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Heating & Air Conditioning

HELP...adding new central air system

16 years ago

My old forced air gas furnace died...the ducts were not insulated....Now that I will need to have a new gas furnace and new flexible ducts installed ...I would like to add central air at this time.

My house is 1800 sq ft.BUILT in 1947. We are located in southern california.The contractor recommended the following proposal:

FURNACE: YORK 4 ton 2 stage horizontal furnace 80% AFUE

Model# PT8B16L080

AIR: YORK 4 ton 15 Seer 2 stage air unit

Model # CZE04811

THERMOSTAT: Honeywell 8000

AIR PURIFIER: Aprilaire # 2250

NEW DUCTS: Cal/flex silver jack 6.0

COST: $8500.00 with AIR OPTION( This proposal includes adding new duct through original part of roof attic to our addition's flat roof)..

ELECTRICAL will be additional cost ( I have been told I will need to upgrade entire electrical box to make room for additional 50 AMP breaker needed for air unit.(possibly $2500. more)

Is this proposal fair??...

Is York a desirable brand???

Will installing the Air Filtration ( Aprilaire 2250)really make a difference to indoor air quality...??

Help lessen allergy condition??

Worth the added expense??

Is York a quality brand??....

I have been learning so much from this forum...I specifically requested 2 stage equipment because of the input I have read on this forum...

You guys are so very helpful.>..My problem is I feel so overwhelmed ...so much info here...I am uncertain about so much...ANY input would be appreciated.!!!

Thanks for helping a "housewife" .

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Comments (6)

vhehn
16 years ago
i would get a heat pump.
harrietv
Original Author
16 years ago
P.S....Cost $ 4800.00...without Air option
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Thanks much. Actually I looked inside the unit and it does have a blanket already. Now one thing that is confusing to me. If we go to emergency heat isnt that the same thing as just using the furnace to heat the house like we have been for the past 18 years which is gas? I guess I am just wondering how the bill will be higher if we go emergency heat. Isn't it basically the same thing? The unit we had installed is really supposed to be high end. Basically what my wife is hearing is the furnace fan in the basement running all the time coupled with the condenser outside the house. Perhaps we can go emergency heat through the winter, spring and fall and in the summer turn off the emergency heat. Again thanks
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ryanhughes
16 years ago
The system quoted is a fairly top of the line system. Do you not use heat often, hence the 80% AFUE system? The price sounds okay. I'm not sure on the electrical question, but it does sound reasonable and believable. I would go with the 2250 filter; make sure they size the ductwork for it accordingly (since it will be new ductwork I sure hope they would). York is a fine brand; that equipment is from their well-regarded Affinity line. Let us know if you have any more questions. I don't know your climate; can you describe your heating/cooling usage? Cool more? Heat more? Both about the same?
harrietv
Original Author
16 years ago
I decided on the 80% AFUE...2 stage York furnace simply because:
#1)Our home is located 2 miles from the beach ( Santa Monica California )...and I feel it should be sufficient. with our (usually) mild climate ( Am I wrong ?)
#2) A 90% AFUE furnace would cost an additional $1000.00...In your opinion should I spend the extra money for 90% AFUE ???
The contractor will be installing next week.
Please reply ASAP
As an update...It looks like I will not be able to add the central air system :...the cost is HUGE because I would have to REPLACE AND MOVE my entire electrical box from its original location . It will not accomodate an additional 50 AMP breaker !!...Cost would be (approx)an extra
$ 4000.00 plus whatever city permits and code upgrades may cost!!
To summarize...York Gas Furnace...
New ducts (cal flex silver jack 6.0 )
Thermostat : Honeywell 8000 model
Air Filtration : Aprilaire 2250
TOTAL COST $ 4800.
I have one more question...please:....My original register return for gas furnace is located on wall near floor level in my hallway...I was told by contractor that this is not the correct location for it....It should be moved to ceiling of my hallway..Unless I hear otherwise from this forum...I will have it moved as he suggests...SHOULD I seal up the old register return or let it remain but it will not be functioning ??...
Thanks all !!
tigerdunes
16 years ago
harriet

I would definitely update the furnace to a PV8 two stg model with var speed blower.

I would want a solid explanation as to why move the return.

I would get another quote/opinion about adding AC. Something does not seem right about you've been told.

You should verify that the stat quoted can handle two stg furnaces. Post model number.

IMO
ryanhughes
16 years ago
Harriet, with your climate, I would put in a heat pump, not a gas furnace (especially 80% AFUE). Is your gas or electric particularly expensive? Heat pumps are an efficient source of heating and cooling. The heat pump will likely require the electrical modifications but in my opinion they are worth it. You will have heating and cooling. It really depends on your electric rate. Fossil fuel prices do not seem to be going down any time soon.

Also, I would recommend a ductwork system with metal trunk lines and flex connectors; I don't like just straight flex.

Just where do they want to move this return? It sounds fine where it is (I have one in my hallway near the floor), but I'm not there to decide. I suggest a return on each level.

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