cost of new a/c & furnace

[Jullie]

Does anyone know a reasonable cost for replacement a/c and furnace unit?
House is 1200 sq ft one level ranch only 9 years old. Our friends got a quote for complete replacement: $12,000.00 for a Trane. We think this is extremely "HIGH". Need your input please! :$:

[JGVillages]

That seems extremely high. My unit is 11 years old and I decided to do some advance price checking. I have a 2000 sq ft designer and have used Sunshine Air Conditioning for 8 1/2 years. Depending on what you want in the system my quote was in the $6000-$8000 range. A friend who has a 1300 sq. ft. Villa just used Sunshine Air and paid $6000. Happy shopping!

[oot]

We had Sunshine replace ours (we have a 2 bed 2 bath Austin) - 2.5 ton unit, 13 seer and it ran 4800.00 and we will get a 500.00 rebate.

[mgjim]

As an aside, it's always nice to know when you should consider replacing your heating/air conditioning equipment so you don't get stuck with a huge replacement bill when your equipment fails unexpectedly.

Here's a checklist to help you decide when to replace along with a nice tool called the "Home Energy Yardstick" that should help you to decide if the equipment in a pre-owned home is about to require major repairs or replacement.

https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

[NYGUY]

Does anyone know a reasonable cost for replacement a/c and furnace unit?
House is 1200 sq ft one level ranch only 9 years old. Our friends got a quote for complete replacement: $12,000.00 for a Trane. We think this is extremely "HIGH". Need your input please! :$:

Run, do not walk, to get more estimates....AND call seniors against crime to check out any vendors you end up considering!!!

[gamby]

Chuck Farrell put ours in last month (3br ranch) $3600. before rebate,

Very satisfied with unit (AMERICAN STANDARD) workmanship outstanding.

Complete system , Heating/air condition .

Al

[Mr.Big]

As a retired Manufacturer's Representative of 30 years, I recommend getting at least 3 estimates, along with a few recent, area customers names and phone numbers from each contractor. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest, or most expensive estimate. Deal with someone that you feel comfortable with, and feel like they will be there for you should you have a problem. After calling on HVAC contractors in a five state area, I also give this advice; "Buyer beware!"

[drdodge]

AC unit should last longer than 10 years call VINCENTS air and have him check it out. mine is 18 years old and still going good, had to to do a few miner repairs nothing serious in the 5 years I have owned the house I have spent 75.00 dollars

[drdodge]

Vincents aire care 352-750 6044

[Trayderjoe]

I would, as others indicated, get additional quotes. FYI, we had a Trane unit (original install) and are replacing it already (8 years old). It was just old enough that the issues others had with it (see other threads) are not covered. For what it is worth, we checked with others (including my plumber in Michigan) and Trane has lost it luster. Might want to consider other units instead (and see what the different warranties offer).

[dalecrenshaw]

Chuck Farrell put ours in last month (3br ranch) $3600. before rebate,

Very satisfied with unit (AMERICAN STANDARD) workmanship outstanding.

Complete system , Heating/air condition .

Al

Where do you get a rebate and how much is it?

[dalecrenshaw]

As a retired Manufacturer's Representative of 30 years, I recommend getting at least 3 estimates, along with a few recent, area customers names and phone numbers from each contractor. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest, or most expensive estimate. Deal with someone that you feel comfortable with, and feel like they will be there for you should you have a problem. After calling on HVAC contractors in a five state area, I also give this advice; "Buyer beware!"

Years ago, we went with Chuck Farrell and he did an outstanding job on the spur of the moment. He was come right out when the A/C went out. Gave us a fair price and installed a new one, without delay. A few years later, the A/C stopped working, we put a call into Chuck, and he came out late a night (after 10pm) to correct the problem. Turned out that the filter was installed improperly (by a cleaning person) and the A/C froze up. If Chuck hadn't come out right away, it would have ruined our A/C.

[ducati1974]

I was an HVAC contractor for 38 years in Massachusetts and in my opinion the contractors around here always scare people into premature replacement of their systems. An 8 or 10 year old system, even in this climate is NOT old. I've seen compressors that ran for forty years without a problem. What can really ruin an AC is running it with a low charge of refrigerant. The refrigerant cools the compressor. So the chances are that if you have a tight system that cools well and doesn't need Freon added every year it'll last a long time. Yes, fan motors and capacitors fail, but they shouldn't be that expensive to replace. I also hear all of the time about contractors saying you need a new evaporator coil. That too is rare - don't trust it! Bottom line- if your unit runs well and you get it checked periodically don't be pushed into unnecessary and costly replacement!

