Need new A/C, Looking at an entire HVAC package

14 years ago

We have a two-zone house and the A/C for the upstairs needs to be replaced. We've been told that we "should" replace the furnace for the upstairs as well.

The current A/Cs and furnaces are 22 years old and were the originals. We've lived in the house for 21 years and never had much trouble with either before this. The upstairs area is roughly 1800 sq feet.

- To qualify for tex rebates we'd need to replace both the A/C and the furnace.

- We're told this is the 'right thing to do' in any case because the A/C should be paired with a furnace for greater efficieny.

- The upstairs furnace, unfortunately, is located in the attic. At least one company will not install a new furnace in the attic, but we are not at liberty to re-engineer the house to the extent of finding somewhere else to put a second furnace (there really is nowhere else). We've never had a problem with it there in 21 years of living in this house. Though we live in NJ the attic furnace and the lines to and from it have never frozen in Winter.

- We've gotten 3 estimates from companies that are willing to replace both A/C and Furnace (where it is now in the attic) and the competing brands are Lennox and York.

- York is offering a longer warranty but is also $1000 more expensive.

- The quotes range from $7700 to $9500 AFTER the rebate.

My questions are:

- Is it true that A/C and Furnace should be replaced together?

- Anyone have any feedback on either York or Lennox as brands?

- Are there any other issues I need to be aware of?

Key features in a new furnace? Key features in a new A/C?

- Do those prices make sense?

Thanks in advance to any information you can provide.

Dar in NJ

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Comments (5)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
"- Is it true that A/C and Furnace should be replaced together?"

--> When they are both over 20 years old (or even 15), it sure does make a lot of sense. It will likely be cheaper now, and you'll have a new matched system with a new warranty. Tax credit situation depends on what A/C was quoted. A 95% efficient furnace is needed to get the tax credit, unless the A/C is 16 SEER/13 EER.

"At least one company will not install a new furnace in the attic"

--> Condensing (90+% efficient furnaces) are generally not recommended or installed in attics due to freezing issues in the winter. In that case, you'd need to turn to the A/C side of the system to get the tax credit. What size system are you replacing here (tonnage, btus)?

I'm sure Tigerdunes will be along and he has a list of features he recommends to posters. I would want a variable speed furnace fan, a system eligible for the tax credit, a GOOD installer, ductwork examined, proper procedures followed. I know you asked for key features in a new furnace, but the truth is most brands are similar in terms of "reliability" and features today, and it is highly important to choose the best company to do the work. That's the key to success in any new system. York, Trane, Lennox, Carrier, Rheem....all make higher and lower end products. Model numbers will help you evaluate further.

Prices seem steep but we don't know all that's included. For instance, maybe you're getting some ductwork modification. PVC venting adds to the cost for high-efficiency furnaces. And, you live in New Jersey, and from what I've seen prices aren't low around there for HVAC.
tigerdunes
14 years ago
daryl

conventional wisdom in HVAC says you don't install high eff condensing furnaces for attic install due to freezing issues.

so that leaves an 80% eff furnace.

my recommendation is the following:

a properly sized 80% eff two stg var speed furnace paired with a qualifying tax credit AC condenser.

what size furnace and condenser are you replacing?

I recommend Trane or sister company AmStandard. Next would be Carrier or sister company Bryant.

to meet the tax credit standard, the AC condenser must be rated at 16 SEER and 13 EER and confirmed by the manufacturer and AHRI Directory.

both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

16 SEER, 13 EER
best matching evap coil(please no third party)
full BTUs in cooling
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature if summer humidity is an issue
new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites.

I have always found NJ HVAC prices to be much higher than other markets.

IMO
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Jan Russak
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you for the input -

The unit(s) we are replacing are a 3ton A/C and a furnace 70% efficient but I don't know the other measurement. we've never had a problem with it in the attic in the 21 years we've been in the house.

No one we've spoken with so far sells anything other than York or Lennox - I am not sure why that should be so but those seem to be the dominant products offered by the local installers.

The package includes both A/C & furnace, the pad under the A/C, the ductwork, thermostat.
Only 1 quote includes a 16 SEER unit, the other two are quoting 13 SEER units. The furnace is a 5 speed, but not a true modulating model.

Will those truly meet the standards necessary to qualify for a rebate?

Dar
tigerdunes
14 years ago
"Will those truly meet the standards necessary to qualify for a rebate?"

need complete mdl numbers of furnace, AC condenser, and evap coil to determine tax credit eligibility.

IMO
classicdave
14 years ago
Since it is wise to replace both furnace and a/c at the same time
You can also look at hybrid heat,
Heat pump and gas furnace.

Need new A/C, Looking at an entire HVAC package

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ryanhughes

tigerdunes

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Need new A/C, Looking at an entire HVAC package

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