[jrref]

I just signed up for a Carrier Infinity system, 4 ton, 22 SEER. This system is a little newer and has 80 speed increments. With all the instant rebates from Carrier and Sunshine plus the $2,000 Federal Tax credit the price was reduced by $4,500 and the total cost included 10 year full parts and labor. I could have got the 15 year parts and labor as well. I figure 10 - 15 years from now there will be even newer technology and I can decide to upgrade again. The included labor is important since this system is more complex to get you the efficiency and everything is covered so nothing to worry about. If the compressor goes bad in the 10 year period Carrier gives you a new outdoor condensor unit vs repairing it. They also include the surge protector for the system which is critical in preventing all the failures these systems had in the past. The same was true for the mini splits that everyone is installing. All in writing. With all the discounts the cost of the variable speed unit was very close to the single and 2 stage system where it didn't make sense to go with any of those. Also, checked, and no parts issues anymore with the new variable speed units. Parts are in stock just like with the older systems. And you are right because its a variable speed inverter system no start capacitor to fail every 5 years or so. To get this kind of deal you will have to probably go with a larger HVAC company since the smaller companies may not have the capability to service these variable speed units yet. There are a huge amount of benefits to variable speed systems meaning variable fan and compressor. Significant electric savings. Not enough to recoup the cost but enough to lessen your overall load each month. Very even temperature throughout the home. Very controlled humidity. Since the system stays on longer your air is properly filtered so if you have allergies like I do that will help a lot. Super quiet as well. As far as it running at 100% to cool down your home quickly, it will do that since it runs to keep the temperature constant at whatever speed it needs after learning the specifics of your home. Think of it as instead of having a system that runs like a light switch, On then Off then On and Off again, this system based on the inside and outside temperature and humidity and how long it take to decrease and or increase the temperature based on your specific home will smoothly run at whatever speed it needs to keep the temperature and humidity constant. Another plus is whenever we need heat in the winter. Since the unit is designed to give heat down to I believe -12 degrees F, here in Florida when we get 25 to 35 degree weather for however long these systems are very efficient and the cost to heat your home if you need it will be dramatically less than with the systems that we have now which may turn On the auxillary heat if the heat pump can't keep up. That's 40Amps of power to run the auxillary heat. Not cheap. So at the end of the day, if you can time it to get all the rebates and tax credits for a little more money you can get a variable speed system and enjoy electricity savings and a more comfortable home.