[Bonanza]

Does anyone know a reasonable cost for replacement a/c and furnace unit?
House is 1200 sq ft one level ranch only 9 years old. Our friends got a quote for complete replacement: $12,000.00 for a Trane. We think this is extremely "HIGH". Need your input please! :$:

Your price quote to me seems way out of the box! Astronomical, as a matter of fact.

Many of the posters in this thread mean well, but the real key to what a new system should cost mainly depends upon your square footage, which you've stated at 1200 s.f. and what the SEER is on a new system. The higher the SEER, the higher the price. BUT . . . the higher the SEER, the more $$$ you will save each month on your electric bill. There are also other factors involved in the pricing, but the SEER is the main one.

We are currently in the throes of investigating prices for a new system, as well. We got a quote from Munn's and have another quote for the exact system from Summa and Tony's A/C & Heating. Sunshine never got back to us. Summa was thousands below Munn's price and Tony himself (from Summa) came out and spent 1-1/2 hours speaking with my husband regarding the different choices you have within an A/C system.

My husband is a retired electrical engineer so he is as technical and choosey as you can get. He was very impressed with Tony's know-how and knowledge.

If you would like more information, please PM me with your phone number and my husband will be happy to speak with you (in layman's terms!).

[ricthemic]

As a retired Manufacturer's Representative of 30 years, I recommend getting at least 3 estimates, along with a few recent, area customers names and phone numbers from each contractor. Don't necessarily go with the cheapest, or most expensive estimate. Deal with someone that you feel comfortable with, and feel like they will be there for you should you have a problem. After calling on HVAC contractors in a five state area, I also give this advice; "Buyer beware!"

Very important. No verbal quotes. After you get their written quote ascertain if a new line set is included (copper refrigerant piping, new suction insulation). I hv seen more than one retrofit system installed here reusing existing line set.Huge mistake and rip off ( when they tell you they will flush, clean and pressure test the line set). The old line set/ insulation could be the reason you need a new system

[John_W]

Here's a 2 ton system at Home Depot you can buy tomorrow for $1899. That's would probably make a wholesale price around $1000 to $1200. Seems like $3600 for your old system removed and replaced with a new system seems right. In 2011 I paid $3500 for a 2-1/2 ton Carrier system installed in my home in Baltimore.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/1a/1a7cca25-6df8-4b68-8663-a121f4a3cd0e_400.jpg

Winchester 2 Ton 13 SEER Sweat A/C System with 17.5 in. Coil and 30 ft. Line Set-4RAC24S17-30 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Winchester-2-Ton-13-SEER-Sweat-A-C-System-with-17-5-in-Coil-and-30-ft-Line-Set-4RAC24S17-30/203502319)

[Riccckkk]

My neighbor just had a two and a half ton, thirteen seer Trane heat pump installed by Home Depot for $3,800.00. He is extremely happy with the installation which was done by a Home Depot Contractor.

[dave harris]

Found this online "New Energy Minimum Standards (January 1, 2015)

Regional climate differences play a part in the US Department of Energy’s revised energy minimum standards. The regional approach recognizes that there is little cost benefit to having a very high SEER air conditioning unit in the northeastern region of the United States, where cold weather often prevails. Starting January 1, 2015, central air conditioners installed in the southeastern and southwestern regions of the United States must be at least 14 SEER. Central air conditioners installed in all other states outside of the southeastern and southwestern regions must continue to be a minimum of 13 SEER. "

[zcaveman]

I spent $5,000 for a Amarillo. And I got a $500 rebate so it was $4,500.

After I installed the new A/C, we thought about enclosing the lanai and we found out that we would need a bigger A/C to cool the additional space. We did not want that auxiliary unit so we decided not to do the enclosure.

What I am trying to say is that if you have a lanai and ever want to enclose it, now would be a good time to have the installer make sure that the new A/C will handle it. The additional cost of a larger unit is not that much.

Z

[tommy steam]

I was an HVAC contractor for 38 years in Massachusetts and in my opinion the contractors around here always scare people into premature replacement of their systems. An 8 or 10 year old system, even in this climate is NOT old. I've seen compressors that ran for forty years without a problem. What can really ruin an AC is running it with a low charge of refrigerant. The refrigerant cools the compressor. So the chances are that if you have a tight system that cools well and doesn't need Freon added every year it'll last a long time. Yes, fan motors and capacitors fail, but they shouldn't be that expensive to replace. I also hear all of the time about contractors saying you need a new evaporator coil. That too is rare - don't trust it! Bottom line- if your unit runs well and you get it checked periodically don't be pushed into unnecessary and costly replacement!
Smart great advice. 😉

[Jullie]

Thanks for all your input.

