Air Conditioning - Compatability Advise

Hi,
I recently installed a new American Standard heating system in my house in So. Cal and based on recent heat I was thinking of adding air. I live about a mile from the beach so I don't expect to use the system a lot. The person I used last time quoted me $4,400 for a 13 seer unit and installation, this seems high to me or I just don't know the full cost. Would it be bad to use a different brand for air conditioning and does anyone recommend a more economical brand given minimal use?

Thanks for the help
Eleanor

Ive put in alot of trane.. from one stand point I do like having a matched system, but I understand where you are coming from.. you can try a goodman or ducane air handler, to be honest for a 13 seer to pull 13 seer all you need to MAKE SURE YOU GET ON IT is a TXV (Thermal Expansion Valve).. neither of these manufacturers put valves OEM on their coils but do offer external mount valve kits... given that you have not gotten into 14 seer + equipment, a Variable speed indoor blower section is NOT required though I enjoy the quietness of it with the blower ramping up and down, plus if you are going to spend the money may want to spend a little extra so if outdoor unit goes out within next 10 years you could go with a high seer outdoor unit.

Pricing questions are always tough, since we have not seen the project it is a wild quess. Typical price affecting factors are choice of equipment/accessibility/avaliability of electric service (may have to add a service box)/ductwork modifications as req:d and of course the volume of work/future work that the installer has lined up.

Pricing is tough. If the guy is quoting an American Standard condensing unit, new coil, new line-set, running the electric to the condensor then $4,400 is not bad at all. Especially in So.California.

Just make sure you get 3 bids for the job and it is down on paper what each will put in .

ED:cool: