First have you considered a heat pump to heat in the winter versus all electric heating elements? These can be costly to operate, but heat pumps add to the upfront cost.

14.5 SEER cost difference ($1300) not worth it in my mind--you just don't gain that much more unless it includes a variable speed air handler which the quote doesn't seem to suggest. You were quoted a fairly basic system, but perhaps you weren't looking for anything more feature or comfort wise.

What do you mean by "anything more feature or comfort wise." That is, I basically want it to be something that will keep us warm in winter but bearing in mind that we usually have a fairly mild climate. I'm not sure that I need anything beyond basics.

I know you may not know the answer to this question, but I'll ask it anyway. Why the increase in size from 3.5 ton to 4 ton? Sometimes air conditioners are undersized, but more often it is an issue of poor ductwork and air distribution causing comfort issues. Increasing tonnage in this case would then be bad unless deemed necessary by a proper heat load calculation.

If you heat with propane, and it's expensive, you will not be too happy with the price to heat with straight electric heat. Heat pumps heat more efficiently but do carry a higher price tag. If you heat for at least 2 months out of the year, I would strongly look into it.

By my statement about comfort and efficiency, I mean that there are higher efficiency options, which you were quoted (14.5 SEER) despite what I feel is an unreasonable upcharge compared to actual equipment cost difference. However again I do not know whether your indoor model is changing with that 14.5 SEER upgrade. Which brings me to my next point, variable speed indoor units can raise efficiency while also increasing comfort because they can provide a more precise airflow by adjusting RPM to overcome duct static issues, can be set up to control humidity, and are generally quieter, especially if you run the fan during the day. I would recommend a variable speed air handler with any system. For York, model would be the MV16C/MV20D and that would require a coil as well, FC48C/FC60D, for instance (2-piece set up). The AHP is a bare bones air handler. Nothing wrong with that, if you are looking at upfront cost versus added comfort and efficiency. 2-stage equipment is another option at your disposal and can help with humidity control by running at a lower capacity most of the time for longer periods of time.

Doesn't seem like all your options were explained to you by this dealer. I like York equipment, and I have no immediate problems with what you were quoted, but York offers better options in terms of comfort and efficiency. Cooling season is big for you, so higher efficiency and 2-stage units might be worth looking into. Don't be afraid to get 2 or 3 more estimates until you feel comfortable. Carrier is also a good brand to look into with their "Infinity" system.

I agree that the huge price increase for the 14.5 seer unit doesn't make sense. I have a 3-ton LHJF (Luxaire) heat pump that is 14.5 seer. The price of the condensor from the supply warehouse was $1467.00.

I like York also. Its a good value. I've had no problems so far. It works like clockwork.

Coleman and Luxaire are also made by York and basically just carry a different label I think. Definetly get the heat pump instead of straight a/c. A heat pump condensor shouldn't cost more than a few hundred more than just an A/C condensor. Heat pump uses the same type of coil and linset. It will need a different thermostat.

OK, help me out here. I confess that I know very little about HVAC stuff. Every house I've owned already had it all when I bought the house and so I never had to replace anything.

This house has Rheem AC condenser as described above and then some sort of gas heating unit. We are converting to electric and need to get something else for heat. As far as I know the AC works fine although a big old (14 years old).

I was assuming (perhaps wrongly) that I could get something new for the electric heat and wouldn't be replacing the AC at this time.

Does the quote for the York condenser mean that they are proposing to replace the AC? Do I have to do that to get electric heat? I can if I need to.

Would a heat pump be something that I would be getting instead of the York air handler with heat strips? How much more would that likely cost than what was quoted?

Sorry to sound clueless, but well I am.

The heat pump condensor would replace the AC condensor outside. It wouldn't replace the airhandler and the electric strips. Thats the part inside your house that blows the air thru the vents in your house.

Call some licensed hvac cooling contractors and ask over the phone how much a air-handler, with 14 seer heat pump, electric-strips, new thermostat to control it, and the copper line-set between the airhandler and heat pump is.

Mention your willing to consier some less well-known brands that are made by the big-guys. Every big company has a less expensive product line. Trane makes less expensive american standard. York has less expensive luxaire. Lennox has less expensive armstrong and so on.

You might be surprised, but there can be major price differences between contractors. Some contractors aren't super busy and are willing to take a job where they aren't making a fortune.

The air handler with heat strips will be replacing your furnace. You'll want/need a new outdoor air conditioner to match in order for it to all be matched and work properly. This is why the contractors have been quoting new a/c systems. 14 years is a good life out of an a/c in an area where it gets considerable use.

My only concern is that the heat strips cost quite a bit to operate. Generally heat pumps are used, since they can both heat and cool. They look like air conditioners but have extra controls and components inside of them that enable them to run "backwards" in the winter to provide heat. Ask your dealers about heat pumps.

Good luck. Post back with any further questions.

Thanks that is all helpful.

So I take that I need a new condenser (or heat pump) and I need a new air handler. The part I'm a little unclear about is that neohioheatpump seems to be indicating that the heat pump is an alternative to a condenser but I need the air handler with electric heat strips in any event.

The post from ryan hughes seems be indicating that the heat pump is an alternative to the heat strips. Could you clarify?

That is: Do I need a heat pump (or condenser) plus an air handler with heat strips? If not, what do I need?

Also what about the 13 v. 14 seer part? Is the 14 seer worth such a high additional cost?

Oh, reason they quoted 4 ton was he felt you need about a ton for every 500 sf.

"Oh, reason they quoted 4 ton was he felt you need about a ton for every 500 sf"

Good reason to find another contractor who knows how to
size it with a heat load calc. rather than guessing via sq. footage.

Yes, guessing on size like that is a red flag. Not an accurate way to do it.

The air handler with heat strips is needed whether or not you get a heat pump or condenser. The air handler is the indoor component and will be installed with heat strips.