[MoeVonB61]

THANK YOU ALL for your assistance!!..We are fortunate enough to have had our compressor blow (TRANE, 13 year old house) in the winter time and we will not call Munn's as we already know their pricing is NOT competitive. We have a 2004 square foot designer and got a very reasonable quote from Chuck Farrell for an entire new American Standard, 16 seer. We are getting 2 more quotes and will post on "who wins the job". :)...I am also checking Consumer's Reports for ratings on Units.

[Vill01talk]

On the surface the quote seems high. But, look closer.... what brand equipment? Any accessory items, such as a programmable thermostat? What SEER rating? Variable speed fan? Any modifications to be done to the present system?

[Vill01talk]

The value of the price quote depends on a number of factors... among them the brand, the SEER rating, and how much in upgrades (such as a variable speed blower) is included. Also, is it gas heat/central air or simply a straight heat pump? All are heating/cooling systems, but the price can and will vary.

[rubicon]

We just purchase a new unit SEER 18 rated and company re-ran copper piping so it wasn't buried underground.

The blower went and clearly we could have just replaced the blower but then we spoke with a number of neighbors who had the same problems. Three replaced the entire HVAC unit one repaired and continued to sink more money in for repair.

We replaced a Trane (8 yrs)with a Carrier

The blower went out over a weekend when the temp was 90 and the humidity matched it. so we opted for new to reduce the chances that this would happen again.

[Irishlass]

My sister lives in the Village of Silver Lake (the historic side). She's has the same AC since "87. She signed up with Broward Factory Service (as did I) and if anything goes wrong, she gets it fixed -- free of charge. The AC, fridge, washer, dryer, etc. is under contract with them. I forget the premium, but I've used them and was completely satisfied. Seems a lot less than replacement.

[tommy steam]

My neighbor just had a two and a half ton, thirteen seer Trane heat pump installed by Home Depot for $3,800.00. He is extremely happy with the installation which was done by a Home Depot Contractor.

Home Depot has a trailer installed in the front of the store. It has information and set ups of the machinical systems that are in your home. AC, heat pumps , hot water heater replacement. A rep is there to give you information. HD only uses license , insured contractors for installations . Even if you don't use HD , you can get an idea what a replacement cost might be. Tell any contractors that are giving you a bid , to sharpen their pencil as you are going to get several bids for the job. Check out the contractors you are considering , with the BBB.

[MoeVonB61]

OK All, THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing A/C information!!!!We got about 5 quotes from several Companies including Chuck Farrell. HOWEVER, they did not beat AIRPRO AIR CONDITIONING Service, (Chris & Jason Swoap @ 352-233-5994) who gave us an option for a Goodman condenser/compressor replacement only (have one in Orlando lasting longer than the TRANE!! :) ), 3.5 TON & 13 SEER with R22 (The Villages had Trane install only a 10 SEER with the new construction and IT IS FACT the new UB coolant is worse for the environment)....we got a 10 year warranty and did not need to replace the entire system for a phenomenal price :)..!!!!. THANKS TO AIR PRO...'TIS THE SEASON.... !!!

[gerryh1943]

I use a guy from Lady lake he is the best. Call him just get a estament MIKE GOUGH phone#352-978-***1

[kcrazorbackfan]

We moved into a new home in north KC 2 years ago with a Trane unit; during summer months, we would come home and house would be warm; everytime the breaker was thrown; called install company out numerous times (all under warranty) never could find anything; called a company out whose owner I play golf with a lot and his company found wrong wiring, wrong capacitors - A BRAND NEW UNIT FROM THE FACTORY. Fixed now; OP call the Vincent guy recommended and see if you can save money.

[WaterSun]

I understand not wanting to pay too much for a new HVAC system. I'm partial to Carrier HVAC, especially, AC systems. So, when I was researching which HVAC company to hire, I interviewed reps from 3-Carrier providers, one of which was Munn's. I also interviewed Trane providers and another make. I settled on Munn's because for my extra-energy-efficient Carrier HVAC system Munn's was the most reasonable price. AND the Carrier Rep, R. Daniels was very honest and straightforward. The Carrier crew did the work and system works great and my energy bills gas & electric for heating and cooling are dramatically less. A-a-a--nd, I'll receive free service and filter change on my one-year anniversary of installation!