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Heating & Air Conditioning

new a/c system, ducts quote - What info in writing?

15 years ago

Help! Need to know what should be specified in a written estimate to install ductwork and central airconditioning in my house : 50 years old, 2000 Sq ft. 2 story colonial. I received 2 estimates and both specified the same size unit, both for Goodman (1 was for Goodman 13 SEER, other for Goodman 15 SEER).

I received one estimate for:

"Goodman 13 SEER 3.5 ton, model GSC 130421 and matching coil". I understand that part, but the following is in their quote and seems very vague to me:

"Complete with all materials necessary for proper operation. We will also install condenser coil line set digital Honeywell Thermostat. A/C pad and insulated metal trunk and central return".

My question to you is what specific info do I ask them for in writing that was not included in their estimate?

Please respond ASAP because I have to get the installation done soon.

THANK YOU !!!!

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Comments (5)

dmand
Original Author
15 years ago
More info on house: existing baseboard heat, so install is for ductwork and AC only.
ryanhughes
15 years ago
I would strongly suggest more than just one central return. How did they size the equipment and ductwork (hopefully by Manual J and Manual D)? Need much more details. What thermostat model? What kind of ductwork (flex connects with metal trunklines, etc.)? etc.

Also, did you request Goodman equipment? There are other brands out there that you can look into.
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You need to look for another contractor. The fact that your air handler is 'upsized' compared to your condenser, is not in itself a problem. You need to have a proper heat calculation done. Did they show you a printed copy? What did they say regarding your LATENT heat gain (read, humidity)? This is your problem. Judging by your electric bill, you don't seem to have a very high cooling demand, so throwing more tonnage at the problem could make your situation worse, by shortening the time your a/c runs, thus making your house muggy. New returns are often a good idea, but should be part of a total duct system evaluation. It's quite possible that your current system (handling what? 2, 2 1/2 tons) will be undersized for 4 tons which will take its toll on your system and be noisy. V
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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.
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It's been a while, so I thought I'd update this post. I'm satisfied with the MAN-J even though I didn't ask for the hard copy. I watched him perform it...checking insulation, windows, exposures, etc. I also got more quotes, and eventually was going back and forth between two companies until one of them lost their temper :). He started bashing the "other" company, saying he never heard of them and that they probably sub-contract the work. In reallity, the other company is a member of the BBB and has had only one complaint ever filed...which was satisfactorily resolved. They have been in business since the 1970s. The guy that was doing the bashing...well his company isn't even listed with the BBB...but then I found out he's only been in business "in this area" since May of this year. The decision became pretty easy at that point. So, for $7240.00 completely installed...I get... 1) Lennox XP19-060 2 stage, R410A, DLSS 5Ton 16.3 Seer 2) Lennox CBX32MU-060 Variable SP R410A, DLSS 8KW Heat output. 3) Honeywell VisionPro 8000 thermostat (8320 I think) 4) New airhandler stand 5) New line set 1 1/8 / 3/8 Oh, and I get $1000.00 cash back by mail, so really only $6240. I think I did pretty well. :) Flessan
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Um, yeah, about the balancing thing: that never happened. We have three 2 ton units for a 3029sq ft house. One is for upstairs (about 700 sq ft), one for the master suite (about 600 sq ft) and one for the "main" area of the house (about 1700 sq ft). Anyone who can explain THAT? As it was explained to me: instead of a 4 ton unit for downstairs, I would need 2 2ton units because it was just "impossible" to get ducts all the way across the house to the master suite AND get any type of air flow WAYYYY over there. Fortunately, the house is comfortable, we only have to run the a/c unit for the master at night, and our last electric bill was $109. I just want to add a vent to that walk-in closet because it gets so warm. What exactly is a "room return air duct?"
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udarrell_2007
15 years ago
We have very little information with which to make any comments.

First, always do what will save energy & show good payback, then have the Manual J, S, & D done.

Goodman is okay "when properly installed." None are okay if not properly installed!

TYPE OF CLIMATE? What (state) & large city do you lived near?
- udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: PROPER SIZING OF EQUIPMENT & DUCTWORK
dmand
Original Author
15 years ago
Live in NJ, Morris County, 1 hour from New York City. Summers are hot and humid.
I have had 2 estimates done and neither one did the "Manual J/S/D". Both specified only 1 central return at top of stairs (stairs are in the center of my house). I picked the 2 installers from personal references of neighbors. I have called other HVAC installers and seems majority in my area are pushing Goodman units. Your advice will probably be to keep looking for an installer.

Anybody out there know a good AC installer in NJ area?
ryanhughes
15 years ago
To me, for a 3.5-ton system, one central return will have to move a considerable amount of air (~1400 cfm), and this will bring some noise with it. If nothing else, I'd suggest another return for the top floor if you can't bring one to the first story (I'm assuming this is an attic retrofit job). I can't comment on a contractor in the NJ area, but possibly someone else knows of someone. Try getting a bid on a Carrier or Trane system just for comparison.

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