Why isn't it the time to replace? Standards are going up and costs are higher enough to not pay back on the incremental efficiency improvements. I think it's the perfect time to do it.Systems will be changing the first of the year ... new rules. Frankly -- this is not the time to be replacing IMO. Do you have any state energy programs in VA?
I am thinking along the same lines - my upstairs unit lives in an unconditioned attic and will be a pain to get out of there. I'm thinking just replace the evaporator and condenser on it. Downstairs is easy access as air handler is in garage - but again we don't use that one anywhere near the use of the upstairs, so if a more efficient and expensive unit is forced on me - I'll never see the return...Why isn't it the time to replace? Standards are going up and costs are higher enough to not pay back on the incremental efficiency improvements. I think it's the perfect time to do it.
No incentives are available. If I had oil or propane, I could get money for a heat pump, but since I have gas, I am SOL
A big part of this is wanting to control the downtime. Losing cooling in the middle of the summer when there are supply issues doesn't have appeal to me
I really don't want to deal with that much spray foam in an occupied house. Heard too many issues about off gassing. Then there is the issue of roof deck.repair/replacement. My roof will need replacing in a few years. The stuff I can see is in good shape, and I would only be foaming a small portion of the roof , it's still on my mindFoaming the attic will make a huge improvement.
Going around and re-insulating and sealing ductwork is a pain in the ***. It's never insulated right, even when one has the space to do it before the drywall goes up. Getting to it later, when the attic is 140 degrees? Ha.
I've done this kind of stuff, and I only do it in winter. Sometimes, the stuff is inaccessible due to roof clearance.
Why is R6 or R8 or R10 good for ductwork, but the attic needs R42 (or whatever)?
Of course, getting the foam sprayed on right is another can of worms.
There are a lot of new equipment coming .... I want one of the new two speed coastal units for one of my properties.Why isn't it the time to replace? Standards are going up and costs are higher enough to not pay back on the incremental efficiency improvements. I think it's the perfect time to do it.
No incentives are available. If I had oil or propane, I could get money for a heat pump, but since I have gas, I am SOL
A big part of this is wanting to control the downtime. Losing cooling in the middle of the summer when there are supply issues doesn't have appeal to me
Ductwork leaks -- when doing a sealed crawl space even with sealing the duct work and covering with bubble insulation -- it's normally enough if the equipment is in there as well.Foaming the attic will make a huge improvement.
Going around and re-insulating and sealing ductwork is a pain in the ***. It's never insulated right, even when one has the space to do it before the drywall goes up. Getting to it later, when the attic is 140 degrees? Ha.
I've done this kind of stuff, and I only do it in winter. Sometimes, the stuff is inaccessible due to roof clearance.
Why is R6 or R8 or R10 good for ductwork, but the attic needs R42 (or whatever)?
Of course, getting the foam sprayed on right is another can of worms.
I don't need coastal and don't really want the latest and "greatest" for this. I think sticking with current Gen is where I am most comfortable on this.There are a lot of new equipment coming .... I want one of the new two speed coastal units for one of my properties.
Some guys want the end run others want the new processor
It's an AC system ... not a rocket. What is to be comfortable with ? The refrigerant is changing ... in some areas they can't sell the old after the 1/1 in other areas it's until the equipment is gone.I don't need coastal and don't really want the latest and "greatest" for this. I think sticking with current Gen is where I am most comfortable on this.
I am still not seeing the argument to wait based on new stuff coming out.It's an AC system ... not a rocket. What is to be comfortable with ? The refrigerant is changing ... in some areas they can't sell the old after the 1/1 in other areas it's until the equipment is gone.
You can build an insulated box and surround the unit .... if the attic suites doing. Most of the times the ductwork is all over the place -- if not blowing lots of insulation in and covering it will help.
Or you could put the 10k into microsoft or apple and spend a lot more in a couple of years
Depends on how long you plan on staying in the house. If it's a long time house --- spending for comfort and quiet is worth a bit more. Figuring out what you need before forced to is always wise.I am still not seeing the argument to wait based on new stuff coming out.
That 10k could be worth a lot more, sure. Or a lot less.
I can tell you I wont care what it's worth if I don't have a/c in June, July or August
Some people prefer to wait until something fails to replace, and I sometimes do that, but not with something I depend on.
My expectation is 20 years. Won't ever have a need to up size and we have good schools.Depends on how long you plan on staying in the house. If it's a long time house --- spending for comfort and quiet is worth a bit more. Figuring out what you need before forced to is always wise.
I already have estimates for the replacements in my South Carolina properties. Just in case something happens. Going to spend the month of September down there and will refine my plans. The idea is to replace the one I rent out first --- late spring prior to the season.
Puron (R410) is going away and now we get Puron Advanced (R454) ... no big deal for most. But, my guess in 10 years when the unit is out of warranty you will want to be paying for R454 ... not have some kid telling you ... wow -- this is an old one using that expensive stuff.
I'm with you bud... Had my HVAC guy out and he had a planned week of vacation, but should be getting back to me with a quote this week. Trane 14 SEER AC units with ditto 80% Propane heating/air handlers (one is up in our attic!) - don't want to wait for a failure or have the new (more expensive and more flammable) efficiencies pushed down on me... 3.5 ton and a 4 ton...Well, two new systems are installed. We went forward with replacing the first and second floor units, proactively.
2.5 ton heat pumps, ~75k btu furnace for the first floor, ~45k for the second. Outdoor units are carrier, first floor furnace is carrier, second floor is Bryant.
Returns were upsize to 16" with new sheet metal and flex and we went with aprilaire 1410 filters at the air handlers. Aprilaire thermostats.
Overall, basic systems, but hopefully a long time before worrying about them again.
I had the guys pull a few spares from the existing furnaces to keep on the shelf for the 3rd floor unit. Also pulled the new caps and 5-2-1 hard start kits that I installed recently
What were the systems before? Did you downsize on the gas side any?2.5 ton heat pumps, ~75k btu furnace for the first floor, ~45k for the second.
Yes, downsized the second floor, they were previously matching, 3 burner units (I think 75k, but I can't remember for sure). I just checked the furnaces and the new ones are 66k (3 burner) and 44k (2 burner)What were the systems before? Did you downsize on the gas side any?