Replacement of Central AC Unit

15 years ago

Would appreciate some opinions/advice. 1,500 sq. ft, single level home, 20 yrs. old, SW Florida-Port Charlotte. Original AC unit is 2.5 ton Rheem, single speed, that is now getting ready to go the way of the dinosaurs. Unit has done an excellent job all these years. Folks have gotten two quotes (from well established firms in area) and I'd like to help them make the best decision.

Quote 1 for 3 ton, 13 SEER Frigidaire split system with 10 kw electric heating; digital thermostat/humidistat (5 yr warr.); new plenum in garage, new refrigerant line upside 1/4 to 3/8, all labor, moldicide; 5yr labor, 10yr parts, 15 yr maintenance. $3,450

Quote 2 for 2.5 Carrier 13/14/15 SEER with 10kw electric heating; digital control; pad with anchors; plenums, etc.; 1yr labor, 5yr parts, 10 yr. compressor; 13 SEER $4,840 minus $500 if cash, 14 SEER $4,975 , 15 SEER $5,320.

Folks are mid-80's and I anticipate that they'll be in the house maybe another 5-8 years.

Are the quotes reasonable or should we keep looking? Is Frigidaire an acceptable unit? All comments, observations, guidance will be most appreciated

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Comments (3)

baldloonie
15 years ago
Frigidaire is a nice unit. No reason it should be different in price from comparable Carrier equipment wise. Check out the credentials of the contractors carefully. You can bump a 13 SEER unit to 14 SEER with a variable speed air handler, a nice feature in Florida as they have a dehumidify blower ramp up profile or can use the Vision Pro IAQ and dehumidify on demand.
udarrell_2007
15 years ago
You're south of Tampa, Tampa summer outdoor design 91 dry bulb, 77 wet bulb around 53% relative humidity with around 2800 hours of runtime a year.

First, I would do everything you can that will provide investment payback toward reducing the heat-gain.

Then have a manual J heatload calc done; a manual S for sizing equipment, then a manual D for the ductwork.

When that is done select the equipment.
I agree with Baldloonie, on the variable speed air handler & the SEER.

In your climate & 2800 hours of runtime, for me, I would probably go for the 14-SEER & matching coils, with a Copeland scroll compressor & a TXV metering device, with that variable speed AH & a good setpoint on/off differential room T stat. Where you're located in Florida, that Vision Pro IAQ, Model TH9421, ought to work okay. - udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: HVAC CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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garymunson-2008
15 years ago
My suggestion would be the cheaper 13 SEER unit plus a heat recovery unit to provide free hot water. I've used HRU's for over 20 years with great results. Usually at least a $20 monthly savings on your electric bill.

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Replacement of Central AC Unit

Comments (3)

baldloonie

udarrell_2007

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garymunson-2008

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