I need a new HVAC system for the house

[MNMike]

The current furnace is 27 years old and finally went out, rather than band-aid it I want to replace it but I am running into some issues with getting quotes.

The current model is a Rheem 75,000 BTU unit.
I want to go to a high efficiency model and that will require new venting.

I've had 4 different companies come out and I have four very different quotes.
I have quotes for the furnace that range from 80,000 btu's to 55,000 btu's, some say that I can vent out the current fresh air intake by replacing the actual vent, it vents out the side of the house. Some say I can vent up the existing exhaust vent, others say that is not a good idea. One guy said that he would have to open up a wall to get it installed. I've been quoted York, Bryant, Amana and I am waiting on a quote for an American Standard.

Prices run from $7700-$9900, from contractors that advertise on TV and radio stations. I am getting one from a smaller contractor today.

Would it be best to go with a smaller guy or the larger companies??


The AC unit is under the back deck and half of them say they need to move it and the other half say it is fine where it is.
I am a little concerned that there is no real consistency with the quotes.

I am in no real hurry to get it replaced, we have fireplace inserts that can heat the house if this drags out.

What is the best way to go about getting more quotes? The web is kind of all over the place with companies. I know the unit it self is not the important component but the installation is key. How do you know if the installer is any good?


Any in-site would be appreciated, never had to have a HVAC system replaced before.


Thx,

Mike

 

[Jackfre]

A 27 year old furnace is right at the point where the efficiencies of gas furnaces were mandated to be a minimum of 78%. Prior to that, the older units were in the low 60's, if that. Does your current model have a fan assist or does the rating plate list it as a Category One unit? The guy who quoted you an 80 k unit to replace a 60% or 78% efficient unit with a 95% efficient unit should not be let back in the building. Have any of these guys offered a heat loss on the building? That is the right way. "Should you go with the smaller company?" This is a due diligence question that only you can decide. Talk to the neighbors and co-workers and see who has given good service in the past. Every furnace manuf. has their own venting requirements. You will not be able to use the same vent system with a high efficacy unit. Have any of these contractors spoken to you about the need to seal the ductwork? 27 yr old ductwork will leak like a sieve. You may be able to do some of that yourself.

 

[cvairwerks]

How many of those guys doing the bids actually did the load calculaions? When we replaced our system a few years ago, the guy we went with was the only one that did run the numbers. All the others simply bid based on what was installed. The original equipment was under sized for the house....

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Whether it can or cannot be "under the deck" is something that you can't just make a determination on based on "expertise". You have to check the manufacturer's requirements for clearances.


Tommy

 

[eddieK]

The current furnace is 27 years old and finally went out, rather than band-aid it I want to replace it but I am running into some issues with getting quotes.

The current model is a Rheem 75,000 BTU unit.
I want to go to a high efficiency model and that will require new venting.

I've had 4 different companies come out and I have four very different quotes.
I have quotes for the furnace that range from 80,000 btu's to 55,000 btu's, some say that I can vent out the current fresh air intake by replacing the actual vent, it vents out the side of the house. Some say I can vent up the existing exhaust vent, others say that is not a good idea. One guy said that he would have to open up a wall to get it installed. I've been quoted York, Bryant, Amana and I am waiting on a quote for an American Standard.

Prices run from $7700-$9900, from contractors that advertise on TV and radio stations. I am getting one from a smaller contractor today.

Would it be best to go with a smaller guy or the larger companies??


The AC unit is under the back deck and half of them say they need to move it and the other half say it is fine where it is.
I am a little concerned that there is no real consistency with the quotes.

I am in no real hurry to get it replaced, we have fireplace inserts that can heat the house if this drags out.

What is the best way to go about getting more quotes? The web is kind of all over the place with companies. I know the unit it self is not the important component but the installation is key. How do you know if the installer is any good?


Any in-site would be appreciated, never had to have a HVAC system replaced before.


Thx,

Mike

You do need 4' of clearance above the condenser fan.

There is nothing wrong with venting the new furnace up through the existing vent, but the new pipe must be inserted all the way to the termination (cap).

