Good pricing for new Carrier and Trane a/c systems

15 years ago

I live about 20 min. east of Annapolis, MD, and my Goodman A/C system is almost 9 years old. This is one unit that is probably not meant to cool my whole house. I've repaired it several times this summer, and I'm told it's on it's last leg. Two different repairmen have said that I've got another 6 mos max left on it.

I got my first estimate on replacing it. This contractor recommends a Carrier system (upstairs-2 ton, downstairs-2.5 ton). The quote is for a 14-Seer system, with Puron heatpump and airhandler, 10KW heat package, 7-day programmable thermostat, duct work, and bubble wrap insulation on duct work for $17,500. He gave me a separate price of $4,800 to add a subpanel (current breaker box is used up) & wire the new heatpumps/airhandlers. That's $22,300 total! My house is 2 floors w/ 2400 sq. ft. and 19 windows. This seems like a really high price, so I want to shop around.

How much should I expect to pay for the whole system installed if the subpanel is not an issue? The contractor first told me it would be about $7,000 total, then $12,000, then this whopping price. Also, I've seen a lot of great things about Trane sytems and was condering that.

If any contractors local to MD would like to give me some feedback, that would be really great! I know the prices vary greatly from place to place. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

gsistore
15 years ago
Hi there, we carry Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Payne, York etc. units and if you ever need equipment pricing to compare around just email us....admin@gsistore.com
ryanhughes
15 years ago
GSI Store,

He is in Maryland and looking for installation ballpark pricing.

I'm in Montgomery County, so I'm sure the prices differ a bit, but for a complete installation INCLUDING new ductwork, you could very well be looking into the $10-$14k range. The ductwork replacement adds to the cost. Without the ductwork, I could imagine $7-10k depending on which system you went with. I recommend a Carrier heat pump with a variable-speed air handler. Trane would be fine as well, but you have to be careful with the ratings on some of their heat pumps (heating performance, SEER, etc.). It's best to get a few quotes to compare. Tell them on the phone that you are looking for a company to perform a full Manual J load calculation to determine equipment sizing. Oversized equipment is NOT efficient nor does it tend to have a long lifespan or remove humidity. Good luck. Oh, and just for an idea, I got a quote of, if I recall correctly, $7755 for a Trane 4-ton XL15i with variable-speed air handler and $8585 for a Bryant Evolution system with matching air handler and control (this is basically the top-of-the-line system on the market today--essentially same thing as Carrier's Infinity). Those were the prices without the rebates, and they did not include ductwork. This company is very reputable but does not service Annapolis.
Related Discussions
Choice Between Trane, American Standard, and Carrier HVAC Systems
Q
Comments (23)
The system proposed by the Carrier distributor does not include an Infinity controller. He is providing a Honeywell thermostat. Condenser is 24ACC636. Coil is either CNPVP3717. To repeat, the furnace is Infinity 80, model 58CVA090, 80% 90K BTU. He will price a whole house box filter for me, but as he explained it so me, its value to me looks pretty marginal. The American Standard distributor does not recommend a variable speed motor although he can provide one at a little higher price. His reason is that his experience has shown that the variable speed motors are more likely to burn out sooner and if not under warranty, they cost about $1250 to replace. I asked the Carrier distributor about experiences with the variable speed motor being more likely to burn out. He reports no troubles with variable speed motors and has been using them for 10 years of more. The ECM motors used are covered by ten-year warranty along with the rest of the equipment.
...See More
Advice, Trane XL14C or Carrier Performance
Q
Comments (2)
The Trane, since it has the variable speed blower with Comfort-R capability, is my pick. I prefer the TCONT802/803 thermostat over the 400 series. It's touchscreen and programmable and is part of the premium range of thermostats on the market today (Honeywell VisionPRO series). Either one's performance depends on capability and competence of installers, and correct sizing, ductwork, etc.
...See More
pricing on new Carrier system install?
Q
Comments (16)
The new salesman (my 4th bid) says my heat strips are 5 kw, and his equipment will match that. Below is his bid. Quite a bit less expensive. This is without the federal tax credit subtracted, as far as I know, but am checking on that to be sure. The condenser, I believe, is 1-stage, the handler, variable. Any opinions welcome. Carrier 1 - " 3.0 ton 15.0 SEER Puron Heat Pump System FV4BNF005 - " Variable speed air handler with 5kw heater 25HCB536 - " 15 SEER Heat Pump $ 5,300.00 Carrier Instant Rebate -150.00 Total $ 5,150.00 *This system qualifies for the Federal Tax Credit. Includes: Wood platform top, concrete condenser pad, enlarging return grill and a digital thermostat. Warranty: Ten years on compressor, coils and limited parts, one year all parts and labor. . Will connect to existing copper, electric and ductwork.
...See More
Good price for a Trane 16 seer heat pump system
Q
Comments (12)
Look at all the numbers. Trane pumps are light on heating, espcially when on an A coil for dual fuel. Also "16" model units may not hit 16 SEER in a lot of matches. Example: most of the matches for the 3 ton 16i show a heat output around 30,000 BTU. Hmmm, where did the other 1/2 ton go? SEER runs 14-15. It does better with TWE air handler though with the new 039 air handler, output again is around 30K. So look at www.ari.org and see output, SEER, EER and HSPF for the unit/coil combo you are choosing. Get away from the 2 stage outdoor unit. That really adds to the cost of the job. That unit on low is effectively about 80% of high, you won't notice a real big diff. Also the dehumidification capability of the 16i on low cool is poor. We just did a job using Nordyne (Tappan) equipment. Warranty blows away Trane's. 95% 2 stage variable speed furnace, 15 SEER R410a heat pump that qualifies for the tax credit so she's getting $500 off her taxes this year. Electronic air cleaner, UV bulb, chimney liner, Vision Pro IAQ, 10 year labor warranty on top of Tappan's 10 year parts and replacement pledge. Our price about what you are paying for the XL16i then take off the $500 tax credit. Oh and she got a new 50 gallon WH too. We also sell American-Standard but encourage people away from it just from the low heat output.
...See More
udarrell_2007
15 years ago
I live about 20 min. east of Annapolis, MD, and my Goodman A/C system is almost 9 years old. This is one unit that is probably not meant to cool my whole house. I've repaired it several times this summer, and I'm told it's on it's last leg. Two different repairmen have said that I've got another 6 mos max left on it.
----------
I would not put much stock in someone telling me my A/C only had another 6 mos max left to go!

Nine years old is NOT old in my book. In you climate area there may be around 850 to 900 hours of runtime a season.

An A/C system properly installed, setup& maintained could last 20 years or more.

Do NOT expect to save a lot on utility bills with new equipment, as it may not happen.

The chart claims are unrealistic & their use should be disallowed in adverising. See the linked pdf California Research Findings on the Web page below.

I have several pages posted way prior to that CA research warning contractors NOT to use those SEER charts.

I would NOT rush into anything, you need a tech that wants to help you keep your present A/C running for many years; I am betting a good tech could do it.
- udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: Air-Conditioner SEER Efficiency
guinnesses
15 years ago
9 years old is middle aged for most systems. However, a Goodman that was made 5-15 years ago is of a very bad vintage. The condensor fan motor and dual capacitor are the two biggest problems that I've seen with this unit. I imagine you've made these repairs.

The compressor on these units are short lived due to the condensor fan not running while the compressor stays on. It's like running your car's engine without the radiator fan. There's no pressure switch to protect the compressor. It overheats and does damage.

Good pricing for new Carrier and Trane a/c systems

Comments (4)

gsistore

ryanhughes

Related Discussions

udarrell_2007

guinnesses

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US