Help needed-Arizona air conditioning replacement

16 years ago

The past few years we have been having problems with our current roof top combination unit. Besides needing frequent repairs it is not very energy efficient and is very noisy, so I have started getting estimates for a replacement unit. We live in Lake Havasu City, Arizona where it is always over 100 for several months....usually over 110 and sometimes over 120. Our house has approximately 2000 square feet and is one story. Our attic is well insulated.

Company number one gave me a price of $8425.72 for a 5 ton Trane XL16C. This price includes tax, installation, disposal, crane, etc. They gave me this price after only looking at our present unit and pricing out the same size.

Company number two gave me a price of $8408.89, including everrthing, for the same unit except that they priced out a four ton unit. They also have me a price for a Trane XL14C (4 ton also) for $6883.51. They did a complete load calculation, measured the house, checked the attic, checked all of the windows and air vents in the house etc.

Company three made a point of telling me that the Tranes generally run about 20% more than other brands. He then gave me estimates of $22,678.00 and $13,588.00. He had no names or modlel numbers listed but after I stopped choking and asked he said that they were a Lennox 15GCSX and a Lennox 13GCSX, both 5 ton. I promptly showed him the door.

I am leaning toward company number two because they were very thorough and answered all of my questions. My concern is about the size of the unit since they priced out a four ton, which the other companies priced out a 5 ton and that is what we have now. I am also wondering about the Trane XL14C and how that one would work for us. Is there a whole lot of difference between the two?

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Comments (3)

wa8b
16 years ago
My inclination would be to go with the second company who took the time to do load calculations. I would never do business with an HVAC contractor who didn't or wouldn't perform this all-important step.

The next thing you need to do is check references. Does company no. 2 have a long list of satisfied customers? Do they have complaints lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau? Are they willing to stand behind their calculations, and guarantee that your cooling needs are met?

There's a good chance that your existing AC unit is over-sized. It's a very common practice to install bigger units than are needed, especially of the original installation was chosen using "rules of thumb", instead of with proper load calculations. If your current system cycles on and off during the hottest part of the day, it's a sure sign that it's over-sized. A properly sized system may cycle on and off during the early part of the day and during the evening, but it will run steadily (which is more efficient) during the hottest part of the day while maintaining interior temperatures at your desired setting.

You might also want to ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations on HVAC contractors and seek a few more estimates. Referrals from satisfied customers (especially if they're your friends), can be one of your most reliable resources.
sharonlf
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the reply. I am pretty sure that we are going to go with company number 2. They came back out yesterday and spent a lot of time explaining things and answering our questions. They have been in business locally for 18 years and have a good record with the BBB. They are also giving us a written guarantee stating that if the unit they install does not cool and heat our house to 75 degrees when the outside temperature is between 33 and 118 then within the first 12 months they will upgrade our system at their expense. I guess they must be sure that their calculations are correct. They could just as easily sell us a larger unit right off the bat.
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sharonlf
Original Author
16 years ago
This message is for Lou.

I tried to reply to your email but it was returned to me and I was asked to fill out a form before the message could be sent to you. The message asked for personal information which I do not choose to give to someone that I do not know. This may also be the reason that you are having a problem registering to post in this forum.

The second company....and the one that we went with is "Air Control" but I believe that they just have offices in Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Parker, and Bullhead City. They gave us the option of a few different units. Are all of your quotes for the same unit, or did you get other options as well? Did the companies that you got the quotes from do a load calculation? Our new unit was installed on Friday and what a difference! It cools really well and is so quiet we barely know that it is running.

Sharon

Help needed-Arizona air conditioning replacement

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wa8b

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Help needed-Arizona air conditioning replacement

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