As far as the various quotes are concerned, compare only apple to apples. single stage, dual stage, btu's, 90% 92%, 95% etc.

I personally only use people that I get from personal references and as a business, we ONLY work through referral - no advertisement.

 

[eddieK]

Whether it can or cannot be "under the deck" is something that you can't just make a determination on based on "expertise". You have to check the manufacturer's requirements for clearances.


Tommy

Pretty much 4' across the board.

 

[eddieK]

A 27 year old furnace is right at the point where the efficiencies of gas furnaces were mandated to be a minimum of 78%. Prior to that, the older units were in the low 60's, if that. Does your current model have a fan assist or does the rating plate list it as a Category One unit? The guy who quoted you an 80 k unit to replace a 60% or 78% efficient unit with a 95% efficient unit should not be let back in the building. Have any of these guys offered a heat loss on the building? That is the right way. "Should you go with the smaller company?" This is a due diligence question that only you can decide. Talk to the neighbors and co-workers and see who has given good service in the past. Every furnace manuf. has their own venting requirements. You will not be able to use the same vent system with a high efficacy unit. Have any of these contractors spoken to you about the need to seal the ductwork? 27 yr old ductwork will leak like a sieve. You may be able to do some of that yourself.

Heat is the simple side of this equation...you can step down a heat system and most high efficiency units are dual stage anyway...low fire, hi fire. If you "up size" the cooling system you will find that the BTU of the furnace working with that system is greater as well. If you do this, the ducting MUST match the CFM of the system being installed.

Cooling requires the proper duct size, the proper static pressure and the correct match between indoor and outdoor units.

Condensing furnaces and non condensing furnaces all work with exactly the same venting codes (Vent Tables). You can vent them horizontally and you can vent them THROUGH the existing double wall pipe, if the ABS pipe is routed completely through the existing vent.

 

[danski0224]

How many of those guys doing the bids actually did the load calculaions? When we replaced our system a few years ago, the guy we went with was the only one that did run the numbers. All the others simply bid based on what was installed. The original equipment was under sized for the house....

This.

However, I only do the load calculations if I get the work The estimate is based off of what is there, if in good judgement, it is close. The cost of the equipment does not vary much if it is the next size up or down.

All is disclosed upfront.

 

[Cairo94507]

I got three bids from different HVAC companies. All were in the $20K range for replacing my home heat and AC. I called out the Costco people, Lennox equipment and they had all the right answers, and the best part was a saved about 25% on the job. They were professional and did a terrific job. No complaints at all. BTW my 6 ton unit is absolutely quiet when running.

 

[walta]

1 Do not up size your equipment unless the old equipment could not maintain temp on the hottest / coldest days. Most furnaces are twice the size needed 10X is not uncommon. The penalty for over sizing a furnace comes as discomfort not fuel usage. The AC must be sized correctly to control humidity.

2 For the vent you want 2 pipes not a1pipe system. One pipe will exhaust and the other is intake. The 1 pipe system depressurize your house all the warm moist air going out the exhaust pipe is replaced by cold dry air leaking in the crack in your home. Your bids will have model numbers when you select one get a copy install instruction online read it. It will specify the max length number of bends and diameter. The pipes need to termite above the deepest snows.

3 The brand of equipment installed is not as important as the quality of the install. Ask your friends and neighbors for reconditions and have a look at theirs your eyes will tell you are looking at quality work or a slap dash job.

4 I do not like the AC under the deck it traps the warm air around the unit and makes it work harder.


Walta

 

[PWC Repair]

I think if the Rheem lasted 27 years I'd probably be getting a quote on that.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I see you're in the Twin Cities. I my furnace replaced by Standard Heating some years back. I was happy with their work and thought they were straight shooters on what needed to be done. I'd give 'em a call. https://www.standardheating.com

 

[MNMike]

Thanks Guys,
I ended up going with the contractor that came in the middle of the pack money wise.

It is up and running.

 

[danski0224]

Thanks Guys,
I ended up going with the contractor that came in the middle of the pack money wise.

It is up and running.

Why not provide details on how you reached your decision... seems to be the proper thing to do.