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Advice on replacing AC

Posted on 9/26/14 at 11:47 am
Posted by HubbaBubba
F_uck Joe Biden, TX
Member since Oct 2010
45977 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 11:47 am
Want to replace the AC for my house. I have gas heat, upflow furnace, 1.5 ton for the master bedroom/bath/closet and a 4 ton for the main house downstairs. The upstairs was replaced a few years ago, so I'm not replacing that.

Just received a quote for $8,100 complete for American Standard 16 SEER units. Is this a reasonable amount? I know there are various "grades" of systems, (builder grades and advanced technology models) so what questions should I ask?

Thanks in advance.
Posted by Wtodd
Tampa, FL
Member since Oct 2013
67546 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 11:49 am to
Get 3 quotes
Posted by The Mick
Member since Oct 2010
43369 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 11:49 am to
Seems about right imo
This post was edited on 9/26/14 at 11:52 am
Posted by Layabout
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2011
11082 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 12:16 pm to
I paid $3400 a few years ago for that same unit but I had previously replaced a leaking evaporator coil so that was just for the outside compressor, no duct work. Work done by Breaux's Heating and Air in Baton Rouge.
Posted by Tiger inTampa
Tampa, FL
Member since Sep 2009
2171 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 12:43 pm to
quote:

Just received a quote for $8,100 complete for American Standard 16 SEER units.

I'm a mechanical contractor(HVAC,Plumbing in commercial and light industrial) $8,100 is steep. The equipment cost to the contractor is around $3,500-4,000 for both pieces. That means he's clipping you for $4K for installation labor and incidentals like auxiliary pan, condensing unit pad, t-stat, maybe a new line set if he can't flush the existing copper.
Nah get another quote. Also, don't get caught up on the SEER. If your house has drafty windows,doors, a lot of glass on the SW exposure or not insulated well then I could install a 20 SEER system and you wouldn't see any energy cost savings. You have to contain what you condition.
American Standard IS Trane by the way. Same product different sticker. So at least he quoted you quality equipment.
Posted by Lee Chatelain
I love the OT!
Member since Oct 2008
11351 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 1:07 pm to
$8,100 seems a bit high
Posted by K E V 8 4
Member since Jul 2010
608 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 1:22 pm to
This seems generally reasonable to me, if I understand you to mean you are replacing two units - the 1.5 ton and the 4.0 ton, including furnaces. We just spent $7.4K (incl tax) on a 5-ton unit, including the furnace. This was for a Carrier - not the top of the line, but the next best. 16 SEER

They did the whole job in like 1/2 day, so I know I probably left some money on the table.
Posted by StickyFingaz
Austin
Member since May 2013
13483 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 2:14 pm to
Call Garland Mechanical

Thank me later
Posted by AndyCBR
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Nov 2012
7579 posts
Posted on 9/26/14 at 2:19 pm to
Get 3 quotes.

Ask for references of previous customers.

Quote seems reasonable.

I paid 10k for a complete Trane 16 seer w/variable speed air handler (1k upgrade).

I also added a 5" media filter that is before the air handler. I highly recommend this option as it is much more efficient and you only have to change the media filter once every 6 moths for about $25. You don't need the UV crap in the pre filter just the cabinet itself. In Trane it's called the "perfect fit" cabinet and it mates up right to the air handler.

This was complete removal and installation of new, haul off, new pad if needed, new pan, stat, fresh plenum, return plenum, balance.

10 year warranty.

Baton Rouge Air Conditioning.

Realizing about 15% savings in Summer utility bills.

RH stays at about 45-50% which makes the house much more comfortable.

Happy with the equipment so far.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 9/29/14 at 7:37 am to
quote:

Just received a quote for $8,100 complete for American Standard 16 SEER units


Way to high. I replace my unit last year, same size for $4200. Labor was free, but still shouldn't be almost 4 grand for that.
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