New A/C Heat Pump Costs ?

[billt460]

I know very little about A/C. The house we purchased 5 years ago is a single story ranch that's around 1,450 Sq. Ft. The current AC / Heat pump is running fine. (Amana) But it was installed in 2004. I don't know the tonnage of it.

We don't even use the heat pump, because it doesn't get cold enough here. Instead we have a small (30,000 BTU) propane fireplace heater that heats the place just fine when it does get chilly. But the Summers here are very long and hot.

So the unit gets a lot more running time than a similar unit in a more temperate climate. The house is well insulated, and I have evaporative cooling in the garage that also works well.

The AC / Heat Pump is a roof mounted unit. (Most here are). My question is about how much will a new system run installed? Prices are all over the map on these things. And I don't have any idea what a fair estimate would be. And obviously I don't want to overpay when the time comes. But I don't want a cheap, inadequate unit either. What say you guys with experience in these matters? Thanks in advance.

 

[racecougar]

I'd say it's a total shot in the dark if you don't know what size unit you need.

 

[billt460]

I have the model number, and you would think if you punched it in to Amana's website they would tell you the tonnage. But no, it's easier to build and launch a Saturn V.

 

[fitter30]

There are to many variables for someone in a different area to price a replacement system including most systems don't require a crane. Most heat pumps are sized for heat at 47° which they would be cheaper to operate than lp. The contractor is more important than the brand of equipment because even the best equipment not installed correctly won't perform as built.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Punch the model number into Google instead of the Amana site. This should hit on something tangible.

 

[billt460]

Punch the model number into Google instead of the Amana site. This should hit on something tangible.

I'll try that. Thanks.

 

[billt460]

OK, I think my unit is 3 tons, (36,000 BTU's). This is what I got off Google. The first 2 numbers on my unit, after 3 letters is 36. According to the information below 36 is divisible by 12 which equates to a 3 ton unit.

"You can determine the size in tons of your Amana HVAC system by examining the model number on the data sticker at the side of the a/c condenser (outdoor unit). There are two model number formats we know of. The first one is an older format and the first two numbers after several letters are what you are looking for. They should be divisible by 6 or 12, and represent the nominal BTU of the system in thousands. A ton of air conditioning equals 12,000 BTU, and 36 divided by 12 equals 3, so the data plate below indicates the system is 3 tons."

 

[pcmeiners]

You asked for installation costs but with the little info given, and the many variables involved, it is not possible to give a reasonable estimate. For certain, propane is one of the most costly fuels, in AZ, a NEW high efficient heat pumps is the way to go.... a 20 year old unit is not efficient for heating or especially cooling.

An example of a very efficient mini splits... basically you primarily need a high SEER unit (not the extra low temp models)....

https://www.goodlifehvac.ca/images/Fujitsu_LZ_Series.pdf

Below are running costs of fuels/devices, which you should look at. Primarily the "cost per million" BTUs is the most important field....

https://www.maine.gov/energy/sites/maine.gov.energy/files/inline-files/Home-Heating-Calculator.xls

 

[OccupantRJ]

Good Google-foo. Next you would need to know if the roof top unit is a self contained package unit that has ductwork leaving the unit and entering the building, or whether it is a split unit and has refrigerant tubing entering the building. Looking up the model should tell you that. I can’t help you on costs, but a package unit is usually a pretty simple unit exchange with the same tonnage.

 

[racecougar]

A quick Google search would say that a 3-ton outdoor unit would run in the $3k-$4k ball park. That assumes you don't need to change the line set or indoor unit, and doesn't account for labor, crane rental, etc.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I know very little about A/C. The house we purchased 5 years ago is a single story ranch that's around 1,450 Sq. Ft. The current AC / Heat pump is running fine. (Amana) But it was installed in 2004. I don't know the tonnage of it.

We don't even use the heat pump, because it doesn't get cold enough here. Instead we have a small (30,000 BTU) propane fireplace heater that heats the place just fine when it does get chilly. But the Summers here are very long and hot.

So the unit gets a lot more running time than a similar unit in a more temperate climate. The house is well insulated, and I have evaporative cooling in the garage that also works well.

