Fla Joy, here's the deal.
Different models are made for the wide variety of homes, environments, regions, and personal preferences.
With that said, there are better logical choices for your home, and there are other more satisfying choices.
Do we need designer clothes? No, but do you walk into an important meeting room with a Walmart suit on, sneakers and a baseball cap?
I have customers ask me daily, "how much money will the high end save me in utilities compared to the basic?"
I tell them the truth, technically if you go by SEER rating alone, you will never recoup the investment difference. However, as I stated earlier, there are different models to fit different needs. In certain cases, YES an XL20i can prove to be an excellent choice, and may even give you that redemption through your utility bills.
Your neighbors home may have different needs. For instance, maybe his kids are out of the house, and your children are at home all day with Mom. You may have pets which increase the need for filtration. He may have a gigantic heated fish tank. You may have a 70" plasma, he may not watch tv. He may have a simple 2 story, you have two story with a room over garage and sun room.
With that said, you need to look at your own situation, and the needs you want satisfied. For someone like yourself doing so much research, it's difficult to imagine you being happy with a standard builders grade unit.
You need to narrow your choice down to a single contractor. One that you trust is giving you the correct information. If you play the numbers game with several contractors, you're going to end up with what you pay for.
If you have a two story and want zoning, you would be silly not to install an XL20i. If you have a 1000sqft ranch you would be silly to install an XL20i. (certain exceptions excluded)
Why do many contractors dismiss ducting issues? It's simple, there is no money in duct work! I will prove this by asking you how much adding a full duct replacement should cost? (w/o $$ of course?) use a % increase of the cost of the simple unit changeout.
Lastly, if you think you're old Rheem is going to fail permanently at the perfect time, you are silly. Start saving money now. Otherwise you're paying your utility company, as you stress over this decision. Your stress will continue when it fails in the middle of winter when there are no rebates or incentives.
Last edited by mgenius33; 08-12-2012 at 08:13 PM.
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" Socrates