I've been dumping good money into a relatively newer installation (6yrs). 4 interior mother boards, 1 exterior, new com line, thermostat installed....all covered under warranty... the service calls and hourly rates have been crazy over the last 2 years, $5k+. system started to exhibit the same issues when the interior boards are starting to go out. Heil 5 ton heat pump, 16 seer. I decided last year I'm not spending any more to fix this one again when it acts up again...getting replaced

As I have been getting quotes, my answers have been, make it right, install it correctly, air filtration and low humidity are most important, I don't need the most efficient system.

I'm getting quotes, complete system interior and out, new ductwork, new copper lines (existing are buried for an unknown distance every company said they would not reuse them, House is raised so 80-100' total length), plenum, air handler, higher efficiency filtration etc etc etc

I've gotten quotes ranging from $18-22k installed, get rid of all the old trash

I have been very impressed with the level of detail each company has exhibited when looking throughout the house inside and out, measuring everything, asking questions

$22k is Tranes top of the line 20seer, electrostatic filtration with a 10 yr parts AND Labor warranty. only 1500 more than the 18 seer, nominal in the big picture

other quotes are from American Standard and Carrier (18seer)

this sound about right in todays current state of supply?

considering everything else is costing more, my own products have had 2 price increases this year. I do know Trane has had a price increase recently, how? I asked. I'll assume all the other companies have also. and probably another again

I live in a Bayou, airborne particulate from the marsh is over the top, humidity in South LA is legendary, as if that's an unknown, most all of my exterior windows are 3x4' plate glass, great room is 28x35x15. One gets the picture, not an efficient house.

I would go with the least complex option. My compressor is currently one state away. It is one of two in this region. Plan on 10 year replacement whatever you choose. Nothing lasts anymore. And apparently HVAC equipment is in short supply

Don't know what you're paying for the ductwork replacement, but I replaced a 5 ton Bryant system a year and a half ago with a brand new Goodman 15 SEER system (including line set replacement but without any duct work changes) for right around $4,500. And I'll offer you this as a personal opinion, buying the high SEER, dual compressor, super high tech systems is absurd and only contributes to the HVAC Company profits. Given the higher repair costs of these machines when they fail, and they will, any savings you thought you might have seen from the higher 'efficiency' of that high dollar machine will go right out the window.

Trane with all the extra sounds about right. We replaced our old builder grade Trane 10 years ago with the 20XI, new air handler and added 1 return and plenum and replaced an existing plenum with a larger one. And a new thermostat. Right around $10k.

System is solid.

I replaced my whole system las year. Trane 3 ton, 2 speed, middle SEER, plus Trane gas furnace, no duct work. Was about $8,800 and that was with some small Oncor incentives.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Given the higher repair costs of these machines when they fail, and they will, any savings you thought you might have seen from the higher 'efficiency' of that high dollar machine will go right out the window.

There is no repair cost on the Trane labor is included for 10 yrs

The duct work is a mix mash of flex, solid and who knows what. All company’s stated most is undersized with essentially little R rating on inspection leading to the high humidity inside as the unit is in the sealed attic

Properly sized duct work is a big part of long term system longevity, and an absolute must for any variable speed system.

Proper installation is where your attention should go, so choose a company you trust, preferably one that has been around a bit.

If you can swing the difference, I’d advise going with the Trane option. If they give you a 10 year labor warranty, it means they don’t intend you to need it.

And make sure you do the twice yearly maintenance; manufacturers will not honor a warranty if the equipment has not been properly maintained.

quote:

Originally posted by Nick:
Properly sized duct work is a big part of long term system longevity, and an absolute must for any variable speed system.

Proper installation is where your attention should go, so choose a company you trust, preferably one that has been around a bit.

If you can swing the difference, I’d advise going with the Trane option. If they give you a 10 year labor warranty, it means they don’t intend you to need it.

And make sure you do the twice yearly maintenance; manufacturers will not honor a warranty if the equipment has not been properly maintained.

I’m seriously leaning that way

Yes I have to have a maintenance contract with the installing company $179/yr

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Given the higher repair costs of these machines when they fail, and they will, any savings you thought you might have seen from the higher 'efficiency' of that high dollar machine will go right out the window.

