Author Topic: Question for you HVAC experts out there  (Read 3988 times)

FrugalSaver

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Question for you HVAC experts out there
« on: May 12, 2015, 10:33:50 PM »
Or anyone that has had to replace an A/C recently.

I posted this in the DIY board, which was probably the wrong spot, but you can see in my first post on the link below the details I'm looking at for replacing the a/c in my house.

Any suggestions or insights would be helpful as this has been a very frustrating and time consuming process.  TIA

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/any-hvac-people-out-there-have-a-leak-in-a-coil/

rayt168

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2015, 05:43:46 AM »
My 2 cents.  In looking at the costs between a new AC unit & new coil, I would prefer the new unit since your unit is 12 years old.  I was in a similar situation as far as replacing a coil.  After weighing the costs, I chose a new AC unit.  FWIW.

FrugalSaver

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2015, 08:02:10 PM »
Ok.  I think i've gotten my last price quote from a 4th HVAC company

My options seem to be:
5 ton 16 SEER (410 coolant) 2 stage for $10,406
5 ton 14 SEER (410 coolant) 1 stage for $7,191
4 ton 13 SEER (410 coolant) 1 stage for $5,955

Or just replace the coil (R22 coolant) for $2,328 and see how long it lasts me before biting the bullet and replacing the whole thing. I just replaced the compressor a couple of years ago.

I'm not sure what the difference is between the single stage and 2 stage units so I'll have to do some research on that.

I'm leaning towards just replacing the coil and see how far i can get with it.  I'm not sure how much longer I'll be in the house so I'm hesitant to sink $7k+ into it and costs may come down on the 410 units once the government mandated conversion from r22 to 410 is complete in 2-3 years.


FrugalSaver

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2015, 08:43:07 PM »
Ok I had a new offer come in today. 

1) 14 SEER Lennox for $5,866

2) 14 SEER "High Efficiency" Lennox (the claim is it's basically actually a single stage 16 SEER, but technically is more like a 15.8) for $6,635

I'm probably going to be going with option 1 as these 2 options were below either of the other two options i found.

lindsayk

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2015, 09:41:22 PM »
i work for an HVAC company as the dispatcher. Im not a technician and only do scheduling so i know some basic things.....most of our customers go with 1 stage over 2 stage and it works just fine. 2 stage is more of an "extra option" just like power windows or locks is on a car....its more of "how many options do you want?"......if you have the funds replace the whole a/c and coil. its worth it in the long run. You will eventually be replacing the a/c...sooner than you think more than likely anyways. And when you do the two together most companies give a little bit of a deal.

FrugalSaver

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2015, 10:19:52 AM »
i work for an HVAC company as the dispatcher. Im not a technician and only do scheduling so i know some basic things.....most of our customers go with 1 stage over 2 stage and it works just fine. 2 stage is more of an "extra option" just like power windows or locks is on a car....its more of "how many options do you want?"......if you have the funds replace the whole a/c and coil. its worth it in the long run. You will eventually be replacing the a/c...sooner than you think more than likely anyways. And when you do the two together most companies give a little bit of a deal.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.  The big decision will be made today.

FrugalSaver

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2015, 02:19:40 PM »
After an appropriate amount of analysis and learning what my options were, etc, I've chosen the following option:

Total Cost $5,966:
- Lennox 5 ton14 seer system (14ACX)
- Lennox 5 ton 90k BTU Horizontal Gas Furnace (ML180)
- Lennox 5 ton high efficiency evaporator coil (CH33)
-  plenum transition, freon line set flush, prog thermostat, freon, line dryers
- 10 year parts warranty, 1 year labor

Thanks for all the help to those that offered their insights and expertise.

plherrin

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Re: Question for you HVAC experts out there
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2015, 11:55:26 PM »
Where did you research terminology and options? I'm new to this and about to replace it all as well. Thanks!