The AC / Heat Pump is a roof mounted unit. (Most here are). My question is about how much will a new system run installed? Prices are all over the map on these things. And I don't have any idea what a fair estimate would be. And obviously I don't want to overpay when the time comes. But I don't want a cheap, inadequate unit either. What say you guys with experience in these matters? Thanks in advance.

if you're looking for equipment prices, this can give you a ballpark:

3 Ton Bosch 20 SEER Heat Pump Inverter System 2.0 Series BOVA-36HDN1-M20G, BVA-36WN1-M20

Bosch 2.0 Series 3 Ton True Inverter Heat Pump System Delivers 20 SEER Efficiency While Keeping Sound Levels As Low As 56dBA. The Outdoor Compressor & Fan Motor Freely Ramps Up & Down Per Demand, Offering Operating Levels From 25-110% Capacity. 10 Year Parts Warranty & 90 Day Labor Warranty!

www.budgetheating.com

if they're quoting you way more for a heat pump than straight AC, something's off. the equipment is almost identical.

 

[billt460]

You asked for installation costs but with the little info given, and the many variables involved, it is not possible to give a reasonable estimate. For certain, propane is one of the most costly fuels, in AZ, a NEW high efficient heat pumps is the way to go.... a 20 year old unit is not efficient for heating or especially cooling.

An example of a very efficient mini splits... basically you primarily need a high SEER unit (not the extra low temp models)....

https://www.goodlifehvac.ca/images/Fujitsu_LZ_Series.pdf

Below are running costs of fuels/devices, which you should look at. Primarily the "cost per million" BTUs is the most important field....

https://www.maine.gov/energy/sites/maine.gov.energy/files/inline-files/Home-Heating-Calculator.xls

According to the per million BTU column, propane is still substantially cheaper than electricity.

 

[racecougar]

According to the per million BTU column, propane is still substantially cheaper than electricity.

Be sure to enter your actual rates. Here in MO, electricity is significantly cheaper.

 

[pcmeiners]

Yes propane's running cost is cheaper than electric resistive heating, (anything is) , but propane's running cost is more than 3 times more expensive then a high efficiency minisplit. $36.50 vs. $10.99 per million BTUs ( at average USA fuel costs).

 

[racecougar]

Yep. Inputting my data into that spreadsheet, propane is 4.7 times more costly.

 

[billt460]

We're getting off the beaten path. I'm looking for the appropriate cost of a average 3 ton AC / Heat Pump installed.

 

[ericm]

Also have the ducts inspected. If they're old they may be leaking and/or insulation is coming off. Either of those will reduce the efficiency. Resealing and re-insulating our ducts was not that expensive.

 

[brewchief]

We're getting off the beaten path. I'm looking for the appropriate cost of a average 3 ton AC / Heat Pump installed.

Need a lot more info to even make a guess. Need to know if it's a split system with the condenser on the roof or a package unit that has everything on the roof. If a package unit is it mounted on a stand with ductwork out the side or on a curb with ductwork out the bottom? Will anything need to be changed to support a new unit? Is a crane going to be needed? If so is there access for the crane? Powerlines in the way?

If you have the model number post it up.

 

[American Locomotive]

Also, if the system is working fine, do not bother replacing it. I'm sure some will disagree with me. The reality is, a new unit will NOT pay for itself before the new unit also needs replacement ~15-20 years later.

 

[billt460]

Need a lot more info to even make a guess. Need to know if it's a split system with the condenser on the roof or a package unit that has everything on the roof. If a package unit is it mounted on a stand with ductwork out the side or on a curb with ductwork out the bottom? Will anything need to be changed to support a new unit? Is a crane going to be needed? If so is there access for the crane? Powerlines in the way?

If you have the model number post it up.

Amana model number PHD36C02E1

Everything is on the roof. Yes, they'll need to crane it over the house from the street. My next door neighbor had it done last year. It wasn't a big deal. It took just a few hours start to finish. Most of the A/C units out here are roof mounts.

Also, if the system is working fine, do not bother replacing it. I'm sure some will disagree with me. The reality is, a new unit will NOT pay for itself before the new unit also needs replacement ~15-20 years later.

I have no intention of replacing it before it breaks down for good. The biggest problem with that is, they usually go when they're running the hardest. That's in the dead of Summer when the temps can get 115+F.

So if they don't have a unit in stock, you could be sweating for a week or more. Also, Summer months are when their crews are booked the most. Everyone's A/C goes in the Summer when they're using it. Not in January.

 

[danski0224]

We're getting off the beaten path. I'm looking for the appropriate cost of a average 3 ton AC / Heat Pump installed.

Anywhere from free to $40k.

 

[danski0224]

I have no intention of replacing it before it breaks down for good. The biggest problem with that is, they usually go when they're running the hardest. That's in the dead of Summer when the temps can get 115+F.

So if they don't have a unit in stock, you could be sweating for a week or more. Also, Summer months are when their crews are booked the most. Everyone's A/C goes in the Summer when they're using it. Not in January.

That's why you wait until it breaks, getting every possible penny out of it.

