What would you expect this to cost (HVAC)?

$15-18k

$25k all in, maybe more.

Your location? Seems like from posts on HVAC pricing on the H&G board, the Baton Rouge area seems to be much higher than some other areas.

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Variable obviously costs more. What would you expect to pay for variable 19 SEER vs 15 SEER single stage?

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BR area - Had a friend that had a Rudd (Rheem) 4 ton single stage SEER2 14 (= SEER 15) replaced last week, $13,500 (no duct work).

I had a Trane 4 ton single stage SEER2 14 replaced in 2023 - $13,500. I got estimates on both Trane 4 ton 2-stage & variable speed high efficiency inverter units (SEER 17 & 19 if I recall) that were in the $18-19K range - no duct work. I got 4 quotes (Trane & Carrier products), small (1 or 2 man operation) & medium-size (several trucks) companies and all 4 quotes were within $1K of each other (that was in Feb - slow time of the year).

I know you are talking about new construction so perhaps cheaper as the install is easier with no removal of old unit and very easy access to doing duct work etc. Ductwork -I don’t know cost, but metal ducts, which are great, are going to be more costly than flex ducts - perhaps significantly so.

In the BR area, wouldn’t surprise me if you were looking at $20-25K for each unit ($40-50K total) - equipment + duct work. Not likely going to be a big difference in the cost between the 3 and 4 ton units.

Craw, you have some excellent recommendations. I’ve been following along with all your HVAC recs. We just bought an older home that will need HVAC replacement. Do you have any particular companies or installers you recommend? I know install is of prime importance along with manual j, s and d calculations to help guide proper system setup.

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In the BR area, wouldn’t surprise me if you were looking at $20-25K for each unit ($40-50K total) - equipment + duct work. Not likely going to be a big difference in the cost between the 3 and 4 ton units.

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This is precisely where I am at. I appreciate you and everyone's feedback.

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I know install is of prime importance along with manual j, s and d calculations to help guide proper system setup.

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I used Heat Load USA for my Manual J, S, and D.

Paid just under $1K for a very comprehensive report. They were very communicative and offered me 3 reports based upon different insulation scenarios.

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Craw, you have some excellent recommendations. I’ve been following along with all your HVAC recs. We just bought an older home that will need HVAC replacement. Do you have any particular companies or installers you recommend? I know install is of prime importance along with manual j, s and d calculations to help guide proper system setup.

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Glad you are aware of the importance of manual j, s and d in HVAC. Just b/c you have a certain HVAC tonnages on the house doesn’t mean they are properly sized and well as the duct work. It’s very common for HVACs to be oversized and ductwork to be undersized. If you are fortunate enough to have house plans you can hire someone to do the manual J, S, & D for you. Here is free online heat load calculator if you want to try to do it yourself. I seriously doubt the vast majority of HVAC contractors do this in our area and sub it out, and charge for it (as well they should) if a potential client asks for it.

I used Loadcalc ( LINK) to determine if my old HVAC was properly sized before my change out and it was. Ditto with existing ductwork from my calculations and a Total External Static Pressure Test (TESP, = resistance to air flow) on the old unit. I also hired a company to do a blower door test and duct leakage test (I have rigid metal ducts and they were in great shape - very low air leakage). Do take into consideration any future plans you might have in improving the house envelope (more attic insulation, windows upgrades, etc) when sizing the units. Just remember home comfort is more than just replacing an old HVAC with a new one.

As far as HVAC companies I’ll tell you the names of the 4 companies I got bids from in BR and who I chose to do my changeout. Ram Air (my existing HVAC company from when my house was built in 1993) and who serviced me well for nearly 30 years. Cajun Coolers (recommended by others on this board), Cochran Air Conditioning & Heating (recommended by friends who were very happy with him) and Southern Air, Heating and Cooling (recommended by my next door neighbor, a retired engineer and sticker for detail, and who had replaced his 2 HVACs).

Though I would have been happy with all 4 to do the job, I chose Southern Air - they weren’t the cheapest, but again all 4 bids were within $1K of each other. Why Southern Air? the sales tech spent more time with me, looking at my system, and agreeing with me with my own calculations, etc…..lol. The 2 young techs they sent to do the change out did a great job, in my opinion, and the lead tech was happy to answer any of my questions and share knowledge as they worked on the install. It was installed 3 1/2 years ago, and knock on wood, has operated according to my expectations with no call backs to “fix” something. But again, I would been happy to use the other 3 as well. And lastly, the quality and attention to detail by the installers is more important than the manufacturer of the equipment.

Why are you spending extra to get 2 Variable units both 19 SEER? Im certainly not an HVAC expert and maybe you just have money to blow, but you are here asking for help.

I helped someone replace a Carrier 4 ton 15 seer for their beach condo on 30A last fall for $7700. I chose a company out of Panama City, the 30A companies both wanted $9k+. The only reason I bring up the location is because I doubt many areas in the south get more expensive for HVAC labor work than 30A.

My main point is 1 variable makes a lot of sense, I'm not sure 2 variable 19 seer make a lot of sense. Especially since generally speaking most people in a house this big aren't going to use one unit nearly as often as the other.