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re: Replacing entire AC system

Posted on 2/2/16 at 7:54 am to
Posted by PhiTiger1764
Lurker since Aug 2003
Member since Oct 2009
13962 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 7:54 am to
quote:

Just get the leak fixed and see if that makes it perform better.

From what I understand, there's basically no "fixing" these leaks. You just added freon from time to time, which I've done. It will work good for a few weeks after doing this, but after 6 months or so it's time to add more freon again.
Posted by MorbidTheClown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2015
66622 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:07 am to
Call the guy i recommended. He will give you a fair assessment.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:12 am to
I just had a unit replaced. 2500 sq ft with 2 - 3 ton trane units. Replaced the compressor and coils with trane parts on one unit a few months ago for $4900.

I want to know how you went a few months without turning on the A.C. in south La.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 8:13 am
Posted by Porter Osborne Jr
Member since Sep 2012
40223 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:15 am to
My guy said 90% of the time it's in the coil and if you replace that you'll be fine.
Posted by windshieldman
Member since Nov 2012
12818 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:16 am to
12 years isn't really that old for an AC unit.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:19 am to
quote:

well I replaced my 4 ton 2 years ago and that is what it cost, so


I did too and it cost me under 4K. That was heating and cooling. Buddy deal.
Posted by 4WHLN
Drinking at the Cottage Inn
Member since Mar 2013
7583 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:22 am to
quote:

12 years isn't really that old for an AC unit.

Not really no but the issue is they dont make R22 parts anymore. Or very few parts can still be bought. Everything is converting to R-410.

OP I just replaced my 3 ton unit and upgraded a half ton to 3.5 for 6K in the dead of summer. You can up the tonage a little but dont jump a full ton. You wont cycle the air in your house properly and can end up with mold issues.
Posted by PhiTiger1764
Lurker since Aug 2003
Member since Oct 2009
13962 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:24 am to
Thanks.. a $100/month lower bill would be incredible. I'd be happy with $50/month.
Posted by MorbidTheClown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2015
66622 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:25 am to
quote:

I did too and it cost me under 4K. That was heating and cooling. Buddy dea


yeah ours cost right at $5k with no buddy deal. But. we've saved about $1k already.
Posted by 4WHLN
Drinking at the Cottage Inn
Member since Mar 2013
7583 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:26 am to
quote:

Thanks.. a $100/month lower bill would be incredible. I'd be happy with $50/month.


Mine dropped a good bit the last couple months it was running. Somewhere in the $45 dollar range a month.
Posted by PhiTiger1764
Lurker since Aug 2003
Member since Oct 2009
13962 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:27 am to
quote:

how you went a few months without turning on the A.C. in south La.

it hasn't really got higher than 75ish outside this winter and I have it set at 78 during the day when I'm not home.
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
56255 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:27 am to
If you are sure you are not going to be in the home but a few more years, I would not put a top of the line system in...you should be able to get a contractor grade system for several thousand dollars depending on whether you need new ductwork, etc. (which I would not expect).

I know first hand how frustrating it is for your ac not to work properly, but don't let that frustration push you into overspending.

as the others say, a 3 ton should be ok for your size house, so get someone to have a good look to see if something else is going on.
Posted by graychef
Member since Jun 2008
28385 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:31 am to
(no message)
This post was edited on 3/8/21 at 12:36 pm
Posted by doubleb
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
36603 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:36 am to
quote:

It's 12 years old and house is 1600 sqft. Looking at maybe upgrading to a 3.5 or 4 ton unit because even after refilling the freon, the unit just doesn't really cool the house down like it should.


I don't know how anyone can tell you what size unit you need without knowing how old your house is, is it on a slab on grade, how is it insulated, how many windows do you have, where are the windows, etc.

There are a lot of variables and just comparing square footages isn't the best way to size AC units.

Your three ton seems small, but it may be the unit is old, and broken. But then as someone pointed out, a unit that is way too big and satisfies the conditions quickly won't work because it won't run long enough to wring the moisture out of the air.

find a dealer who you can trust to run a proper analysis. You might need better insulation, better ductwork (flex is bad), etc.

If you plan on staying put for 5 years or so, invest in better equipment. You will get the extra money back in utility savings.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 8:43 am
Posted by Le Tenia
Member since Feb 2015
4587 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 8:39 am to
The minimum standard is 14 seer. With your system being 12 years old, you have a R22 system that will have to be replaced at some point. The price of R22 is going through the roof as the supply has been reduced.

I suggest finding a contractor that will come in your home and give you an air flow analysis to determine tonnage and whether there are any issues with your duct work. The majority of issues that people have are a result of air flow problems and homes not properly insulated. You probably need a 3 or 3.5 ton system. A changeout from old to new should not cost you more than $7k installed.

I also recommend checking into a 2 stage system should you have the extra money. They are work the money and will save you monthly.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 8:41 am
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 10:09 am to
quote:

it hasn't really got higher than 75ish outside this winter

shite anything over 65, especially at night and my A.C. is on
Posted by GaryMyMan
Shreveport
Member since May 2007
13498 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 10:13 am to
Reading the prices quoted in this thread is parallel to my experience buying a new inside/outside unit a month ago: prices are all over the map, sometimes for the same unit.

I ended up with a Rheem 4 ton system (my house is pushing 2k sq ft) and new duct work for $3972 with a 10 year warranty.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 10:14 am
Posted by CoachChappy
Member since May 2013
32684 posts
Posted on 3/14/16 at 10:59 am to
quote:

I paid $6,200 for inside/outside replacement last year. No duct work. Lafayette


Who did your work. I am in the Laffy area and am looking at getting mine redone. I have the unit original to the house 1997, it's finally dying.

2400sq. slab, incredible insulation, need duct work too.
Posted by ForeverLSU02
Albany
Member since Jun 2007
52189 posts
Posted on 3/14/16 at 11:01 am to
I have a similar sized house and we paid around $5k 3 years ago to upgrade to a 4 ton from a 3 ton.
Posted by GreenTrout
Toledo Bend
Member since Jul 2013
1010 posts
Posted on 3/14/16 at 11:03 am to
Call Air Handlers out of Denham. They'll treat you right.
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