Yea that’s insane pricing. I had a new 4 ton Trane (same as American Standard) XR16 AC and S9V2 furnace installed in Chicagoland area last April for $8200 with $600 in rebates for a total of $7600. The AC unit was about $4k. Get some more quotes. I got about 7 and they were all over the place.

Contractors are busy right now so you would pay a premium. Try to wait until fall or spring for best pricing.

Thanks dva79. AC and furnace for $7600 ? My prices included the rebates, so they are triple.

I looked up the XR16, is it single stage ? I have been asking for 2-stage and variable, I am wondering how much that accounts for the difference.

I have 3 more quotes coming aside from the 2 I have gotten, hopefully, they will be more reasonable.

The XR16 is single stage but I have it paired with the S9V2 furnace that has a variable speed blower.

Even with the the variable speed condenser those prices are outrageous. Definitely get more quotes and ask many question until you find the best installer at a fair price. You don’t want the cheapest quote (I had some but was supscious of their quality of install).

We have different markets but I can’t imagine it’s that different between Boston and Chicago. Since you need the new variable speed blower that will add cost but it still seems high. See what others on here say.

There is no real rule of thumb as far as pricing goes. Also market conditions, competiveness, location, time of year play a role in pricing. I assume you heat with boiler heat, either fueled by oil or nat gas. Also, I will assume this is a straight changeout, no add ons. For high end high efficiency systems, I would expect a range of $18-20 K for 2 AC systems. Don't know your home but 8 tons of cooling seems overkill. But with 2 stage systems, probably not a big deal. Keep us posted on your other quotes. Good Luck!

IMO

Yes, straight changeout - replace the outside units, replace the inside air handlers. Current system is a 4 and a 3 ton unit, but extra space was added on over the years. I have a Buderus gas boiler.

Will be getting 2-3 more quotes next week, will post results. $20K was what I was expecting for both systems, not each.

You stated you have 4300 sq. feet of living space, but 900 sq. feet is a finished basement. If the basement is mostly underground then the cooling load is close to zero. That leaves 3400 sq. feet of area to be cooled. I don't see why you are being quoted two 4 ton units to replace the current 4 and 3 tons systems. Did the current systems keep the house at the desired temperature on a typical hot day?

I would expect a 4 ton variable speed system with zoning to be in the $12-$13K range. You may do a little better on pricing and have an opportunity for manufacturer's rebates if you wait until the fall.

We don't see the homes and their design/layout including ceiling hts. We do harp on cooling load capacity as many homeowners and dealers like to oversize. If systems are at least two stage, I don't see any issue except on operating costs. As long as ductwork can handle the cooling CFMs, that should be verified both supplies and returns by your dealer. Think about it though. Mike is correct. Generally basements carry little to no cooling load. Humidity though might be a concern if basement has actual useful living area. What is the useful living area for both zones minus basement?

IMO

The summer outside design temperature for the Boston area is about 87 F degrees. That is mild compared to most of the US. If a HVAC installer is proposing to increase the size and wants $40K then he should be supplying a load calculation for each zone.

40K for two ACs is absolutely insane for a simple swap out. IMO

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. Some extra info:

There are two issues here, proper sizing and price.

Regarding price, the research I did indicated that a reasonable price for the two systems together is $16K to $20K, counting the fact I am in a HCOL area. The two quotes so far have taken me by surprise, I will have at least 2 more next week and will provide an update. I am going through a similar issue with getting my sump pump system replaced - it is 8 years old and it looks like all of it needs to be replaced. The parts are $700, the first quote I received is for $2700 installed. Waiting on some other quotes.

As far as sizing, the house is 3400sf plus a 900ft basement which is finished to a level comparable to the rest of the house, and is used a lot. I like to keep it at 72 or less to control the humidity, rest of house is warmer. Another factor is that the first and second floors have 10 ft ceilings, and the first floor is mostly open space, and I have a lot of windows, more than 50.

I know I should have someone do a test, I might do that, but it is difficult enough to even get free quotes around here - many places want to count it as a service call.

Currently, when the temp gets over 90, it is very hard to keep the upstairs below 80. The basement and a room over the garage were added after the initial HVAC installed, and both systems were then split into two zones.

Interesting that one quote was based on sq ft measurements, the other was based on existing duct sizes and compressor sizes and taking down a history of how well it was working for me.

Again, thanks,

Andy

As someone poster above, pricing tends to be regional but $40k for two replacement systems (straight swap our) is ridiculous. Get more estimates. I think your estimate of $20k is entirely reasonable........ even in Boston.

Its been 4 years since your post but now thats the rate for modulating equipment. 5 ton moduling heat pump is 8k from supply house and that doesnt incluce furnace or fan coil