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re: HVAC Replacement - ASAP

Posted on 7/3/21 at 8:50 pm to
Posted by tiger2180
Member since Nov 2015
421 posts
Posted on 7/3/21 at 8:50 pm to
Do yourself a favor and learn the basics of how an
AC system works. If compressor is running you do not need to replace the system unless you have a major refrigerant leak in one of the coils.
Posted by clickboom
Shreveport
Member since Sep 2012
212 posts
Posted on 7/3/21 at 11:05 pm to
I just had a 3 ton and 4 ton Lennox units installed last week I think they are both 15 seer. It was $15k for everything. I got two other quotes and one was $10-11k per unit and the other was $17k-18k for both.
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5300 posts
Posted on 7/3/21 at 11:58 pm to
quote:

Craw, could this be as simple as a capacitor problem?

Don’t think any reputable or large HVAC firm would go that far as to “condem” a compressor/condensing unit for a bad capacitor to make a system change out sell. But I’ve watched more than few YouTube videos where HVAC techs were called for a second opinion by homeowners to look at a “failed compressor and new system needed” for the second tech to find a something as simple as a burned wire or bad plug on the compressor, and I’ve watched HVAC training videos (YouTube) stating that good compressors can be condemned by an inexperienced tech just making a faulty diagnosis.

Almost feel that the OP may have misinterpreted something he was told particularly if they got the system “temporarily” running to provide him more time to make a decision. If they felt he had a major issue that needed to be addressed for high $, it wouldn’t be unusual to try to sell a new system to replace a 10 year old unit. But the only “major” issues I can think of justifying total system replacement of a 10 year old unit would be a bad compressor or a significant leak in the condensing coil.
Posted by tiggerfan02 2021
HSV
Member since Jan 2021
2957 posts
Posted on 7/4/21 at 4:19 pm to
quote:

Can’t replace just the condensing unit?



If it's over 10 years old it may be an R-22 unit. They aren't made anymore and the R-22 replacement (R410a) is being phased out now. Might not be able to get a compatible outside unit.
Posted by Athis
Member since Aug 2016
11901 posts
Posted on 7/4/21 at 5:35 pm to
Had a new guy do the maintenance last year. He came with a real good recommendation. He said that if I had replace the AC he would have to replace everything because of the Freon.. He said for a four ton it would be 6000.00. He does good work and he ain't cheap.
This post was edited on 7/4/21 at 5:36 pm
Posted by CrawDude
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2019
5300 posts
Posted on 7/4/21 at 5:42 pm to
quote:

He said for a four ton it would be 6000.00. He does good work and he ain't cheap.

$6K is cheap for a HVAC replacement. If he’s good as you say I’d jump on that - assuming of course you were looking to/needing to replace.
This post was edited on 7/4/21 at 5:46 pm
Posted by HighlyFavoredTiger
TexLaArk
Member since Jun 2018
884 posts
Posted on 7/4/21 at 8:20 pm to
As others have said, if the compressor can be “rigged” to cool then the compressor is working otherwise it wouldn’t cool at all. You mentioned getting other quotes but I’d recommend a 2nd and maybe 3rd inspection of the system before I spent $8-14,000 on a new one. Last September I had a problem with a unit that was less than 3 years old and one guy said it was the compressor, had another guy check it and he said it was thermal expansion valve in the unit in my attic, he installed a new one and it worked like a new unit, the part and installation and Freon was $720
Posted by alpinetiger
Salt Lake City
Member since Apr 2017
5864 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 6:38 am to
quote:

10+ year old Trane unit compressor died last night and the first group that came out let me know we would need to scrap the unit. Is this correct?

1st quote came back $11,000 for 4 ton 16 Seer system... Rest of quotes 8k
Remove existing system and install Rheem 4 ton 16 SEER heating and cooling system. Includes condenser, gas furnace, evaporator coil, drain pan, two float switches, and condenser surge protector. I like the owner and they seem very legitimate however this pricing was more than I was expecting.

Need to get it down quick due to a newborn in the home Anyone have any recommendations?
Sounds extremely high to me.

I replaced a 28 year old Rheem last year (in Alabama) with a 3.5 ton Bryant 16 seer for $5.5k. No duct work or anything, just the entire mechanical system.
Posted by sosaysmorvant
River Parishes, LA
Member since Feb 2008
1322 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 9:14 am to
If you are moving in the short term, go with a bandaid approach....change only outside unit for the cheapest quote possible. If you were staying long term, that advice would be different.
Posted by tiggerfan02 2021
HSV
Member since Jan 2021
2957 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 10:26 am to
quote:

I replaced a 28 year old Rheem last year (in Alabama) with a 3.5 ton Bryant 16 seer


I would imagine you have noticed a "slight" drop in your utility bill.
Posted by good_2_geaux
Member since Feb 2015
745 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 10:42 am to
The issue is the EPA's restrictions on R-22 refrigerent. Below is a link on the topic, as it states "After 2020, the servicing of systems with R-22 will rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities".

