That price quote sounds out of line... something doesn't add up.

I'm in the SouthEast, where cost of living is generally lower than most other parts of the country.

For lower end equipment (13 SEER A/C with 80% furnance), I didn't get any quotes below $6,500. Most quotes for equipment that qualifies for the tax credit were generally closer to the $8,500 number.

In the end, we went with a recomended private licenced contractor that got us a system to qualify for the tax credits at a cost just a little south of $8,000 and it seemed like a bargin.

Equipment cost sounds about right, but the labor cost seems low. The worry there is that it's an installer that might be taking short-cuts to come in as a low bidder.

What I learned from my experience in getting the HVAC system updated is that WHO is installing the equipment is more important than WHAT is getting installed. Basically, I've been told that most manufactures are getting major components (like the compressor) from the same source. But it's also possible to take short-cuts to get a system installed. A short-cut system WILL run. But the prognosis for long life isn't as good. Basically, you can get a longer life with cheap equipment installed correctly than you can from expensive equipment installed poorly.

So my advice to people who are looking to replace their HVAC system is to get a quote from three or more places. No one can properly quote an HVAC install without a sight visit. Use that time of the sight visit to in effect interview the company/installer. You SHOULD get quotes that are all about the same even if the equipement isn't exactly the same. Ignore quotes that are "out-of-line", and then of the quotes that are left, ignore cost and go on your instincts on which contractor is likely to do the best job.

dean

that is Trane's btm end AC condenser.

What mdl furnace is that-XR series?

what coil was quoted-a third party coil or Trane coil?

what thermostat was quoted?

any air filter cabinet?

was a load calc performed?

my first impression is the price is better than the equipment.

lots of questions...

IMO

i just got trane quote on 3 ton 80,000 equipment in Columbus ohio.

furance:trane xv95 tuh2b080a9v3va 95% top( middle)- grade equipment
ac: xr15 15 seer 3.0 ton middle ( middle) grade
aprilaire 2210 air filter: $395.00- this high
labor contract $717 10 labor / 10 parts factory free
t-stat- unknown progamble
installed : $ 7728.00

We have more heating days than cooling, so put more money in heater and less on cooling equipment ( meaning less seer)
it would take me a long time to pay back 21 seer unit since a have or couple months of cooling- ( the ac would be dead be paid my back). You if use more a/c per year like Florida
i would 21 seer a/c in, and something with variable speed blower in furnace 80 % to 90 %
I am replace a old 8 seer, with 15 to 16 seer .
Plus a variable speed motor in furnace that super plus for both heat and cooling my home.

Good advice on this website , differently got 3-5 quotes
and as many load calculations as you can.
The right size equipment- makes and breaks equipment and utility bills.

The furnace quoted is a single stage 95%, replacing the XR90. They may call it XR95, not sure. TTB is the lower end A/C though an even cheaper built line is coming for spring. Price doesn't sound bad at all and if the dealer comes recommend, that helps.

lost, your bid doesn't sound bad since you are looking at 2 stage and variable speed motor on the furnace and XR15 on the A/C. Since you are getting the tax credit on the furnace, might ask about an XR13 instead. Should be quite a bit less $$ and probably will rate at 14.00. Only reason for higher SEER would be utility or other rebate.

Labor warranty is pricey. Air cleaner about right. Demand a 2 stage thermostat. Honeywell Focus Pro, Vision Pro, IAQ or possibly Aprilaire 8466. That's what we've been using for basic 2 stage stat.

dean

I would strongly recommend a load calc for both heating and cooling. You might consider an upgrade to the XR14 condenser. And be aware that the XR95 Trane furnace is available in smaller sizes with a five ton rated blower. just so you know. and as stated above, I would not get a third party evap coil.

IMO
Good Luck!

Hi,

That price is incredible! especially for California.

I just had a complete system installed yesterday. I live in dallas where cooling means more than heating. cost 7k even for everything. here is a list of what was installed.

Trane XR13 4 ton AC condenser.
Trane XR80 5 ton 1 stage with 4 speed blower.
New matching evaporator coil with the new R-410A refrigerant.
New return and supply plenums, all sheet metal construction with exterior wrapped insulation.
New manual air dampers at each supply duct.
Added an extra return air duct, grill and filter in double existing volume of return.
New drip pan with overflow float switch (cut off system if drainage get blocked - keeps ceiling from getting water damage).
New electrical disconnect and wiring (located outside by the condenser).
New concrete pad.
New programmable thermostat.
Did all the work required to rid and clean system of old coolant, hauled away old system and did a relatively good job cleaning up.

This new system is so much cooler and better airflow than the old one and should be more efficient. I really wanted the sheet metal plenums with EXTERIOR insulation and the manual dampers. This should really pay off in the long run for comfort and health. Next time I should just have to replace the AC condenser. Furnace later.

All in all I think I got a good deal and I'm pretty sure the work is A+. I paid a little extra for the plenums, dampers and for Trane products.

Hello,

I live near Dayton, OH and just got quoted the following...

Trane XR-95 gas furnace (95 AFUE + 60,000 BTU's) and Trane XR-15 air conditioner (15 SEER + 2.5 tons and 30,000 BTU's) for $5600 (labor included in that number).

Tax credits are $150 for furnace and $300 for AC. Also qualify for a $300 rebate from natural gas supplier.

I don't know much about this stuff...how are these numbers??