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Heating & Air Conditioning

A few questions about new A/C purchase

14 years ago

Hello -- I've been lurking a few weeks here and have learned a lot from all of you about the wild world of AC -- thank you for all of you who help us out!

Anyway, I have a 11-year old AC system (York 12 SEER, 2 units -- 1 up 1 down), and both evaporator coils are leaking, and the outside coils are about 25-30% corroded from salt in the air (I am near the Gulf of Mexico). Anyway, I have decided rather than patch up the old units, I will purchase a new outside/inside unit that uses R410A. Since the furnaces (gas) are fine, I plan on keeping the old furnaces for now so I can afford to replace both AC units, with the expectation that those will be upgraded in another several years.

I have talked with about 7-8 contractors, and am in the process of settling on 1. I am looking at Goodman 16 SEER systems. 4 ton downstairs and 3 ton upstairs. He is going to replace the evaporator coil and condensor only.

Some questions:

1. I understand I will not get 16 SEER with our old single speed furnace. However, will using the old furnace cause any problems? My hope is to get by with this old furnace for a few years (at lesser efficiency), and then put in a variable speed furnace in the next few years.

2. Should I get an expansion valve added to the system?

3. Since I am just buying the evaporator coils and condensor units and using my old single speed blower, will I still qualify for the federal tax rebate (I know these systems are part of it, but do I still get it if I use my old blower)?

4. How can I verify that the installation company has sufficient licensing and insurance?

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Comments (4)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
1. Not if he sets the airflow accordingly for each unit. 16 SEER Goodmans in those sizes aren't 2-stage, so variable speed isn't as important at this point. However, get the model numbers because I believe Goodman came out with a new 16 SEER DSX16 which IS 2-stage in all sizes.

2. I would think one's required for the proper matchup. Check with your dealer on what Goodman requires.

3. No. Your current furnaces will not allow the units to obtain the required 13 EER/16 SEER rating. Many times "16 SEER" units don't even get that with new variable speed blowers.

4. You can ask for references and check the BBB. You can also see if they are truly licensed by asking for their license #. There are plenty of good companies that sell Goodman, but also many who are uninsured (and possibly even unlicensed) using the brand because its the only one they can obtain. Carrier, Trane, Lennox, etc. won't sell to them.
fluffybunnysui
14 years ago
What state are you located in?
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jeffmo
Original Author
14 years ago
Texas -- Houston area
fluffybunnysui
14 years ago
Here is the link below for the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. From their main page, go to the right side and do a "Search Licensees by License Type". Enter the name of the company, license number or just the zip code for your area to find licensed contractors in your area. You can also do a "Search Violations by License Type" to see if any of the contractors giving you bids have been in trouble with the state in the past.

Hope this helps

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation

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