price for new AC

My Fil just got a Lennox through Costco. 4 ton . Quotes were single stage $12k, 2 stage $15k, variable $17k. Mandeville area.

I've had quotes for a new variable speed 5 ton on mine at $25-$29k Nola area.

That was a few years ago. Had some sort of little issue maybe 4 years ago and the guy recommended I replace the system. Hopefully I can do a bit better when the time comes. To get to my AC the tech has to walk through my upstairs movie theater. Once they see that I imagine they add about $5k right there.

In 2023, I bought a 2-ton Ruud, 14 SEER. Entire system - coil, condenser, furnace. $10,500. Think pricing has increased from then though.

installed? what brand?

in BR?

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the old units are still in supply but they can’t manufacture them anymore

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Sure they can.

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It is illegal

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No way! Where is it written it's illegal to manufacture R410a equipment?

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From the EPA

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Restriction on new equipment: Starting January 1, 2025, the manufacturing and import of new HVAC systems designed to use R-410A are prohibited. This includes residential and commercial split systems and packaged units.

And all in the name of “climate benefits” what a frickin crock

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Well, just so you know, you're not reading the rule correctly. The EPA and the DOE use specific words to have specific meanings. As the North America Product Manager for one of the world's largest HVAC equipment manufacturers, I interact with the EPA and fight for your best interests regularly. I've read that rule countless times. I've sat through hundreds of hours of meetings pertaining to this ruling and the development of the equipment to sell to the consumer. I am the person that makes the final decision for what products get developed and manufactured for the NA market.

New R410a equipment can continue to be manufactured and installed. Here's what you're missing in what you're reading....key word "systems" or system. New R410a systems can no longer be manufactured and installed beginning Jan 1st, 2025.

Here's where you need to pay close attention to the EPA info you linked:

Can I manufacture residential air conditioner condensing units designed to use R-410A after January 1, 2025?
Yes. All parts of an R-410A residential air conditioning unit (e.g., inside unit, outside unit, line-sets) can continue to be manufactured. Specified components (i.e., condensing units, condensers, compressors, evaporator units, and evaporators) manufactured with R-410A after January 1, 2025, must be clearly labeled noting that the component may be used “for servicing existing equipment only”.

Can I import residential air conditioner condensing units designed to use R-410A after January 1, 2025?
Yes.

Is there a date when I can no longer sell condensing units designed to use R-410A?
No. Components are not subject to the prohibitions on sale, distribution, and export.

Do condensing units manufactured or imported for servicing need to be dry-shipped or can they be charged with R-410A at the factory?
Components can be dry-shipped, fully charged, or partially charged.

All of these changes cost the consumer. Our endless development and testing costs are paid by you. The EPA or DOE are constantly creating difficult to achieve parameters just to give themselves something to do. Except for safety, there should be no additional rules such as efficiency on the products you choose to have installed in your home. If you want a low efficiency unit, you should be able to have one installed. If you want high bills...that's on you. Should we, as an OEM, try to achieve the highest efficiency products possible? Absolutely Yes. But it should be your choice to what gets installed in your home.

Great info, thanks. Does this EPA rule translate to the consumer being able to get the equipment or are HVAC folks using this to gouge or mislead (intentionally or unintentionally) consumers to buy more expensive units?

I had a building inspector tell me that anything mfg and installed before about 3-4 years ago must be replaced. We were just chatting and he was not trying to sell me anything. He seemed poorly informed it seems.