Mr Cool Central Air Conditioner Packages Home Depot $1357

A total aside, but it may be worth it to see if your homeowners insurance includes mechanical coverage. Mine did, so I got about $2700 back that I could either use to repair my system from 1985, or put towards a new system. I chose the latter.

In downstate NY, the typical quote I got for a 4-ton replacement was around $8-10k. Usually 16 SEER. If you wanted better equipment, the labor was fixed, and you just paid for the more expensive stuff. Not cheap at all, but it seems that $10k is the going for any HVAC...cooling, heating, etc. Even if its just a pair of ductless', it will somehow magically add to $10k.

Advice from my semi-recent HVAC upgrade experience (2018)...If you choose a company which is privy to all of the govt/utility rebates for high efficiency equipment when in conjunction with insulation and other improvements, you will likely pay alot less *and* get a contractor who isnt the type who installs one brand and gives one Rx over and over again to every client. Youll likely be able to bend alot of rules and get $ back which is not explicitly mentioned in the paperwork.

As for finding a decent contractor (decent here belies competence, reliability, and most of all, empathy) If you want a litmus test to the level of knowledge to expect from your company, and assuming you live in one of the "cold climate" areas like the Northeast or upper midwest, just mention "what options do you have for heat pumps?" and then take notes for the next 5-10 minutes of conversation. I know from my own experience, the convos did not last long, and neither did the visits. Mind you, this is even if you werent considering a heat pump...its just turns out to be an interesting trigger.

And it seems the experiences that I had were not unique: https://grist.org/buildings/he-wa...e-problem/

The best contractors will answer every question honestly and non-defensively. This is the same as I do in my business; I never condescend, I am always thorough, and I am always ok with a client walking away. The firm I hired from was owned by a PE that let me watch every step, explained all the nuances, and outright admitted when something was un-expected.


PS -Came here from the Amtrak pass thread, and the tangents in conversation here are very much in parallel to the ones there...

Does anyone know if this unit can be added to a house that already has a gas heater with ducts? The furnace is installed in the attic. I heard that is no longer allowed in our area.

Thanks

It would be cheaper to pass this deal and buy the consensing unit alone... Then just get a evaporator coil to install into your existing furnace plenum... As opposed to getting an entire air handler that comes with this set. Then you can use your existing furnace fan.

Mind you, you won't have the most efficient setup if you do this because of sizing differences, the inability to run multiple fan speeds on the indoor side, etc. It's like trying to get the nest thermostat to talk to an old system... They just don't speak the same languages.

Also remember that heat registers usually comes from the floor because heat rises... And with AC... You tend to have that come from the ceiling... You won't feel the cool immediately where it matters. A few ceiling fans will mitigate this.

You are just grasping and not looking at the whole picture. It's ok. I will not try to teach ya what it costs and what it's like to Run a business. Add up the true cost of a house, car, Surgery, doctor appointment, a cell phone etc etc. You want something for nothing and want to take it from others pockets to keep yours full. You want things cheap that's great.

It all sounds good until you have to replace the equiptment way sooner than ya wanted to. (Warrranty does not cover a bad install they can and will look) Or it is always breaking down, not running as efficient as it should. Could be oversized or undersized.

If you value a well done job and rarely have an issue with your system it is well worth getting it done right and not being cheap. Oh there are people that overcharge and rip people off. Don't get me wrong. You cast upon me something that you have no idea of. That my friend…. Is not fair.

Why would I lose out on profits so someone can try to be cheap?

I don't understand why people are questioning how much one should charge for his services. Last I checked, the US was still a free country, no matter how much the uneducated and unemployable are trying to ruin it, thinking they're somehow going to get a better deal when the government tells them where to go punch in and in which line to stand in for their stale bread. If the price is too high for your wallet, go find someone who can do the job cheaper, and cross your fingers they do it right, but don't bash the man for valuing his worthiness! Skilled labor in a first world country isn't cheap; be it a physician, IT tech, plumber, or an HVAC technician.

Main items are torch, Gauges, reclaimer, vacuum pump, micron gauge, and temp sensing meter. Refrigerant to fill the system correctly. Nitrogen to purge the line while brazing. Filter drier if one does not come with the unit. Benders and expansion tools. Wiring low and high voltage. Drain line and fittings. Use a trap or make it. A level and a pad. Etc etc

Installed a 16 seer unit about ten years ago with a friend. Did everything ourselves except vacuuming and charging the new lines. Still running.

Does not mean it is running correctly or as efficient as it should be

Agreed. There might be room for additional improvements, especially since we hired a licensed HVAC tech do the vacuum and charge.

Being licensed does not mean you are good at what ya do. As long as the person buying is happy is all that matters. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Being licensed does not mean you are good at what ya do. As long as the person buying is happy is all that matters. Happy Thanksgiving!!