HVAC Sticker Shock

16 years ago

I just received a phone call from the HVAC dealer who will be installing our system and say the least, I was shocked at the cost. They have quoted three levels of Carrier zoned systems with 4 heat pump units - a 2 ton w/ 2 zones, a 3-1/2 ton w/ 2 zones, a 5 ton w/ 2 zones and a 1-1/2 ton. They all include the electronic air cleaning systems.

Entry Level System:

Both inside and outside equipment run at 100% when on - based on temperature regulation only. 13 sier (sp?) - $27,977.62

Mid-Level System:

Variable speed equipment inside and single speed outside. Outside unit will run at 100% all of the time and inside unit will run at a low speed inside when only removing humidity. 13 Sier - $30,363.11

Infinity System:

Variable speed equipment inside and out. Both will run on lower speed, until high speed necessary. Automatically come on at high speed when outdoor temperature is 95 degrees or above. 21 Sier - $38,031.36

We are building in humid Texas. Do these prices sound reasonable to you?

Thanks for any help you may offer.

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Comments (14)

bama_dude
16 years ago
mavs,the seer ratings will vary on each system.I doubt that the infinity systems you are getting are 21 seer.That claim is for one particular system,could be a straight cool 3 ton as an example.But since they have at least one system that achieves 21 seer they can claim up to 21 seer.The 5 ton wont be 21 seer for sure.Those prices sound in line for a reputable company with the quality Carrier equipment.You are talking about 4 complete systems including duct,ventalation etc.You wont be dissappointed with the variable speed staged systems.The infinity controls are top notch.I would question the sizing and zoning of the systems they have quoted.Why is zoning necessary and why only 2 zones on each system.That sounds fishy.Make sure they did a manual j calculation from the blue print.Very important with todays construction practices.
mavs_fan
Original Author
16 years ago
They did calculations based on our floor plan, window sizes, ceiling heights, etc. They used some type of computer program to compute the loads. The two ton with 2 zones is for two bedroom suites - two daughters with distinct differences in their ideas of a comfortable temperature in these bedrooms (these suites occupy the entire second floor). The 3-1/2 ton with 2 zones would be for the master wing of the main floor. The master bed and bath would be on one zone and the office/study would be on a separate zone (for working during the day). The 5 ton with 2 zones would be for the public areas. One zone would be for the formal living and dining rooms (up to 18' ceilings) and the second zone would include the kitchen and family rooms (actually a great room). The small 1-1/2 ton unit would be for a small guest/pool house.

Does the zoning, etc. make more sense now, or are there other questions I should be asking them?

Thank you so much for your assistance/information!!

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tigerdunes
16 years ago
MAVS

Let's see if I have this straight.

4 separate systems
12 tons heating/cooling
7 zones

I assume you will have great new home construction/insulation properties.

Putting price aside for the moment, I would want to see the heat/cool load calculations for each system broken out by each zone.

IMO
bob_brown
16 years ago
For Dallas, you have a very high bid. Get more bids.
21 SEER, not at this time in Dallas. For $38k, you can buy geothermal, or commercial water based systems.

You have too many zones for the system to work correctly. Most of the local companies CANNOT guarantee the multi-zoned systems will work. There are some capable designers in the area, I would imagine, but I wouldnt know where to look.
zzxx
16 years ago
You should be shocked. At the very least, get several other bids from reputable HVAC contractors and make your decision from there.
mavs_fan
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all so much for replying. My GC will be obtaining the load calculations from this contractor on Monday and he will be contacting additional HVAC contractors for bids.
mr_havac
16 years ago
"You have too many zones for the system to work correctly."
Four seperate systems, seven zones, three systems with two zones each and one system with one zone. Looks OK to me if thats what the plan is.
blacknumber1
16 years ago
Sorry, but no residential HVAC system is worth $38,000. No. Absolutely not. Thats more than half of what I paid for my home.
bob_brown
16 years ago
Hello BN, remember he is using 12 tons. This suggests a large house. If in the wrong part of town, this could be the going rate. In my area, I could probably use commercial equipment for about $8-10k for the equipment. He has a lot of duct to run. If it is custom square, it could cost $10k to install. Zone equipment and controllers are expensive.
blacknumber1
16 years ago
Geeze, you'd think at a point he would compromise for less expensive equipment, possibly two 6-ton variable speed units.

And around here they run spring specials, Amana central A/C installed for $1,299.
texas_al
16 years ago
I just had 2 systems put into my new house - 2-ton and 4-ton units with variable speed air handlers. The units are Trane 16i which are 2-stage compressors.

Also included were a Trane ERV system probably made by Honeywell and label Trane, and a 1-ton auxiliary minisplit system for the master bedroom.

Total was just under $17,000.

My house is about 1700 on the first floor and 450 upstairs. Located in North Texas.
bob_brown
16 years ago
Using the variable speed, the sizing sounds about right. Double the system size to get the variable speed to produce enough cooling for N. Texas. If you have average insulation, you would probably need about 3.5 -4 tons using a fixed speed system.
garyg
16 years ago
Wow. For a $28k to $38k price range, I would seriously consider Geothermal. I can't imagine the operating costs of running 4 units with the price of electricity in Texas. You are probably looking at a minumum $750/month electric bill in the summer. How about the replacement costs for these units in 10+ years? Double ouch.
blacknumber1
16 years ago
I stand by my pervious statement.

So how much are installers paid in that market? I am in the wrong damn buisness.

HVAC Sticker Shock

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