this thread off course.

cpartist, you think a thread that has information about Arizona and Florida is more useful? The answers may not be the same, which is for which?

tiger is the resident helping expert here, he/she sets the rules.

And being an expert gives him a reason to be rude and snarky? I asked a question in my thread and the snark from him was uncalled for.

In this case, he was neither. It has always be good etiquette here to start one's own thread when asking something completely different.

SEER ratings are tossed around a lot without any real explanation. The difference between 14 SEER and 16 SEER when only comparing the difference between single speed systems the difference is maybe $10 to $20 a month on your light bill. Depending on size of the equipment, the size of that equipment and the set point in which you choose to run it at and your utility rate.

Cheaper operation cost for the 16 SEER, higher operation cost for the 14 SEER.

The noticeable difference IMHO is when you go to a 2 Speed 16 SEER or higher system and then go with a full communicating system. The advantages you get is more in the realm of better comfort as well as efficiency, but at this point it's more about comfort advantages.

Location: If you aren't in a humid climate, the 16 SEER 2 speed comfort advantages are mostly wasted.

Devil in the details: If you don't go with a communicating system but go with a 2 speed unit, the legacy stats that control 2 speed systems isn't quite as good as the communicating stat that was designed for said equipment.

Differences among manufacturer's: You may have to go higher than 16 SEER to buy a communicating system with some brands.

Optionally they also make 5 speed algorithmic, based units. These are communicating as well and in some cases legacy 2 stage thermostats can be paired with them - obviously the communicating stat would be better. But given the additional speeds I think it would be less noticeable than a 2 speed system.

The other advantage in multiple speeds is less noise in lower speeds and in 'some' cases better warranty coverage up to and including 'replacement coverage' for a certain amount of time as well as 'conditions' that warrant it.

For the reasons above it is my opinion that single speed SEER units above 14 are not worth the money. Spend a little more and get a better system or spend less and settle for the 14 SEER system.

Air Conditioning Tips

in airzona...existing system?

man this is a confusing thread.

if existing system, post model numbers

of what you currently have.

and proposed systems model numbers please.