Two Bids

Today I got a second bid on an air conditioning system. Both salespeople agreed that replacing the whole system at once makes more sense for several reasons that I am willing to fall for. But other things were different, and I'm having a hard time figuring out what to pick.

Installer

Company A - Well-respected company. Salesperson seemed very thorough about collecting data for the estimate, but very fluffy headed about getting it back to us.

Company B - Well-respected company. Salesperson was less thorough, but knew we had used Company B ten years before and thus was able to make some assumptions about the current condition of the house. Got the estimate to me the same day.

A/C-Heat System

Company A - Trane XL 15i variable 15-SEER 2.5-ton unit. Variable speed helps with efficiency. Various factors I don't understand mean I need to switch from a 2-ton system to a 2.5-ton system. So all new ducts will need to be installed. Estimate includes a new duct to the bathroom, which after looking into the attic she had said was not feasible. I will also ask about whether the 2.5-ton estimate is for the house after solar screens are added. Cost: $6981 - $480 city rebate - $300 federal tax credit - $300 company rebate = $5901 effective price.

Company B - Lennox V.S.B. 15.5-SEER 2-ton unit. A house with my square footage needs between a system between 1.5 and 2 tons. The shade lost from the old tree will be replicated with solar screens, so the current 2-ton system will be fine. Our current system may not seem big enough because of the loss of shade and/or because things have gotten clogged up in our old system. Old ductwork will be fine. Cost: $4915 - $480 city rebate - $300 tax credit - $125 company rebate = $3960 net cost.

Weatherization

Company A - Insulation will be added to the attic, solar screens will be added to 6 windows, and gaps will be filled. Cost: $1195 - $894.87 city rebate = $300.13 effective price.

Company B - Insulation and other work done in last weatherization is all still fine. Solar screens will be added to 6 windows. Cost: $1086 - $216 city rebate = $870 net cost.

Bathroom Vent

Company A - Panasonic Exhaust Vent is very quiet. Their installation supervisor will have to see if an electrician would be required. Otherwise, cost: $325.

Company B - They can't install a vent because it would require an electrician.

Other Recommendations

Company A - Get a fancy air cleaner: either a Clean Effects Air Cleaner on sale for $950 or a Perfect Fit 5" Media Filter for $350. Also they will provide seasonal service for one year and a thermostat all for free.

Company B - We may as well replace the condensate pump at the same time for $160.

Financing

Company A - No payments and no interest for 6 months.

Company B - Twelve months same as cash (i.e., no interest) or $250 discount for paying by check.

So here are the relevant questions as far as I can tell:

1. Which unit is better? Answer - both are good. R. thinks Trane is slightly better. The SEER ratings imply that the Lennox unit is almost 4% more efficient.
2. Which installer is better? Answer - both are good.
3. Which size is better for my place, 2 or 2.5 tons? I don't know. I think this is the most important question that I need to learn the answer for.
4. Do I need more insulation in the attic or not? I don't know.
5. Will a totally awesome air filter improve our lives in any way? I don't know.

Shopping Survey

Special bonus entry!

Isn't it eerie when the people writing junk mail letters seem to actually know you?

I wouldn't know. Check out what I got today: "Because you love to shop, we would like YOU to participate and represent the most fashion-forward shoppers in your state!" Maybe so, but they don't want me representing them!

There are 15 questions. Four of them do not have appropriate answers for me among the choices (except "other"):

3. Where do you shop (check all that apply)?

They don't have thrift stores or discount stores so I'd have to settle for catalogs, through the internet, and outlet store.

6. Where do you find out about today's fashion trends?

They don't have my answers which are a) tomorrow and b) paying attention to what people at the college I work at are wearing. The closest are friends/word of mouth and what people wear on popular television shows.

9. What is the most important part of your personal style?

Quietness? Sense of humor? Silliness? Clumsiness? No, they list clothes, jewelry, shoes, handbag, hairstyle, or makeup.

15. Where do you find out about the best beauty/cosmetic products?

I don't.

Two other questions amuse me.

11. How many handbags do you currently own?

The lowest number you can check is "3-6."

13. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own?

The lowest number you can check is "6-10."

I also learned that apparently some people shop wherever their friends take them or choose places because of additional in-store or near-store amenities such as a beauty salon.

They did have some answers I liked though. I could indicate that the "shoulder strap" handbag style is my favorite, that when buying shoes I most look for comfort and that people I shop with include partner, girl friends, and parents (though not sister).