There is no repair cost on the Trane labor is included for 10 yrs

Is that via an extended warranty you're paying for? Most current/standard system warranties are 1 year everything, and 10 years (to the original purchaser) for parts.

Spray foam the attic and the vents

179 yearly for 10 years to do what ? Check the air filter and spray out the condenser ?

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Given the higher repair costs of these machines when they fail, and they will, any savings you thought you might have seen from the higher 'efficiency' of that high dollar machine will go right out the window.

There is no repair cost on the Trane labor is included for 10 yrs

Is that via an extended warranty you're paying for? Most current/standard system warranties are 1 year everything, and 10 years (to the original purchaser) for parts.

It’s through establishing an annual service agreement for $179 annually from the installing company. Everything is covered. I think this is the differentiating aspect between Trane and American Standard (lesser warranty, same assembly line)

Labor and service call costs on my current unreliable system is what caused me to say F-it after 6 yrs. I can’t say anything bad about Hail replacing parts, even when the same part has been replaced 4x. Always without question. I’m done with service call and labor rates for the same thing time and time again

My confidence of long term reliability is gone without significant additional expense. I have friends who have never had an issue with the same system. Mine is, just not right, time to move on.

That’s what I intend to do, quickly.

This household system should be stress free, it’s not been so for 3 years and quits at the most in opportune times.

No more

Most importantly, my house can’t average 65%+ humidity for multiple reasons

1- Amsec BF72 full of my inherited firearms, I insist on 45% or less constant

#2 see #1

Help me understand…is the unit and ducting going to be in the attic or under the house?

Also, what is the R-value of the duct insulation? Should be R-8 at a minimum.

Will they conduct a blower test to find any duct leakage before leaving the job?

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Help me understand…is the unit and ducting going to be in the attic or under the house?

Also, what is the R-value of the duct insulation? Should be R-8 at a minimum.

Will they conduct a blower test to find any duct leakage before leaving the job?

Inside unit and ducting is in the attic

they will do a leak test and use R8. Current is a mix of r4 and 6. It’s written within the scope of the job

I paid $12,000 in 2018 for:

New gas water heater, direct vent
New Lennox AC and forced air furnace
New gas manifold for future gas fireplace, stove etc
April Aire whole house humidifier

All existing ducting was reused

We had an old Trane AC and oil fired forced air furnace but I had NG run to my house as I HATE heating oil.

I will add: since your climate is very humid, equipped sizing is extremely important. If you oversize the system it will short cycle. A System that doesn’t run cannot dehumidify. The process of dehumidification is what will give you half of your comfort.

quote:

Originally posted by Nick:

And make sure you do the twice yearly maintenance; manufacturers will not honor a warranty if the equipment has not been properly maintained.

This is a false statement.

I'd get a second opinion on whether or not you need new ductwork.

There was an A/C company around here that told people they needed new ductwork as it was sized improperly in all the houses in my area.

Turns out all the other A/C companies don't agree with their assessment, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
I'd get a second opinion on whether or not you need new ductwork.

There was an A/C company around here that told people they needed new ductwork as it was sized improperly in all the houses in my area.

Turns out all the other A/C companies don't agree with their assessment, though.

I got 3

Each pointed out all the ductwork is different sizes, R-value and recommended replacement. 1 recommended the vents also be replaced. The other 2 said they were ok. That comment eliminated that company from consideration

In the big picture the cost is nominal

Trane system getting installed 7/13-15

Southern Colorado here, semi-arid environment, heat pumps are not particularly effective, gas-forced-air furnace and refrigerated AC are the more common set-ups.

Spring 2018, after a few years of annual maintenance work on the 20-year old system, our contractor indicated parts availability was becoming an issue and the AC unit was the older Freon-stuff (relatively high maintenance costs for service). So I asked him to work up an estimate to replace the furnace and AC.

$5200 and change. I asked him to order everything needed and schedule when convenient for his crew. About 3 weeks later, in and out in a day, brand new modern system.

I figured why wait until furnace failure during the worst winter weather, or AC failure during the worst summer heat? Now we have nothing to be concerned about for the foreseeable future.

Prices are up 30 percent since January