Does my grandmother need a new AC? Please help!

14 years ago

My 89 year old grandmother has an 1850 sq foot 4 bedroom house. The home is about 25 yo in excellent shape, a new AC unit was installed about 10 years ago. We live in the New Orleans area where an operable AC is an absolute necessity, especially for someone her age.

Last weekend we noticed during the hottest part of the day, the AC would not go below 78 degrees. During the night and the morning, it will get the house into the low seventies. She called in a serviceman and they added 2 pounds of coolant to the system. It worked great for a few days, but by the next weekend, the same thing was happening. So, another service call. They add more coolant and inspect the unit. Now they are claiming there is some type of leak (they did not specify), and there are cracks in the duct work upstairs. Granted, since the 2nd time they added coolant, the unit is operating fine, we can get the house into the low 70s even during the hottest part of the day.

We had 3 companies come out to check on the system. The first wanted $5,000!!!! just to "patch" (did not specify what that meant) the system. The second and third want to put in a whole new system to the tune of $6-$8K. Now it seems to me that this AC is functioning 95% of the time at full capacity, and even when it wasn't operating at total capacity, the house was still kept in the upper 70s, so it was bearable. Although I know nothing about AC systems, it would seem to me that a system that was changed only 10 years ago and is working at 95% does NOT need to be totally replaced. There must be some type of repair that will fix the problem without having to completely change the system. Of course I am concerned these people are trying to take advantage of my 89 year old grandmother (I was at work during the service calls, so I couldn't be there). Is there something I can do to make sure these people aren't just trying to get us to drop 8 grand?

Now, let's say a new system is needed--- here are the 3 systems the last service man proposed:

1. Trane 3.5 ton XB13 R410-A Model 4TTB3042 (price $6,234)

2. Trane 3.5 Ton XR14 R410A Model 4TTR4042 (price $7,286)

3. Trane 3.5 Ton XL15i Ultra Model 4TTX5042 (price $7,983)

Experts, please advise!! Does it sound like she needs a whole new system? Is there a repair that can be made that does not require a completely new system? Which of the 3 choices is the most cost effective?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
Depends on where the leak is. Ask them to show you where, if they think they've found a leak (and it sounds like you do have a leak in the system). Some leaks are worth repairing, and others aren't.

Is this a gas furnace/air conditioner setup or just air conditioner? Your prices for a simple replacement sound a bit off base (high), if its just for an indoor coil and air conditioner. Do you have any more info with these price quotes?
jockewing
Original Author
14 years ago
I will try to find out in more detail where the problem is. I believe these prices include a heating unit as well. The quote lists "Trane Heating element with breaker model BAYHTR1415BRKA". I wish the quote would break out the individual prices. It is a list of about 15 different items that will be done with a total price. For instance, why does she need to be charged for a condenser slab when there's already one there.

