Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Installing (2) Trane XL14i 3-ton units in home--good price?

My home has two 90% efficient carrier furnaces and to cool the home I need two AC units. I got a quote from the company who installed the furnace for the builder--after the close of the house--for the two units mentioned above with a humidifier and two programmable thermostats for $5600. Do you think that is a fair price or should I go a little lower in the efficiency to save some money. They quoted $5700 for the XL14i and $5100 for the Xr12.
Thanks, Brad

depend on the area, but in atlanta that would be in line. how much will you be using the a/c? i am not familiar with your weather. the less it will be used, the less sense it makes to go with the higher SEER. be sure you go with a txv metering device on the coils, it will boost efficiency. are these r22 or r410 units? what kind of humidifier are you getting? now would be the time to go with a more efficient filtering system if you want one, as they can probably give you a good deal if you have them throw it into the package

After checking with a couple of HVAC installers and sheet metal men from Colorado, I would say you are getting an excellent price for the region.

As far as which unit to use...

Consider how long you plan to be in the home. How much more efficient is the unit, will the cost difference be paid back reasonably quickly through the increased efficiency, is there any added gain in the warranty from the higher cost, will the better unit help improve the selling of the home should you have to leave it, etc.

Many times we find the added cost is not worthy of purchase and recommend the homeowner invest the extra cost into an extended warranty that covers both parts AND labor.

Thank you for your responses-we are using the new gas, not r22. Also the Generalaire humidifier is included and the AC will have 10 years parts and labor warranty for the Trane 14 seer. Also the public service electric company will give us a $350 rebate for using the more efficient model. And since the HVAC company were the ones who originally did the house they will extend the whole house HVAC warranty to 2 years rather than one. A nice little perk.

The 11 or 12 seer is only 5 year warranty and will not include a humidifier.

Thank you, Brad

good luck!

FYI, I placed my order for the 14 seer model. It is a nice unit and we will be in the home at least 10 years. Appreciate the help.