If the filter is a 4" in-line AprilAire, once a year change is enough. Filters are kinda salty at about $50 each but they do the job of keeping the coil clean and eliminating some dust. Wish I still had one.

Yes, that's what it is. My HVAC guy says he's gonna to provide us with a source for these filters- something like two for 45 bucks.

He tells me that code no longer allows filtration systems which require the door to be removed for replacement, because the world is awash in imbeciles, including those who disable door micro-switches and have their blower fan kick on while changing the filter, resulting at times in grievous injuries.

Lowest common denominator and all that.

What kind of filters are we discussing. I was thinking furnace filters. No?

Nothing like an all new HVAC system! Are you staying with the same size furnace and AC?

No, bigger AC, smaller furnace, which was an oversized mismatch to my old AC.

Awesome!

As you may know... I recently had my own difficulties...

https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...160038605#5160038605

So those filter do go in the furnace. Our installer said replace in the spring and fall. Twice a year.

I think the furnace takes a 16x25x1

quote:

We could have done this cheaper, but the wife and I decided to invest in a quality system. We spent a lot of money. I don't even want to say.

We had to have just 1 component of ours replaced during last year's brutal summer. Eye watering replacement cost.
Install guys were soaked when they were done.

I've known since late last summer this was coming, and I chose this time of year to get the ball rolling. My HVAC guys refers to this as "shoulder season", when the consumer is in the driver's seat. You can't go at a deliberate pace, making choices to replace a broken system when it's 100 degrees F and 80% humidity. But, this time of year, it's a different story.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
So those filter do go in the furnace. Our installer said replace in the spring and fall. Twice a year.

I think the furnace takes a 16x25x1

No, the filter goes in a cabinet adjacent to the unit. You're talking about a traditional filtration system. This is something different, and once a year replacement is the standard. These filters have greater surface than standard flat filters.

Believe me, the advice I'm getting and the knowledge my HVAC people possess is great.

Glad you're getting it taken care of before it's unbearable

I'm just envious of all you who have natural gas available for heat.

Great choice!

We had a 3.5 ton Amana HVAC system installed about 3 years ago when the ~20 year old original system was on its last legs.

I had quotes for about four or five (of the popular) brands and weighing cost, efficiency, warranty and local support the Amana came out on top.

It has been running well and the AC unit runs quietly.

For the unit we purchased a once a year certified maintenance check-up is required to ensure continuity / validity of the excellent warranty.

Our installer offers this at a very reasonable price.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I've known since late last summer this was coming, and I chose this time of year to get the ball rolling. My HVAC guys refers to this as "shoulder season", when the consumer is in the driver's seat. You can't go at a deliberate pace, making choices to replace a broken system when it's 100 degrees F and 80% humidity. But, this time of year, it's a different story.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
So those filter do go in the furnace. Our installer said replace in the spring and fall. Twice a year.

I think the furnace takes a 16x25x1

No, the filter goes in a cabinet adjacent to the unit. You're talking about a traditional filtration system. This is something different, and once a year replacement is the standard. These filters have greater surface than standard flat filters.

Believe me, the advice I'm getting and the knowledge my HVAC people possess is great.

Nothing better than finally replacing old HVAC, esp. with quality units with expert installation. Enjoy that. You WILL save on your electric bill, I can tell you by experience. Good point about doing it during shoulder seasons, I'll remember that.

I had mine changed a few years ago. The older one, installed just after I moved into that house, wasn't all up to the task.

I paid extra - all the ducts were replaced (both under the foundation and in the attic). Had the original insulation sucked out (looked like old newspaper). The contractor then sealed all the places and then had new insulation blown in. I was able to get rebates after the house was tested for leaks.

I saved about 30% on both heating and cooling, and was able to keep it a few degrees warmer in the winter and a couple of degrees cooler in the summer maintaining that savings. During the REALLY hot days, my old system would run for hours continuously - the new system cycled almost normally.

My Dad's house definitely needs new insulation. Looking at the rest of the equipment to see what might get done this year.

Check and see if any rebates are available in your area.

The unit for my house is still the original from 1995. The refrigerant is obsolete and can only be found in the gray market at exorbitant prices.

Peace of mind,
As well as a warm or cool butt depending on the season, is a wonderful thing.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
You'll be happy when you see the power bill too.

When I went from a R22 unit to the newer stuff it had a less efficient SEER number than yours (a 13 maybe?) but was still a great improvement in efficiency.

I usually buy one step below the latest and greatest as the price is much better, but still a big upgrade from my old unit.

I did the same. 10 to 13 I think? Unit was super cheap, but I still saved a ton on electric to me even though I could theoretically save more, the me math doesn't add up for initial outlays even with me buying at supply house rate. The other bonus was that my buddy that installed it was authorized servicer so I could call him for anything.

I think I needed a board and a hot surface ignitor on it. He put them on order for me at RE Michel for free (was outside labor warranty).

Great investment so far, probably beat most of my stock picks by far. It's long ago paid for itself, it's generating free money in my mind.

I have a new Amana heat pump and AC. Like it quite a bit but had a warranty issue a month ago.


Amana and Goodman units are built in the same family so this applies to both - flame sensors are the most common part to fail. It is an easy fix with a replacement part held in by 2 screws and a single wire. About $13 for a new one. I'd have a spare on hand. It is easily accessible once the panel is off.

Warranty covers the part but not the service call.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I've known since late last summer this was coming, and I chose this time of year to get the ball rolling. My HVAC guys refers to this as "shoulder season", when the consumer is in the driver's seat. You can't go at a deliberate pace, making choices to replace a broken system when it's 100 degrees F and 80% humidity. But, this time of year, it's a different story.[QUOTE]Originally posted by old rugged cross...

Smart to do it now. If the system is 25 years old you can do it now, or wait till it's an emergency on July 3rd and it's 100°! I live in the upstairs of a 90 year old duplex. Upstairs has been updated to central heat & air. Downstairs has a gas wall mount heater and window unit A/C. I received several $12k bids last year to install central HVAC. I should bite the bullet and get the project done now before it gets hot.