I will call the guy who did the estimate. Any recommendations for specific questions to ask?
Related Discussions
Please help I.D. my grandmothers rose
Q
Comments (13)
I vote for Hansa as well. Mine came from my grandparents' farm in rural western Mass, on land they bought and built on during WW I. Hansa was introduced in 1905; one of my aunts remembers my grandmother saying it was a special gift to her as a new neighbor. I also have Roseraie de l'haye, and I think it is a blowsier, more loosely extravagent bloom than Hansa. Is it very fragrant, with a clove=y edge? R de l'haye is fragrant, but sweeter.
...See More
New AC vents overlap with ceiling fans - Please help!
Q
Comments (4)
I have one vent that overlaps a fan, and the room gets just as cool or warm as the others. It's a non-issue. The fan, if it's on, will just stir up the incoming air a bit sooner. For maximum comfort, if it's possible, you want the vents (outlets) near the exterior (walls) and the air return close to the center/interior). But it is often drifen by what is possible, not what is ideal.
...See More
New AC unit for South Florida Need Help
Q
Comments (6)
The XL20i is a good unit but probably more than needed in a good system. I've never liked the idea of having 2 compressors for future service costs, but it's excellent for dehumidification which is important in your area. Your price shocks me. Either the prices for equipment are low in Florida, or the company isn't making much, or you're installation is very straightforward. The XR15 doesn't impress me with its 79-80 dBA noise ratings. Also, they're pairing it with a non-variable-speed air handler for whatever reason. The Comfort 16 is completely new to me. Looks like Carrier is introducing a 2-stage unit that qualifies for the tax credit in the 4/5 ton sizes now. As far as your old Carrier, I think they've stepped up their game quite a bit in my opinion and I have no issues with their newer units based on the ones I've seen. This 2-stage unit uses a single scroll compressor. Again, I'm very surprised you can get an XL20i for less. Something isn't right there. If you want, you can ask for quotes on Carrier's 25HCB561/FV4BNB006T00 (single-stage heat pump that qualifies for tax credit) and the Trane 4TWX5060A1/4TEE3F65B1 (single-stage, does not qualify).
...See More
Please help with quotes on new a/c & furnace
Q
Comments (5)
Thank you for your replies. Yes Tiger it was authorized dealer. I know he wanted to put in 17" furnace cabinet & coil because my 24" closet(I know it would have to be dropped in from attic,not through closet door) and said it would be hard to repair and service if 21". However the Goodman guy didn't complain about the size of closet. Goodman guy, said the HP with dual fuel would be nice, but it would take getting use to a cooler heat with HP, until gas heat kicked on, since we are use to gas heat. I will call AS guy back and ask about the other sizes. I will also get another AS guy out here. I feel that I really need a load test, esp. since when I look @ AS stuff, alot of what you suggested is either 3 or 4 ton, not 3.5 ton which is what I have. Back in 1996, when my a/c went out, they put in carrier with a bigger coil, no test done then either. I think the orginial was a Rheem 2.5 or 3 ton. I want to get this right and hopefully have it last 25 yrs up. What is you opinion on the Goodman? Rheem? Carrier? Also which is cheaper, HP or AC, with gas heat? I might be willing to try HP, hubby NOT. Thanks guys.
...See More
ryanhughes
14 years ago
Most companies don't break down prices. The price is for the total installed system, including labor and materials. You could lower the price a bit if you had them reuse old/existing materials, but to be honest I would advise against that. Most of the time it's better just to have a complete installation. The existing slab may not be in good condition.

You'll want to get all model numbers of everything. You were not given an indoor air handler model number. I would advise you to get another couple estimates from recommended, respected companies.

I would not ignore the possibility that a repair can be made, but if the leak is in the outdoor unit, the system may need to be replaced. I would be hesitant to replace only the indoor section as well since it's best to have matching components rated to work with each other.

Have you considered replacing with a heat pump to avoid costly electric heat?
jockewing
Original Author
14 years ago
The air handler included in all 3 packages is Trane 3 speed AirTite Handler model 4TEC3F42.

Will my grandmother qualify for these tax credits if she gets a new system?

Is a heat pump recommended for South Louisiana? The heater is really only used regularly for a month and a half, if even that.
ryanhughes
14 years ago
Heat pumps are used in Florida, so I imagine they are advisable in Louisiana. Electric heat is costly to run. You could discuss this option with your dealer.

The 4TEC air handler should not be used with the XL15i, since it deprives the unit of obtaining its fullest SEER efficiency rating. Ideally the variable speed 4TEE air handler should be used with any outdoor unit, as it can be set up to control humidity better and is more efficient.

With the XL15i, there is one air handler, the 4TEE3F65, that will match up to the 4TWX5042 and qualify for the tax credit. This air handler is huge though, around 63" tall and 26" wide, so space may be an issue, or it may not. Other brands have qualifying heat pumps in the 3.5-ton size that are easier to achieve the required ratings with. Carrier is one of them.

Does my grandmother need a new AC? Please help!

Comments (5)

ryanhughes

jockewing
Original Author

Related Discussions

ryanhughes

jockewing
Original Author

ryanhughes

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Does my grandmother need a new AC? Please help!

Comments (5)

ryanhughes

jockewingOriginal Author

Related Discussions

ryanhughes

jockewingOriginal Author

ryanhughes

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

jockewing
Original Author

jockewing
Original Author