re: What is a reasonable quote for a new AC unit for 1800 sq ft house?

They changed the SEER requirements, I believe last year. Whole different ballgame from 2022 to now.

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What is a reasonable quote for a new AC unit for 1800 sq ft house?

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we just paid $12k for a 4 ton trane complete system inside and out for 1600 sq ft

just whatever you get, DO NOT GET ANYTHING WITH A VARIABLE SPEED FAN.

thats why we replaced our 15 yr old system. the price for the replacement fan motor was $1900 plus labor

if you get outside the warranty, the fan motor replacement costs more than the whole htr unit did when it was new

I said it was a 2.5 ton, and I don’t understand your question.

Part of your purchase decision should also factor in estimated energy savings when selecting a new unit.

This site lets you compare your current unit to your options. Just enter tonnage, seer rating, and location (represents avg energy usage) LINK

It gives you 5, 10, and 15 year savings estimates.

It helps you decide if the purchase is worth it.

Also verify that your AC guy has assessed your air intakes and returns. More efficient AC units may need to “take deeper breaths”, which could mean in order to reach that efficiency they may need to either add another intake or widen the chase from your current intake . Additional returns could help if airflow is not properly distributed to some regions of your house.

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Going to piggy back off this. I likely need a new HVAC split unit for my upstairs. The upstairs is around 2000 sq ft. How big do I need? And how much should that cost with labor included? I got quoted $14k which I thought was absurd.

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If you’re going to piggyback, do better than OP.

$14k for square footage alone is not enough. Seer rating? Tonnage? Manufacturer (each have different reliability history)? Does it extract humidity (allowing you to keep it at higher temps without the high humidity discomfort)? Or is it just the bare bones “give me the cheapest AC on the market?

There is such a huge discrepancy in quotes with AC companies. Check out hvacdirect.com here is the meat and potatoes of what you were quoted in a Goodman, which has a 10y warranty but people talk bad about them. $4600. What are the extra material cost that are quoted? Couple hundred? And how many hours to install this 8? At $200 an hour. Seems $6500 should get it done?

LINK

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What’s the deal with j load calculations?

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Yeah, I don’t know Seinfeld.

I am replacing 2 split systems this month, a 4ton and a 3.5ton, equipment only no ductwork. The AHUs are vertical inside closets

I’ll post the quote when I get it, it will be from an HVAC contractor I trust

I paid $9,000 for a complete changeout, inside and out and ductwork, in Metairie about a year ago.

3 ton 14 Seer Allegiance condenser
10KW Heater w/breaker
3 ton standard air handler
Ductwork in attic

Call Matty Ott. He can usually save you a good chunk of money or is very competitive. 504-913-3688