p.s. Included is an "Energy saving setback thermostat" (no brand name) AND I guess the reason I'm so attracted to the HD deal is the 1 year same as cash with a HD card. I don't know where else I could get that.

An analysis with a laptop is a good sign. Your price seems good. Did the contractor mention R-410a refrigerant (R-22 is being phased out)? "RETKIT" probably says "REFKIT" for refrigeration kit, or lineset. That match-up should get you at least 13.50 SEER (base ARI rating, not counting the v/s fan which should boost it up). No need at all for the snow legs unless the unit sits lower than the amount of snow you would get since this is an air conditioner and it will not run in the winter (hopefully). Most importantly, do you feel COMFORTABLE with this contractor? This contractor will be the one you'll likely point to for troubles down the road, so make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the company. Did you get the estimate through HD? They add markup for their profit (understandably). Good luck. Any more questions, fire away.

Ryan...

It would be R-22. We did talk about that and my concern about being 'stuck' down the road somewhere. I'm assuming the R-410A is the replacement higher pressure stuff? This guy was telling me that this unit has the ability to be converted to the new stuff if needed. He used a term like 'drop in', I think? Personally and just using my own logic here, it seems to me that the R-22 at it's lower pressure and it's ability to be recharged is the better way to go even with the phase out. It's been around so long and what are the odds that it will need to be recharged? I'm sure this is a debatable issue and could create some heated discussion. But is the risk of getting the older stuff all that high?

This guy did give me two other options moving up in price. The price leap was pretty significant moving into the $5000 range....then to $6000 on the higher end unit. I quickly had him discard those since I can't justify that cost to cool this old house. These units would have been more efficient and include multiple stages or something to that effect. I know there was an option to get the newer refrigerant right off the bat. There was no pressure or scare tactics to to that. In fact, he gave it to me pretty straight about the drawbacks to the new stuff. I guess this could be taken a couple of ways. One of which these dealers want to off the older units before the phase out starts. He did say that it would be available for the next 10 years?

Of course I had to arrange the estimate at the HD store, but it was the contractor that showed up at the house. My gut tells me to trust these guys. There was no pressure (upselling or asking for credit card numbers) during the visit or after (no phone ringing off the hook like other HD estimates I had). The ten year warranty and their professional approach looked pretty good to me. I think the 1 year same as cash may be a break even situation where HD takes their cut. I've had enough estimates to pick out the knuckleheads in my experience. These guys look ok, at least to me. He is also going to honor my request to have the unit set away from my screened in porch....which is directly next to my furnace. It would be going around the back corner of my house at no extra charge. He said the extra distance would not cause any problems. It would be an additional 15 ft. run for the copper tubing.

I think I asked all the right questions. I just got myself completely out of debt (including paying off my mortgage) which makes this a tough decision. In this who-knows-what's-going-to-happen-next economy we got here, I'm prepared for the worst. I'm just battling the dilemna of taking myself into the red again.

Also, at what point does the IRS give me a tax break for doing this? Thanks again.