R-22 conpatible compressors are hard to come by as they are no longer being manufactored. Some HVAC contractors have limited inventory of the compressors and are swapping the damage compressors out with these "stock pile" R-22 compatible compressors to "rig" the homeowner up while they decide on a replacement condennsor.

If your compressor or anything related to the R-22 refrigerant, is truely broken, then unfortuantly a new condesnor may be the only solution.

EPA
Posted by LT
The City of St. George
Member since May 2008
5151 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 12:48 pm to
Call CPR ac and heat. I had buddy's come through years ago and quote something ridiculous. Motor and bearings failed or could pay $12K for new system.

Called Tim and he offered a $300ish part. Told me no bearings in my unit.

I recommend to everyone

[Name] Tim Winter - AC
[Work info] CPR A/C & Heat
[Mobile] +1 225-304-3429
[Work] cpracnheat@yahoo.com

If sharing contact information isn't allowed, please remove. Not sure of rules on this and mean no harm
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
31234 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 2:59 pm to
quote:

If it's over 10 years old it may be an R-22 unit. They aren't made anymore and the R-22 replacement (R410a) is being phased out now. Might not be able to get a compatible outside unit.


If it was made post Jan. 1 2010, it is not R-22. If it was made between 2000 & 2010, it is a roll of the dice which it was. The closer to 2010 it was made, the more likely it is not R-22. Look for the sticker on the side, if it says “HCFC-22 or R-22” your system uses R-22. That is not a simple fix. Not sure how they would work around that.
Posted by JPLSU1981
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2005
26444 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 4:03 pm to
I got quoted 6000 for a 4ton American Standard 14 seer
Condenser + Air Handler

3000 for condenser only

I’ve done quite a bit of research the last few days, and while I’m certainly no expert, a new A/C unit for a normal house with existing ductwork should not be over $10k… once you go over 8k you’re probably paying too much
This post was edited on 7/5/21 at 4:17 pm
Posted by tiger2180
Member since Nov 2015
421 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 5:19 pm to
quote:

If it was made post Jan. 1 2010, it is not R-22. If it was made between 2000 & 2010, it is a roll of the dice which it was. The closer to 2010 it was made, the more likely it is not R-22. Look for the sticker on the side, if it says “HCFC-22 or R-22” your system uses R-22. That is not a simple fix. Not sure how they would work around that.


It all depends on the evaporator coil. A lot of the inside coils between 2000 and 2010 were rated for r22 and 410, just need to change the metering device. A lot of “reputable” hvac companies take advantage of peoples ignorance and recommend high dollar equipment change outs that are not needed.
Posted by NBR_Exile
Houston via Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2012
1009 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 5:30 pm to
My condenser fan just quit. AC guy came out quick but can't get the motor until tomorrow. $525 for the fan and he will top of the freon and do a cleaning. Not too bad, although my boys who reside upstairs will be hot tonight. Downstairs unit is working fine. Seems like a good deal to me.
Posted by tiger2180
Member since Nov 2015
421 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 5:44 pm to
Yes, seems like you have an honest repairmen.
Posted by NBR_Exile
Houston via Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2012
1009 posts
Posted on 7/5/21 at 5:48 pm to
I was surprised he came today. I didn't call until about 4:30. He said they are stacked for the next few days and wanted to fit me in. Good guy.

ETA: To continue the spirit of this thread he said a new, complete unit would be about 7-8k. Both my units are Trane and that is what he "quoted". Although no specs were given or discussed. He also said that Carrier furnaces are impossible to find. Backorded with no timeline for fulfillment.
This post was edited on 7/5/21 at 5:55 pm
Posted by Gorilla Ball
Member since Feb 2006
11870 posts
Posted on 7/6/21 at 6:09 am to
You don’t need to replace everything because of converting from R22 to Puron or 410A. A piston or TXV can help.
I’d get other quotes.
Posted by windmill
Prairieville, La
Member since Dec 2005
7050 posts
Posted on 7/7/21 at 3:01 am to
Compressor is rigged up to work short term and cool the house to give us time to decide. "

Did the tech perhaps install a compressor "jump kit" for the compressor? This would possibly explain the "rigging" factor. I have seen a compressor jump kit allow a tired compressor last a few more years and I have seen them last even less. You are fortunate if this is what allowed your unit to function again and smart if you do go ahead and replace the unit. Good luck.
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