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HVAC unit replacement
Posted on 4/25/21 at 2:58 pm
Posted on 4/25/21 at 2:58 pm
We have 3 HVAC units. The largest one has just crapped out. House was built in 2003, we've already had to replace two hot water heaters.
Service guy said it comes down to whether this is our "forever" home, because you'll want to get the best available. He also said the installation has a lot to do with the HVAC's performance.
this could've been mere puffery, but I admittedly know jack shite about this stuff.
I'd estimate it's about 90% chance this is our forever home, so I'm preparing to part ways with a large amount of shekels.
Any brand recs or other thoughts? TIA
Service guy said it comes down to whether this is our "forever" home, because you'll want to get the best available. He also said the installation has a lot to do with the HVAC's performance.
this could've been mere puffery, but I admittedly know jack shite about this stuff.
I'd estimate it's about 90% chance this is our forever home, so I'm preparing to part ways with a large amount of shekels.
Any brand recs or other thoughts? TIA
7
Posted on 4/25/21 at 3:18 pm to Rooco
I replaced my 4 ton unit with a Trane 2 years ago now and am pleased with the job and the unit. I didn't opt for the highest seer rating since I plan on being out this house in the next 3-4 years.
The unit it replaced was installed in 1992 and lasted until 2019, so I had no complaints since it was still working when I changed it out, but wasn't willing to chance it going out in the summer months since I have only 1 central unit in my house. I do have a 25K BTU unit in my downstairs man cave that I use only when down there, so it isn't on all the time but cools that area down real quick.
Oh, and to remove the old unit, replace it with new, inside and out and tie in to the existing duct work with metal duct, not that fiberboard crap, ran me $6,500.
The unit it replaced was installed in 1992 and lasted until 2019, so I had no complaints since it was still working when I changed it out, but wasn't willing to chance it going out in the summer months since I have only 1 central unit in my house. I do have a 25K BTU unit in my downstairs man cave that I use only when down there, so it isn't on all the time but cools that area down real quick.
Oh, and to remove the old unit, replace it with new, inside and out and tie in to the existing duct work with metal duct, not that fiberboard crap, ran me $6,500.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 3:22 pm to Rooco
Units on my home are Lennox. Built in 2014 and they’re garbage. So don’t buy that. All I got on brands. You’re doing the right thing already in asking around and probably gonna talk to 3-4 contractors right?
Posted on 4/25/21 at 3:24 pm to Rooco
You can read my thoughts on this, as well as others, in this thread on page 6 LINK and your service tech is correct that the quality, experience and attention to detail of the installers is more important than the equipment manufacturer/name brand.
Best available - well I assume he is likely referring to more expensive and complex multistage VFD units, numerous pros and cons to those, but there is also many positives to applying the KISS principle with basic, less expensive/complex HVACs.
Best available - well I assume he is likely referring to more expensive and complex multistage VFD units, numerous pros and cons to those, but there is also many positives to applying the KISS principle with basic, less expensive/complex HVACs.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 4:09 pm to Rooco
Last I checked there is no payback on high seer systems. Go for something in the 16 to 18 seer range and does not have a variable capacity compressor.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 5:40 pm to notsince98
quote:
Go for something in the 16 to 18 seer range and does not have a variable capacity compressor.
Agreed. Look for something that has a 2-speed compressor. Better than a single speed since you get more runtime during low speed which is great for humidity control.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 7:00 pm to Rooco
Forever home? How old are you baw? He's saying a better one will last the rest of your life?
Posted on 4/25/21 at 7:51 pm to LEASTBAY
quote:
He's saying a better one will last the rest of your life?
No, I would think he's referring to implied savings in energy costs with a high seer unit to justify the up front cost, not that the unit will last forever. Nobody is stupid enough to believe that----I would hope so at least.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 7:58 pm to UPGDude
quote:
Look for something that has a 2-speed compressor. Better than a single speed
Until there’s a problem and you have to pay to replace it.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 9:10 pm to GeauxldMember
Hardly. 
Have had mine for 8 years without a problem (other than a slow leak in the evaporator) which I will get a replacement for in a year (10 year parts). Compressor is lifetime on mine.
Have had mine for 8 years without a problem (other than a slow leak in the evaporator) which I will get a replacement for in a year (10 year parts). Compressor is lifetime on mine.
Posted on 4/26/21 at 9:40 am to Rooco
We got 2 Lennox systems two years ago and they've been phenomenal. Upstairs is a two stage and down stairs a 1 stage. Definitely get a two stage.
Posted on 4/26/21 at 11:19 am to Rooco
I prefer American Standard. It's the same quality as a Trane, but a little bit cheaper.
Also, heard good things about Rheem/Ruud.
The installer is more important than the name brand, BTW.
Also, heard good things about Rheem/Ruud.
The installer is more important than the name brand, BTW.
This post was edited on 4/26/21 at 11:22 am
Posted on 4/26/21 at 8:53 pm to GeauxldMember
quote:
Until there’s a problem and you have to pay to replace it.
2 stage is just as reliable and the cost of 2 over single stage compressors isn't much.
Posted on 4/26/21 at 9:37 pm to BeerMoney
quote:
Units on my home are Lennox. Built in 2014 and they’re garbage. So don’t buy that.
Can vouch for this
Posted on 4/26/21 at 10:41 pm to notsince98
Wasn’t questioning the reliability of the multi-stage units. For me, it’s about keeping it simple and factoring in long-term maintenance/component costs. I opted for a whole home DH and single stage install that ended up costing me less than any of the multi-stage installs I was quoted.
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