might be needing a new HVAC....

[jpcjguy]

Hi Everyone,

So it looks like it might be time to replace the downstairs heat pump. Don't think we have been getting any heat for a little while (not that we have needed it recently and the AC also does not seem to be putting out any cold air).
I will call a tech but anything I can check ahead of time? Unfortunately I don't have someone I know and "trust" to help me on this.
To be fair the air handler is original to 1993 and the outdoor unit is 16ish years old. We have been here about 5 years. So it is the old refrigerant.

As for picking a new system, we did have to replace in 2015 the upstairs unit and I went with this system and have been happy:
TRANE XR13 WEATHERTRON
outdoor unit: 4TWR3030C1
air handler: TAM7A0C36H31

What is the equivalent today?
Oh - and I have an Aprilaire 5000 filter system https://www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/air-purifiers/model-5000 that I heard is pretty good - worth keeping?

Sigh - this will definitely delay any garage HVAC...

 

[fitter30]

Now is the time to get a system before it gets hot. Alot of people are still leary of letting people in their houses. If your happy with the contractor you used for your other system id get price from them and a couple others. Most of the equipment out today is all about the same the difference is the installer and how the contractor backs the job. Check with your utility company for any rebates.

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[nadogail]

IMHO, most of the equipment I have seen is pretty much generic, go with the installer and service company that has the best local reputation.

 

[jpcjguy]

So had a tech come out today and confirm that I have a leak. Reading was 7.2 psi when it should be about 75 (not 100% on what that means). Stated that my R-22 is pretty much gone. System takes 5 lbs and he said cost if $185 lb. Then they would have to find the leak - most likely the in the coil he said. Considering the outdoor unit is 2003 and the air handler is 1993, he recommended a whole new system - probably looking at 5-6K. He was the tech and will have the owner reach out for quote...
UGH......

 

[wade_660]

I’m in the same boat except my unit is only six years old. It’s a Lennox unit that has been garbage since day one. It tore up again this weekend so it’s got to go. I’m looking at in the 9-10k range. *****.


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[ambenz]

https://scontent-dfw5-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/93421051_10214172370696730_622709539967336448_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=incscbtxk8oAX-WH4CN&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.**&oh=66c41081da961707e669349c4be6167c&oe=5EF35CD9

A friend in North Carolina just installed a 4 ton AC/Air Handler combo for 1,700 square feet of cooling on those 110F degree summers. Less than $200 a month in the summer to keep cool...but those units arent cheap! $6,000 on the low end...if you install it yourself....

 

[kneeman]

Buy the equipment and install it yourself. The average lower end carrier Bryant Etc is about $2,000 in parts for a three or three and a half ton system. The difference in cost of equipment between tonnage is very small compared to what contractors charge.

 

[Rusty Fords]

26 Years in the HVAC trade from install fab to service tech.

I started with a company that installed Carrier equipment. I carried 2 printed circuit boards and replace very few with the 6 years i worked for them. The next company I worked for was a Lennox dealer I had 2 full shelves of printed circuit boards and I was replacing them daily....

I was owner operator for 8 years and installed Carrier equipment as primary and sometimes Payne gas furnaces where money was a issue for the customer. If you are thinking of installing a A/C unit on your gas furnace check out the cost savings on a heat pump with a gas furnace instead of the A/C (link below)make sure to check into the Return On Investment (ROI).
I would install a 13 seer H/P for about a grand higher then a A/C unit. Also the ROI on high efficiency H/Ps aren't always worth it (of course depending on the average daily temp and energy costs).

In my area life expectancy for a Heat pump 15-20 years. That being said it didn't pay to change a unit out before is broke beyond repair just due to efficiency.

R22 is still available they are currently not making any more but they are cleaning old refrigerant and reselling the refrigerant. As a service manager of a mis sized commercial/industrial HVAC company I purchase about 2400lbs each year. But the cost of it is through the roof and if your unit is any where near 15 yrs old and has a history of leaking replace it.... Carrier started suppling units with Puron (R410A) around 1996? .

Check this Carrier site out for comparison of different models
http://sagoro.wrightsoft.com/Carrier/Default.aspx

 

[jpcjguy]

So it sounds like it is smart move to replace my 27 and 17 year old components and not try to fix what I have. I am happy with my Trane that was installed 4 years ago but would be fine with a Carrier also. I will get an estimate and system recommendation tomorrow at 10am. My brother in law worked for carrier as a commercial engineer and he said that the carrier vs. trane was like the ford vs. chevy debate - pros and cons for both - install quality and proper equipment sizing is 75%.

 

[jpcjguy]

Ouch - gut punch on the quote.

Here is what was quoted:
Carrier 2 ton 14 SEER - 6100
Carrier 2 ton 15 SEER - 6900
Carrier 2 ton 16 SEER - 8100 ( includes variable speed air handler)

Variable speed air handler - +850

So minimum 6950!! for the 14 SEER and variable speed air handler

 

[danski0224]

Prices without a scope of work are meaningless.

The numbers are almost meaningless just a little bit outside of where you live, too.

You need to find out the scope of work for the estimate and probably get two more.

Unlike what another poster mentioned, it will be quite difficult to get a name brand builder/entry model 3 ton condenser, evap coil and air handler/furnace for $2k. Ha. Those days are long gone.

The fancy SEER numbers are meaningless if your ductwork can't move the required airflow.

 

[Rusty Fords]

In my area I would say those numbers fall right in line. But like Danski0224 said scope and area will very price a lot. I always recommended 2-3 quotes keeps everyone honest.

 

[yeldogt]

Ouch - gut punch on the quote.

Here is what was quoted:
Carrier 2 ton 14 SEER - 6100
Carrier 2 ton 15 SEER - 6900
Carrier 2 ton 16 SEER - 8100 ( includes variable speed air handler)

Variable speed air handler - +850

So minimum 6950!! for the 14 SEER and variable speed air handler

Is the 16 a two seed compressor ?

No rebates or other incentives (state)

 

[jpcjguy]

Is the 16 a two seed compressor ?

No rebates or other incentives (state)

No idea on that - that is all the information that was provided.