Help with upgrade advice for Central Air

[curt2199]

I'm in the process of getting quotes for upgrading my central air. My furnace is a gas Trane EX90 installed in 04' and has been problem free for the last 5 years I've lived here (knock on wood). The central air unit is made by Heat Controllers Inc. I called them up and they said it's a 2.5 ton 8 SEER R22 unit over 20 years old. It has been problem free for the past 5 years as well. I know the day of upgrade has been coming as it's been struggling more ever summer to keep my house cool on the hottest days. I'd say it's been astounding for lasting as long as it has with so many single-pane leaky wood windows in the house (addressing those this summer too). I have a 1200 sqft. home with a matching size basement that will be finished out soon.

I got a quote today for installation of a Lennox 14ACX030 and a Lennox C33 coil. I'm getting another quote tomorrow on a Trane setup. I asked about Goodman today as well but he said the price difference for a 14.5 seer would be a matter of a $100 or so and so he recommended just going with the Lennox. I started doing some of my own research and read that the 14ACX is the entry-level basically and that the XC-14 is a much better model so I've called the company back for a quote with install of that model.

In the meantime, is the upgrade to an XC-14 worth it if I plan to sell the house within 3-5 years and I'm not concerned about noise? To be honest, the compressor I have now does not annoy me from inside the house and it's extremely noisy outside (can be heard from the road) so anything will be a major upgrade. Besides, the neighbor on that side of the house is a real butt, so I'm not concerned with her opinion of the sound. :)

Also, with the Trane guy coming tomorrow, do you have any recommendations on models in case he gives me some options?

And I don't want to share names and prices, etc. but is there anyone who can give me a reasonable range for an install of a system in Central Illinois that would happen within the next couple months?

THANKS!

[wahoo]

I'd call some non-branded local heat/cool contractors also and get some quotes on brands they sell. Our company does not "align" itself with any brand and my family has been in the business for over 60 years. Branded dealers will tend to sell their specific brand. I won't mention what brand we now sell other than it has some of the best warranties on the market today, and you seldom see it advertised publicly so the price to customers is more reasonable (less advertising cost hidden in their pricing). Also beware of any salesperson pushing the "free furnace or AC" gimmick, the final price will have to have this "free" equipment hidden inside it. There are only 7 major manufacturers making heating and cooling equipment however it's sold under about 70 different brands!!! Get the best price with the best warranty from the best contractor! Regardless of what "brand" they say is the best, there is very little difference from one brand to any other. :.02:
You might want to check the dealer locator on this site for someone near you to call!!