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Heating & Air Conditioning

Advice Needed on Replacement AC Package Unit for Condo

3 years ago

Hello All,

I am in the process of collecting bids to replace my 30 year old Rheem 3.5 ton HVAC gas pack in my 1850 square foot condo and would love your assistance.
I am currently looking at 3.5-4 ton, 14 SEER gas pack units. I live in LA (but near the water so it does not get very hot OR cold too often). My condo is 1850 square feet (1600 sf on the main level and 250 sf on the top level which we hardly use).

We plan on staying here for at least 15-20 plus years I am looking for a unit that is going to last a long time, relatively easy and affordable yearly maintenance, good warranty, easily available and affordable replacement parts. I am NOT interested in a very high SEER rating or anything with too many bells and whistles as they may break down. I am willing to pay a little extra for a product that will last longer.

1- Given that good installation and warranties are the most important factor, how can I compare contractors aside from personal recommendations and google/yelp reviews?

2- In terms of heating, is a AFEU rating between 80-83% okay (we only use the heat MAYBE 60 days per year)?

3- Given that by 2023 California is requiring all new units to have 15 SEER rating, would you suggest I install that over the 14 SEER units I was considering?

4-In terms of warranties, what should I be looking for? It is my understanding that most manufacturers give a 10 year warranty. Should I be asking them to break it down into parts? If so, how many years should I look for in the: AC compressor? the heater? heat exchanger? How many years should i get for the installation warranty AND is this different from the labor warranty? If so, how many years should I look for the labor warranty? Are there any specific brands that are known for excellent service and easy warranty claims?

5-Do you recommend I sign a maintenance agreement with my contractor?

6- I know that good installation is the most important but any brands and/or specific models do you recommend that fall into my priority list above? I was leaning towards 1- rheem, 2- bryant and 3- trane. Any specific brands I should stay away from?

ANY advice/guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you all in advance for your help.

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While you don't specify mdl numbers for either quote, I see no reason to replace the upstairs system particularly since the upstairs is rarely used and system has been thoroughly checked, in good working order, and has a reasonable service history without any major issues. Yes, you should expect to get a better overall deal by purchasing two systems rather than one system. However, a significant difference-rarely. Make certain you compare warranty differences and dealer has a good reputation in your community. Just for info, I prefer Trane and sister company, Am Standard. IMO Good Luck!
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Your refrigerant did not degrade or vanish it leaked out so you need to find out where it went the price they gave you for a leak search is not out of line you just need to make sure that they are willikng to take that cost off the price of any equipment they whish to sell you they will probably tell you your evap coil is leaking and if they take the 300 to 600 off the coil or equipment replacement you should be fine Here is a link that might be useful: Air Conditioning and Heating Repair Made Easy
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If you root around on line you will find the manufacturer's tables listing SEER/EER for various combinations, sometimes segregated into lists that meet the government rebate requirement. For a given condensing unit there'll be lists with air handlers and coils and the BTU and SEER ratings for that combination. You'll see what's possible, become a well informed buyer, especially with your background. That will put you in a great position to pay a fair price for what you need. ARI has even more extensive tables that include some cross-manufacturer combinations. One could guess that Ruud/Rheem is a good choice. They're Japanese owned these days, assuming that says something about quality, don't have anyone bad-mouthing them like the Goodman nay-sayers, and probably are halfway between Goodman and the hyped brands in price. Much of what I said above is from casual reading, so apply 'wtfdik' and 'fwiw'.
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Sorry, did not say I plan to DIY, just trying to be knowledgable on it before getting bids. This is not a main home and it can be trouble trying to schedule and even get bids. This would be the second package type unit I have purchased but first was for a beach house where the wiring was allowed to be placed without disconnects since it came through the wall and was placed on stilts. Done with conduit and J boxes all the way back to the panel. Bus Driver, breakers were the ones installed by the mobile manufacturer. Its a 10 year old mobile, I checked and 40A is what the unit calls for on the condenser. Now you are probably right if you meant the air handler (80A) but I think its sized in case all three heat strips are connected. Now as far as one mess to another you might be correct since the unit they put in there is the crappiest thing ever. There are several reasons why I prefer a package type unit, on a home where the ductwork comes through the floor. If this was a stick built home I would "stick" with a split system. Question was this, when you need a disconnect bigger than 60A what do you use, and yes many of the package units I am looking at need more than 60A protection for the heating side.
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