Then you come here and ***** about how expensive it is, how you are getting ripped off and how long it will take to get the work done.

Excellent plan.

 

[billt460]

Anywhere from free to $40k.

Big help. Thanks.

 

[danski0224]

Big help. Thanks.

Your question is pointless. My guess is as good as any.

I have estimates from $39k to $65k to $115k for the same scope of exterior work on my house.

And the low number is a qualified bid. There is nothing left out and the materials are the same grade.

All of them have the different phases/scopes broken out (siding, soffit, windows, etc are line items). But not broken out for labor and materials separately.

All legitimate contractors able to pull permits. No day laborers from the HD parking lot.

Asphalt shingles, vinyl siding, vinyl windows, aluminum soffit gutter fascia is the basic scope. Complete exterior.

What the equipment or materials cost online or at the store is irrelevant if you are paying to have the work done. It's useful as a sort of benchmark, but that's it.

 

[racecougar]

Bingo. If you want to know what the work will cost on your specific house, in your specific area, with the contractors that service that area, you'll net the best estimate by....calling around for estimates. Roof-top units are pretty well unheard of in residential applications in many parts of the country.

 

[gpiggaz]

Do you have a Costco nearby? If so, they have an AC guy somewhere near the front of the store most days- Ask him to come give you an estimate. That will be at the high end of what it will cost for a new unit, But with Costco, it's likely they have the best company in your location (hence the higher price) but you get a little of that back with a Costco gift card. Personally, I spent 12K to replace my 5 ton heat pump in Tucson Az 4 years ago, I suspect I could have gotten it for less with another contractor and more time - but my unit was dead, and we needed a new one immediately. It was 109 in our house when we got the replacement installed! This was a variable speed setup, which also cost a bit more- but it increased the comfort in the house tremendously. My unit is Ground mounted FWIW.

 

[billt460]

.......... My guess is as good as any.................

Your "guess" is just as idiotic as anyone who would actually spend $40K for a 3 ton A/C heat pump installed in a 1,450 sq. ft. home.

 

[danski0224]

Your "guess" is just as idiotic as anyone who would actually spend $40K for a 3 ton A/C heat pump installed in a 1,450 sq. ft. home.

Everyone here knows the HVAC contractors are out there getting stupid rich on these jobs, so $40k might be a deal...

 

[pcmeiners]

You post a question on this forum, providing sub minimal information about your home, expecting a reasonable estimate for the installation of unknown equipment and workmanship.....

....and your inferring other members here are idiotic?

 

[Just_Steve]

Bingo. If you want to know what the work will cost on your specific house, in your specific area, with the contractors that service that area, you'll net the best estimate by....calling around for estimates. Roof-top units are pretty well unheard of in residential applications in many parts of the country.

I have never seen a rooftop unit like he has but i'm in the NE. What is the reason for rooftop Vs ground mount?

 

[racecougar]

I have never seen a rooftop unit like he has but i'm in the NE. What is the reason for rooftop Vs ground mount?

Vandalism, less dust exposure, and if they are not split systems, ease of installation (offset by the fact that you have to crane them in, of course).

 

[danski0224]

I have never seen a rooftop unit like he has but i'm in the NE. What is the reason for rooftop Vs ground mount?

Local practice.

Roof top is common in Arizona.

Outside ground unit is southeast USA.

Also known as package unit or gas pack.

 

[Just_Steve]

Local practice.

Roof top is common in Arizona.

Outside ground unit is southeast USA.

Also known as package unit or gas pack.

Ok I had to look up package units, I'm used to condenser outside and air handler in the attic but that's just my central A/C set up, no heat pump.

 

[racecougar]

Ok I had to look up package units, I'm used to condenser outside and air handler in the attic but that's just my central A/C set up, no heat pump.

A heat pump wouldn't change that scenario, but there's another local practice: air handlers in attics.

 

[65ranchero]

Not trying to be sarcastic but...
Why not ask the neighbor, you quoted "My next door neighbor had it done last year." for how much he paid.
I think that would be a good starting point!
This way you can start budgeting and add % for inflation.

 

[RalphInCA]

Not trying to be sarcastic but...
Why not ask the neighbor, you quoted "My next door neighbor had it done last year." for how much he paid.
I think that would be a good starting point!
This way you can start budgeting and add % for inflation.

Talk to a neighbor? Can that be done now-a-days?

 

[ratflinger]

OP - you badly need a manual J run on your house. Sounds like someone used a 'rule-of-thumb' to size your unit. I'm running a 2.5T on my 2500sqft house south of San Antonio. You stated that your house was well insulated, if so and it's sealed well then you have way to much capacity.