Those types of units tend to be a lot more comfortable. As you noted they are more expensive and the cost of repairs tend to be much higher as well. I am not sure if trying to balance the cost of the new unit to save on electricity is worth it especially if your unit is still in good working order. If it were me, when replacement time comes around I would go with the most efficient single stage unit you can buy. I changed a 22 year old condenser with a modern 16 SEER unit and literally pocketed about $110.00 per month during the summer. Of course I am very pleased. I live in Texas, so it gets plenty hot here and air conditioning is a must.

Maybe someone else will chime in and give you some useful feedback, unlike the mini split spammer.

Ours is a 2002 no seer rating so how do we know what is good enough? Looking at a 15SEER 5 ton Lennox

A 2-stage system is more about comfort than saving operating costs. There could be a small savings but you will likely never recover it over the life of the equipment.

It is important to properly size the equipment. A system that is too big is can be worse than one that is too small. A 2300 sq. foot house in SW Virginia should not need 5 tons of cooling unless it is very poor insulated or there are many single pane windows.

What is the current size of the AC? How was the size of the new equipment determined? Are you getting more than one quote?

There should be a data plate on your condenser. You can take a picture and post that or simply write down the model number and post it. We can determine size from that. Again, If it is not broken I would be hesitant to replace it. If I may ask, what are your monthly energy costs? As mike_home pointed out, 5 tons may just be too large. Assuming it is over sized, a smaller unit will consume less energy. Will it be enough to justify a new unit, unlikely. If you are going to make the change at a minimum make the contractor do a proper load calculation to insure you get a properly sized unit.

The current one needs to be replaced - he is replacing a 5 ton with a 5ton if I am understanding it correctly.

Thanks Mike_home, Kevinande - asking more questions and doing more research. I like choices but sometimes there are too many! :)

2 stage equipment shouldn't be double the price of single stage - may 20% more, tops. If the company is changing double for 2 stage equipment, look elsewhere.

A 2 stage system will be more comfortable, quieter and will dehumidify better. I would always go with 2 stage here in the South (we have a place in Rocky Mount, VA and Chapel Hill, NC, both of which get very humid in the summer).

If you're looking for the comfort of the 2-stage but not the price tag, it might be worth it to see if a contractor near you offers rentals. Then you don't have to worry about huge upfront costs or insane repair fees.

Twintech Heating & Cooling

https://twintechheating.ca/