[jrref]

So, a couple of comments.

If you live here in the Villages, your probably best to go with Carrier or Trane becasue most HVAC companies install these brands so there is more familiarity and available parts.

Ending now in 2025, there are significant rebates from Carrier, Duke Energy and a $2,000 Federal Tax Credit for the "Best" higher end systems bringing them closer in price to the "Better" system.

Concerning repairs and the complexity and expense on the "Best" system, you can get 10 years of full labor, for about $1,000. That's about $100/year which is very cheap insurance and it's transferrable to subsequent owners. This goes along with the 10 year parts from Carrier. In addition, two models of the Carrier "Best" category have Replacement of the outdoor condenser unit with major failure such as a compressor failure vs repairing. This means, 8 years out, for example, if your compressor fails, they will replace your outdoor condenser with a brand new unit vs repairing the compressor on an old system. My feeling on this is the newer systems are more reliable and eventhough there is no guarantee that your condenser won't have a major failure, the probability is low enough that the coverage is relatively cheap. Either way it's not a concern since you are fully covered.

The only issue with the more expensive inverter systems is you need a trained qualified technician who is familiar with the system to service it. Most of the authorized Carrier and Trane companies will have these tech's along with direct tech support from the manufacturer. You need the same "trained" techs to maintain and repair all the mini-splits that everyone is installing since they are basically the same technology. What you loose in going with the "best" system is the ability to do any repairs yourself since there isn't the typical capacitor and contactor that you can buy on Amazon.

What do you gain with the "Best" system? Comfort from exact temperature and humidity control, potentially a longer life system, significant energy savings. Not enough to re-coup the extra cost but enough to reduce your electric bill especially since we most certainly will be paying more for energy in subsequent years.

I would expect some of the smaller HVAC companies to say don't buy anything new and complex and just stay wit the old tried and true but this newer inverter technology has been out long enough where this "fear" isn't warrented any more. A reputable company that has authorized support and trained technicians should propose the "Good", "Better" and "Best" options explaining the price and feature differences given any manufacturer and or tax credits and you as the customer can decide which system fits your needs best and what you can afford. Anything else is just potentially scare tactics to get you to purchase the system they make the most money on.