Biting the Bullet on HVAC System

The guy I use only does Rheem/Ruud and speaks well of them.

Trane is still nice I guess but pricey.

The installer and labor warranty post install is more important than the name/brand/manufacturer on the equipment as most HVAC manufacturers use the same component parts with some proprietary component exceptions.

Find someone/company with a good reputation and your comfortable with with regards to the install and follow up service. I’d personally feel comfortable with any of major name brands of HVACs. Get multiple quotes.

Ask the company if they perform a manual J calculation to size your new unit or if they just use the old rule of thumb of 1 ton per 500 sq ft. Insure the installer provides you AHRI matching condensing unit and evaporator coil. It’s a big investment, you get one shot to do it right.

Most experienced HVAC techs say the most common issue they see with poorly operating systems, including new installs, are oversized HVAC units and undersized ducts.

The company I use has run a manual j calculation last year. I need a 5ton unit. Some of the name brands he sales offer lifetime labor, I think it's Amana that he said offers that. But he can get other manufacturers

also, if you plan to stay in the same house a while, value comfort, and have the budget, look into the variable speed units. Very quiet and can control humidity very well, which makes for more comfort.

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Got home last night and it was 78*. Already replaced the starter and added freon this year. Out of freon again.

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They are closed systems. You shouldn't lose freon, it has a leak that can likely be fixed. Now a lot of the leaks are in a part that just needs replaced which could be pricey.

But there's absolutely 0 reason to replace an AC system because it leaked. Fix the leak or at least find it first. Sometimes the leaks are just in a bad solder spot.

But AC systems are a lot like an older car. You can usually fix them and keep them working for awhile. The fix could be expensive but in the long run it usually works out financially to keep fixing them.

You replace if its going to be an expensive repair on an older unit where a newer unit would save you money and be more comfortable.

Mine was replaced 3 years ago with trane, and its been great since.

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The company I use has run a manual j calculation last year. I need a 5ton unit. Some of the name brands he sales offer lifetime labor, I think it's Amana that he said offers that. But he can get other manufacturers

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That they conducted a Manual J bodes well that you might have a pretty good company. Amana is supposed to be premier line of Daikin who also makes Goodman and some other labeled brands. I’ve heard that Amana line has a lifetime labor warranty, but I’m sure that’s built into the price structure. I see that you say this not your forever home so seems like a base-line single stage unit with no fancy frills or features would be the way to go. I’d have him quote other manufacturers brands and weigh the pros and cons. Would a Amana lifetime labor warranty transfer to a new owner?

How old is your existing unit? R-22 I assume. As baldona stated if your leak is that bad, and it seems to be, should be easy to find assuming they haven’t already found the leak and told you about it. If it’s a old unit, say 13-15 years old, and it’s a leaky condensing coil or evaporator coil that needs replacement, then a new HVAC system is probably best. But sometimes they leak at the service ports, Schrader valve, and that is an easy relatively inexpensive fix for a tech.

Sometimes you need to find the “small” shops that focus solely on HVAC service and repairs, rather than new installs, who are willing to find and repair leaks. Bigger companies tend to push replacement units once all major part warranties expire after 10 years.

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How old is your existing unit? R-22 I assume.

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Old. Inside evaporator coil was replaced in 2010, compressor in 2008 per the previous owner. We've been in the house for 3yrs. Had something go wrong every year.

Last month when the AC guy was there, he asked me what year the house was built, I replied 1986. He said that's probably how old the condenser is. I wouldn't put it past the previous owner. At one point in time he pressure washed it, bent the find and it's starting to rush at the base of it

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Last month when the AC guy was there, he asked me what year the house was built, I replied 1986. He said that's probably how old the condenser is

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Lol, ok you should probably replace then. It may be worth money its sooo old!

I'm not saying don't replace it, I was just playing devil's advocate because soooo often guys simply replace them at the first sign of trouble.