I have a 2 story house with 1300 sq. feet in Beaufort, SC. We are near a salt-water river, but protected from harsh salt air by barrier islands. My current Goodman 1. 1/2 ton outside units (2) are in fairly good shape with no visible rust. They are 10 year old 10 SEER units.

I have 5 quotes...one from Goodman was for R-22 units...second was for Am/Stand was much higher than another bid.

1---CarrierModel- 25HBC318A003---13 SEER with FB4CNF018T05 Air Handler----carrier Base Non-Programmable HP Thermostat----$6320.00

2---Carrier-Model- 25HCB318a003--15 SEER with FX4DNF019T00 Air Handler 3 Speed Blower---Non-Prog. Therm.---$8170.00

3---American Standard--SI Silver Series 4TWB3018 with matching composite Handler---13 SEER---$8400.00

4---waiting on Trane quote on 13 SEER XB Series, should be within $200.00 of American Standard bib.

They have said I do not need the extra protection from the salt air...

My calculations project that I will not recoup the extra $2000 for 15 SEER...

Is Trane or American worth the extra money...

Should I consider the A/S Gold Series...