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Heating & Air Conditioning

Gut says one thing - dollars say another

15 years ago

I have two proposals in hand. I have already eliminated because of price comparision to identical equipment from other installer.

All installers reccomend increasing tonnage from 3 to 4 tons. System is old and the individual who services unit has made the same recommendation for several years along with need to replace due to age and general condition of unit.

Proposal 1 is for American Standard 4.0 ton 13 seer R22 and matching coil. Same make American Standard 80kBTU Gas Furnace. New System less thermostat, and duct work installed is $5916.06. Checked out BBB one complaint last 36 resolved service issue.

Proposal 2 Rudd 13 Seer R22 4.00 and coil and new furnace.

New thermostat, adds an additional ceiling return in a distant part of the house and one more vent in a larger room. Everything same except additional return, vent and thermostat and Rudd equipment $7800. total.

This individual has been my airconditioning man for several years and I know him well. I have a certain element of trust in him.

Please tell me is it worth $1900 to go with #2. If you can make me see the difference price wise Amer Std vs Rudd and the additional vent, I can place a value on my relationship with my guy. That is what is weighing heaviest on me .

Last thing- How much should I reasonably expect to see in increase if I go from 13 to 14 Seer to new coolant on a price request

Thanks very much

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Comments (3)

udarrell_2007
15 years ago
Those equipment brands are okay, most are comparatively equal.

The quality of the installation is by far the most important factor!

I want a scroll compressor & a TXV metering device on the matched cooling coil. Many talk trash about Goodman equipment, however when properly installed it perform with any of the other brands.

Personally, I would get more bids.

Many times they go up in equipment size because the higher SEER units have smaller BTUH capacity compressors.

I would do everything that is cost-effective to reduce the heat-gain/heat-loss & then size in accordance with a manual J load calc!

Talk to your Ruud contractor & see if he might come closer to the other bid.

Read "all the linked pages" & learn all you can about HVAC & quality ductwork & installation. That could save you a lot of money & headaches! - udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: Authentic HVAC Benefits - Genuine Customer Satisfaction
garyg
15 years ago
Is your ductwork large enough to handle the increase from 3 tons of cooling btu's to 4 tons?
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ryanhughes
15 years ago
It looks like the Ruud guy is taking into account the increase in tonnage and the need to alter the ductwork to compensate for it, whereas the A/S guy is not. A/S makes a 13 SEER R-410a unit, and so does Ruud. So, you are replacing the furnace? I would go for one with a variable-speed fan for added comfort, humidity removal, and energy savings--however, it is not absolutely necessary.

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