New central A/C unit

11 years ago

My 30-40 year old a/c died yesterday. I am in the process of lining up some quotes for a replacement. My house is a 1950's rambler with a finished basement. I have about 1500 sq. ft. on the main floor and 700 sq. ft. in the basement. We had all new windows installed in 2009. When we use the a/c we keep the thermostat set to 76 or higher. I live in St. Paul, MN.

My first quote came back at $4163 for a 2 ton, 13 seer, R-401A Weather King. The quote also listed installing a new line set and a new condenser coil.

Is this reasonable? Can I do better? What questions should I be asking when they are doing the quote?

Thank you for the input!q

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Comments (15)

clocert
11 years ago
Did they say they will install a matching evaporator coil? and you want a new condenser unit, not a condenser coil.
clocert
11 years ago
And also, get the model numbers too.
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schneemaid
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, coil. I am pretty clueless. Does this seem like a reasonable price? Is 2 tons the right size? What are the good brands?

Just for fun, my furnace is a lennox elite series, probably about 12 years old. Model number g23q3-100-4' serial number 5897l 03435.
mike_home
11 years ago
A 2 ton condenser may be the right size for your house, but this is somthing the HVAC contractor should calculate. Neither undersized or oversized is good.

The best brands are Carrier/Bryant, Trane/American Standard, Rheem/Rudd. Lennox is one of the better brands. I suggest you get a match Lennox coil and condenser for your furnace. If your furnace has variable speeds consider getting a 2-stage condenser. These work well in climates with humid summers.

The price you got for a Weather King seems high. I don't know who makes Weather King, but it is likely low end equipment.
tigerdunes
11 years ago
On the high side...

What size are you replacing?

IMO
schneemaid
Original Author
11 years ago
I am not sure. Would it say somewhere on the unit? We bought this house 4 years ago, and the ac is at least 30 years old.
tigerdunes
11 years ago
Size should be on data plate on the side of the old condenser.

You want a new condenser and evap coil with best warranty including the condenser's compressor. Something to consider.

IMO
mike_home
11 years ago
The size is usually within the model number. Post it and someone may be able to dipher it.
schneemaid
Original Author
11 years ago
AFCO American Furnace St. Louis
Model# CL-29-1G
Serial# 96056

Thank you for all of the help!
RobbZee
11 years ago
How many people have you had quote this? I wouldn't stop at 1 - you won't know if you are getting a good deal or not. Be sure to ask what brand/model # they are going to install. You want to compare apples to apples, so it would be great if they were all going to install a similar unit.
schneemaid
Original Author
11 years ago
I have two guys coming tomorrow. We are going to ask about installing a new furnace, as ours is 14 years old.

As far as I can tell, my current AC stopped being produced in 1968, and it just quit running on Friday. 44 years on the job!
neohioheatpump
11 years ago
Thats pretty amazing your old A/C last 44 years. I bed it was very inefficient but if you didn't use too much probably not the end of the world. If you get quotes for the furnace it should be 95% efficient since your in Minnesota.
schneemaid
Original Author
11 years ago
Quote 1 (local guy):
-Luxaire TCJF 24 15 SEER $2985 (2 ton)
adding a 96%, 2 stage, multispeed Amana furnace would bring the total to $5285
-talked about improving my ductwork to make it more efficient
Quote 2 (Home Depot):
-Rheem, didn't leave model number, size, etc. $5995
plus a 2 stage furnace adds an additional $5995
-no clue about ductwork

Quote 2 guy went on and on. Where did you meet? We have financing, blah blah. He kept trying to play us against each other.
RobbZee
11 years ago
I would almost always go with a local guy over a "chain" store guy. I just think the local guys do a better job, there is more at stake for them. The chain store guy doesn't care as much about the reputation of the store but the local guy does. Of course that is just my opinion.
barrongreenteam
11 years ago
Ditch the the ducting and go with a ductless A/C system. We are rarely installing the antiquated (ducted) stuff anymore. I am surprised that no one talks about ductless on this website. It is like a bunch of dinosaurs of industry here!

Here is a link that might be useful: Ductless Info and Pictures

New central A/C unit

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