Yes, there are electric strip heaters that install right in the supply duct. Sizing them up, installing them and wiring the line voltage and the control voltage is pretty involved though. There are probably some contractors in your area who handle that sort if thing.

The price for a 286B 2 ton system seems fair because it the top of the Bryant line (Evolution), it also depends on the little things they have to do of the install. You may ask them for a quote on a non communicating system which has the same 2 speed compressor 226A FV4C-2 - variable speed air handler Thermidistat and ask them about a compressor sound blanket. That system doesn't come with one and is a decent add on. It has a small rebate on it also and will qualify for the tax credit. Right now with the rebate, makes the Evolution a good time to buy by bring the price down a few hundred about the non communicating 226A if that's what you want.

"slk230red, thank you for your input. I also want to stay with the single speed. If all goes well with this install I will replace the unit on the other side of the house once it stops putting out cold air. galen68, I will post an update once I have chosen the AH and HP." "Had the 2 Ton XR14 AC and 2 Ton TEM4 AH installed with a 5k heat strip. This is exactly what we had with the old unit. Heating is not an issue in Phoenix. Mild winters, heat hardly used. Even on coldest mornings it is on for an hour at most and I turn off completely at night. I read turning off at night would be a big issue with a HP as they say to leave it on and forget it. Why leave the heat on if I am not comfortable? My avg elec bill in winter for 2500sf home w/pool filter on 8hrs every day averages around $120. Not worth the extra $10-30 I could save with a HP, being comfortable is worth the extra $. I am extremely happy with whisper quiet TEM4. Maybe from an hvac point of view it may not make sense but I am happy with my decision." Hi roxan, glad things worked out and that you're enjoying your new XR14/TEM4 system. Be sure to check that your new units are registered on the Trane warranty website to receive the 10 yr. parts warranty. My dealer likes to wait a week or two to make sure everything is working properly, I just checked and everything is registered. He offered to remove and replace anything if I wasn't fully satisfied. Also, there was no money down and he didn't even want full payment until I was completely satisfied. On another note, here is some information I received from someone I know in another state who advised me to get the TEM4 AH: "I recommend the TEM4- non variable or TEM6/7 variable AH. The TAM7 is a plastic cabinet with all new components. To make a long story short, get the TEM4 or TEM6, it's tried and true. The TAM7 is a basket case plagued with problems. Has three different color led lights flashing fault codes known around here as the Christmas tree effect. Unreliable sensors etc. not all 7's go boom but enough that some Trane dealers won't install them anymore. Including me."

Thanks tigerdunes, The house is a split level built in the 70s with about 2000 sq ft. The current furnace is the original and has 4 x 5 KW heat strips. It struggled to keep the house warm but I think that is more from it's age and upkeep than anything else. It's an old Westinghouse, I think it says the model number is ele068bh. Nov avg low 40 high 53, Dec avg low 36 avg high 47, Jan avg low 37 avg high 48. Last year we had 22 days during the summer with the temp over 80. Summer months avg in the high 70s