Any heating & cooling guys?

[gn1220]

I just found out that my furnace is going south. It seems the heat exchange has a crack in it. Both units were replaced in '86 so they suggest replacing both units now. After the repair guy told me about the dual stage unit, which I like, added up parts and labor for a furnace, a/c unit, humidifier combo, the total was just over $7,000 This seems very expensive to me. Is this the going rate for a heating/cooling combo these days? Anybody in the K.C. area do side work that could beat this price?

 

[stockv6]

I'd stick with a name brand mid efficent furnace, add a/c and humidifier afterwards or reuse yours. I see no advantage with an "all in one" for residential use. Quote sounds high if they are including mid efficent furnaces..close if they are high efficentcy units. Get another quote, can't hurt.

 

[AZ Vic]

You HAVE to propose this question at:

www.hvac-talk.com

Those guys know anything and everything there is to know about HVAC and will steer you in the right direction. I am also positive that they can hook you up with a knowledgeable contractor in your area.

I do know that it takes a lot to install a complete system correctly - correctly being the key word here. The money you can save from proper installation over the life of the system is worth the extra $$ in the beginning.

They will also let you know what the best brands are - I know the popular opinion has changed recently (some that used to be the best, are no longer)


Good Luck!


Vic

 

[BandAid]

the parts listed above for a Very Good unit run $3000-4000

 

[dhjenkins]

Replace them both. If your A/C was installed in '86, then it has a SEER rating of 8 or less. With modern systems approaching 13+ SEER, you could save up to 50% on your A/C system's total annual energy consumption.

A/C contractors are notorious for selling oversized systems, so always get more than one quote and do a little investigating on your own. An oversized unit can run just as inefficiently as an undersized unit (albeit for different reasons), so getting the right size is a must if you want any electrical savings - and since A/C systems make up anywhere from 20%-60% of your utility bill (depending on your location) the potential amount of money saved is worth the extra effort.

Here's a pretty good unbiased calculator for determining proper system capacity:

http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv2.jsp?CONTENT<>cnt_id=85365&FOLDER<>folder_id=24131

btw, if you're in Kansas City, Kansas, your utility is getting ready to kick off a free programmable thermostat program in the next month or two.

 

[turbosam6]

I sell Trane equipment at my company, and highly reccommend it. If the contractor is using 90+% efficiency equipment, the price is fair. Always get multiple estimates! Replacing both units at once is generally cheaper in the long run. BTW, SEER ratings are now up to 19. Our top-o-the-line Trane 2 stage variable speed 19 seer ultra high efficiency is usually around $8K-$10K with labor.

Don't skimp and get cheap stuff though, because the money you save now will bite you later, trust me. See if theres a Trane dealer near you thats a "Comfort Specialist", that is a specific dealer who is trained and factory certified, its almost gauranteed they are a very good contractor. Good luck!

 

[N2BUICK]

gn1220

Price is going to be a tuff call. Most HVAC contractors have not gave much thought as to how to price their goods and services.
Thats why you will find prices all over the board on like systems.
The higher priced contractors usually have found out what it takes to stay in business and make a living.
I would suggest that you seek out a contractor with NATE certification for him and his men.
NATE is a growing third party testing agency in the US and some other countries. NATE testing validates a technicians knowledge.
Its kind of like an ASE auto mechanic.
Turbdsam6 mentioned Trane service specialists.This factory training is good and is something to look for.
I am a little biased as I am the service rep. for a local Ruud distributor here in OKC.
Some other points,look at HVAC equiptment with an ECM motor on the indoor blower. Works better than the old PSC type motor and less wattage.
Jan 1,2006 all a/c units must be produced with a minimum of 13 seer.
This industry is in for a big changes in the coming months.!