If it’s 99° outside and you’re able to maintain 73° inside I’d say you’re doing great.
Keep your filter clean and don’t change a thing. 
Okay, thanks. 
raindog - Were you able to comce up with any numbers? Thanks.
StG
Yes I did. Of course, YMMV.
I called my vendor and asked for a price for:
Fujitsu 1.5 ton HP system, including indoor and outdoor unit.
Lineset.
Roll of control cable.
Pad.
Whip.
Disconnect.
Fuses.
My total came to $1845. (That’s my cost; not what I’d sell it for at retail)
If I was building an estimate I’d put in $150 for miscellaneous costs that crop up, so I’d estimate my equipment/material costs to be $2000.
I estimate my labor costs to be $300 per day. I usually count on 2 labor days, although there are times it can be done faster. But…I never rush, and never rush my guys. The bias is to do it exactly right. (most companies have a get-in, get-out mentality.)
That puts my costs at $2600 give or take. I want to maintain a 40% gross margin, and because of supply and demand there will be little incentive to discount substantially.
So…at a 40% margin this might sell for $4333. Without a doubt there will be providers higher, and lower, than me. On the high end you’re paying for cable TV ads, and the comfort that they’re going to be around to stand behind their installation.
On the low end it may be pot luck; there’s a lot of incompetent or barely competent people out there. If you get 3 or 4 quotes and 1 is super low I’d be very hesitant.
If work was thin I’d discount; maybe as low as $3800-4000. This time of year, I can’t.
However, be aware:
You can buy over the internet as cheaply as I can.
In your locale the prices may be higher or lower than SW Ohio. (where I am)
You can buy and install yourself if you have skills; I just wouldn’t recommend doing the refrigeration and start up yourself. You might be able to install yourself and find someone to do the start up/ technical things.
This price doesn’t include 220V from your panel to the outside unit. If it’s not there already, you’ll need to figure that.
I haven’t seen your house; it may be easier or harder than this internet WAG.
YMMV
Thanks so much, raindog. I think my step-father would be able to do everything but the refrigeration and start-up.
StG
You’re welcome.
If you need some help/advice feel free to PM me. I’ll give you my phone #.