Ok, calm me down...need to buy a new air conditioning system

[Houstonmommy]

I'm breathing...I'm breathing...I'm breathing.

Ok.

I need to buy a new air conditioning system. Two central units. We were quoted $5,950 each which will be eligible for the Energy Star credit.

Can you help me think about the best way to go about this to get the cost down as much as possible?

1. I'll get another quote (but not likely to be too much lower b/c we had a guy quote us 2 years ago for $13,000 total)

2. Is there any where else I should shop around? Should I be looking at a place like Sears for units and then have our a/c guy install it and just charge us for labor?

3. Credit cards--anyone have a great cash back credit card suggestion (one where home improvements are eligible purchases)? I need to open up a new one...my last one just switched from cash back to airline miles last month.

4. What else can I be doing to get money back or get the cost down on this? Help me think please!

[TeePee]

DH is HVAC. He just quit his old job (80+ hrs a week) and started a new one this week (he did work over 55 though but that is unusal).

I would stay away from the *big names* that advertise everywhere. There prices are mostly to pay for the ads.

I am sure you could probably find an installer but I don't know of one that has a license and ability to pull proper premits that would install soemthing bought from somewhere else.

Make sure you get and keep a service agreement!!!!!! I can't say this enough! And change filters monthly even if they tell you every 3 months. Keep the outdoor unit free of grass and leaves. The last week DH worked for the old company, out of 160 calls the techs did, only 2 were regular service contracts.

[OneHotMomma]

anymore tips? I'm right there with you.