Replacing AC and Heat Pump in Southwest FL - Rheem? and Price question

8 years ago

I have a 1700 sq ft. house in Sarasota FL that needs a new unit. I have a few different quotes, but all are not equal as some of the salesmen did not look in the attic. The most thorough quoted $6995 for a 3.5 ton 14 seer Rheem unit. They will also add 2 returns and one duct and replace the return ducts in the attic as they said they are uninsulated metal and replace the copper line. They told me the 15 seer model is $800 more, but online I see it sells for about $250 more. They said the 14 seer is very efficient and the extra cost for the 15 seer is not warranted. Is this a fair price? I have read several reviews of folks that were unhappy with the Rheem ac units - what do you think? Also, is it a reasonably quiet unit? I was told the job would take 3 men one day.
Thanks!

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Comments (6)

tigerdunes
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What size are you replacing and how did it perform as far as comfort and cost?...it would help to know the model numbers of the system Rheem dealer proposes.

IMO
PRO
Austin Air Companie
8 years ago
There is no way you can compare on line prices to what a contractor is quoting. If you call the on line store, will they come to your home?

Read the warranty fine print requirements.

If you buy something on line, you are responsible for the warranty return.

Do you have the stomach for that ride if something bad happens?

It would be like going to McDonalds and seeing a burger of theirs is $4 and has a 1/4 pounds of beef. You tell them, HEY! I can buy a whole pound of beef at the grocery store for $1.99 a pound.

Guess what they will tell you...

#Go for it.
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You should definitely be pricing with just heat pump. I live in NC which probably is a bit colder in the winter. We get down to the teens but only 15 nights a year maybe. Our winter average low is about 30. Under 10 degrees is definitely a news story. I have 5000 sq ft. I'm looking at my NG bill of $30. I have dual fuel and seer 16 heat pumps. Last winter was very cold and I spent about $700 with $200 being gas. This winter is going to be $120 in gas. My electric rates are similar to yours without the first 1000 discount. What is my point? Your gas usage will likely be $100 a year. Even if that were replaced with all heating strips, you'd be saving $200 a year or so. Since it would probable be 80% heat pump still, the dual fuel is only saving you $40 a year. So a $2500 furnace to save $40 a year seems a little crazy (on dollars alone). Turns out for me, it is probably worth it but only marginally so. I have a 90% (which you should be able to do as mine is basement with horizontal PVC exhaust). It probably saves $60-$70 on an average year. Probably cost $2000 (new house - I can't remember). What is that a 30 year payback (or never if you count interest or NG rates increase)? You do get some flexibility and you can setback at will with dual fuel. That is worth something.
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Give these guys a call: (301) 972-0017. They are a good, honest company (Don Hoffacker's). Don't be afraid to get a couple more quotes--this isn't a simple decision and you don't seem to be overly comfortable with the dealers you've met with so far (correct?). I'm not in the HVAC business actually, just have a little knowledge about the subject by interest. On to your questions: 1. Service Experts is a large company. Larger companies just tend to be higher in price to meet their overhead and because "they can." 2. To tell you the truth I don't think you'd have a problem with any one of those companies. I think Hottel is providing you with the most reasonable price on the Lennox. I wouldn't expect much more than that. 3. For comfort and efficiency, it may be worth it to you. Right now there's a $1500/30% tax credit meaning you get 30% of total installed price up to $1500 off your taxes--basically like money off the top of the installation cost. There are certain minimums needed depending on what type of system you go with, but a 3 ton system should have no problem finding qualifying matches. If going with Carrier, I would not consider the 24ABB3 series model--it's the base/builder model. The 24ACB3 is a better model with a longer compressor warranty. You probably want to start your own thread for all posts hereafter, just to keep it all organized.
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Tigerdunes - "Triple-split" is the term I have heard used when the compressor is located outside of the heat pump housing. In my case the compressor is in the garage, HP is outside and air handler is in the house. It may be referred to as something else as well but the folks I have talked to call it that. The specs you list are likely what I will go with (at least very close). Specs aside, my biggest concern has to do with top brands. Top meaning reliable, efficient, good warranty, etc. The current system has heated well but has not cooled very well since we moved here in '96. And yes, I will have the duct system looked over to ensure everything is sized correctly. Carrier doesn't seem to have a very good warranty. Would that concern you at all? Golfer1512 - I had someone who works in the industry tell me Tranes aren't what they used to be and the manufacturer isn't standing behind their warranty in some cases. That's only one persons experience but it concerns me. I have heard of the stats from CR saying Rheems require less repairs. I have a contractor coming over next week who swears they are the best HPs out there right now. But I am a natural born skeptic when someone is selling me something! :- ) Thank you both for replying! I really do appreciate it. Please keep the responses coming as the more information I have the better. Ron
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mike_home
8 years ago
The installed price is usually twice the equipment price. So if the equipment is $250 higher, than the price to you would be about $500. What you don't know is how much your installer is paying his distributor. It might be higher or lower than what you are seeing on line.

Please don't think you are being charged an extra $800 for one point increase in SEER rating. It is a different model with different features. That is why you need to have the model numbers of all the equipment you are considering. In addition the upgraded condenser may require a different coil which may be more expensive. This also has to be factored into the quote.

A 3.5 ton AC for 1700 sq. feet seems a bit large. It might be needed since this is an attic installation. Has anyone done a load calculation?
PRO
Austin Air Companie
8 years ago
So are you saying McDonalds buys beef at $1.99 a pound doubles the price and then sells that pound of beef in 4 burgers at $4 each thus making $16-2 = $14 a pound?

And to top all that off they don't bring it to your home?

#You're almost there to understanding capitalism don't stop now.
mike_home
8 years ago
Not sure what the connection is between the fast food business and HVAC. What point are you trying to make?
PRO
Austin Air Companie
8 years ago
Just wondering if when hit with a bill at a restaurant you start asking the order taker, the manager etc. a break down for the cost of ingredients and how much they are making on the transaction?

#Bringing it to your attention how foolish this is.

Replacing AC and Heat Pump in Southwest FL - Rheem? and Price question

Comments (6)

tigerdunes

Austin Air Companie

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mike_home

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