The mid-Atlantic states covers too large a climate differential; from Delaware to Virginia is a big difference in heating & cooling. What state & large city are you near?I'm trying to decide if the costs are justifiable. I don't know how Goodman is on service life. I've heard of Trane, York, Lennox, Carrier before, never Goodman. If it's not the most reliable brand, do I want to be putting "good money after bad". [FYI - no option to get any other vendor's HVAC system installed).
I know moving from 13 to 16 or 18 SEER can save money. But will I save THAT much money to offset the higher up front costs. [As new development, I don't think I have the ability to claim any efficiency rebates, even if ones were available.]
Option (C) I guess would be to just run with this equipment, save my money, and figure when it dies, replace it then with a better system.
I have a couple of days to decide if I want either upgrade. Any replies would be appreciated. Jeff
You normally gain more efficient delivered performance when U seal the duct system & make sure it is sized right for both heat & air.
Return Air Filter areas need to be sized to achieve a low initial 300-fpm velocity through a clean cheap fiber glass throw-away filter; 500-fpm max for deep pleated filters.
The main thing is to get optimal performance out of the equipment you have; upping the SEER alone, may or may not get you much A/C savings in a Delaware climate situation; maybe not even in Virginia.
The Goodman equipment has improved & I would not be concerned about it; however, if the install was not performed to "Best Practices," then you may lose in every category...
Does the 2.5-Ton cycles on the hottest days? How much if any?
I personally, would not upgrade solely to get higher SEER in most of the states you are talking about.
Stating where you are located would be very helpful to all of us.