Adding AC only to 9 yr old home

[PNWhomeowner]

I am new to the forum, have read through the posts and am very impressed with the knowledge and experience here. I have questions about 2 bids I got for installing air conditioning in my home.

Background: house is 9 yrs old with in-floor radiant heat. No duct work. Need to cool off a great room that includes kitchen area; lots of glass; glass on west side is tinted and shaded; 15' sloped ceiling is insulated but no space for ducts; Approx 1,064 sq. ft. Adjacent garage has attic space where system will be installed. AC needed for only 3-4 mo./yr during hottest part of summer, and only during the day. Night time ac not needed.

Contractor #1 spent 1 hr looking at home and elec. panel (plenty of capacity there). Said it was a very simple application. Performed on-the-spot calculation and bid XXXX for a 2.5 Ton Trane system with filter. Intake vent at high point in wall; 4 cold air supply lower down in same wall. SEER 13. Yearly maintenance cost: XXXX

Contractor #2 did same inspection, but went back to office to perform calculation. His bid was XXXX for a Lennox 3 ton system with variable speed fan and filter. Intake vent in ceiling of garage entry hallway; 4 cold air supply vents lower down in same wall. SEER 16. Yearly maintenance cost XXX

Both are established companies. They were recommended to me by the guy I buy heating oil from. I understand that design, installation, and maintenance are key factors in my selection, but cost is important too!

How do I know who has the better design and install expertise?

How much do I have to pay to get a reasonably good system installed?

Any ideas why I would get such different estimates?

Many thanks,

D.

[seatonheating]

Where in the PNW are ya? You should look into the Mitsubishi mini-split AC's. Could be a better option for ya. If you are near me(I'm in Everett, WA). I could come take a look and show you all your options. If not, I'm sure I can refer you to someone good.

My email is in my profile.

[40_cents]

First thing to think about is the company your dealing with. can you get ahold of them on the weekends or evenings? how are their standings with the BBB. Then look at the apples and oranges of both bids.??huh?? One contractor has a higher SEER rated unit than the other.. And asking for referances is not a bad thing to do. It is your money.
But something to think about is what seatonheating brought up in their message. Maybe a mini-split system may be the way to go. I have heard many great reports about them. Only down side I can see is there is no way to filter the air. They do come with filters built in. If you want to call them one. Just my own opinion.

[billva]

I agree with the mini-split idea. With only 4 supply ducts, you will need to move 1000-1200 cfm. the supply ducts will need to be 7" or larger depending on the static pressure of the system.

[76Tech]

for sure i would go with mini split

[PNWhomeowner]

Thanks all for your replies!

What the heck is a "mini-split"?

We are in Spokane, WA, which is about 10 yrs behind in terms of ideas and trends. Nice in some ways, but can be a problem too.

No one mentioned pricing. What did you all think of the variation in bids?

D.

[ARPA]

I guess that you did not see the rule about NOT posting prices in this forum.
Click on my signature and please read the rules.

[luskys a/c]

I think you should get a small package system and run some fancy duct work in your cieling space. Give it a industrial look. I have always wanted to do this to a house that I could live in but I haven't bought that house yet. Good luck to ya.... Listen to these wise men- Mini-splits!:p

[seatonheating]

Here ya go:

www.mrslim.com

[billva]

If you go the mini split route, go with Mitsubishi, we have near zero problems with them as opposed to some other brands. (my opinion only)

Here is one brand that actually makes a system with an attractive indoor section

http://www.lge.com/products/category/list/home%20appliances_air%20conditioner_art%20cool.jht ml

I cant speak for reliability, but they sure look nice.