Heating A/C Replacement Questions

[mcknigs]

The furnace and central AC units in our house were there when we moved in 12.5 years ago. I think they were relatively new at the time. We’ve had no problem with the furnace. We’ve had some problems with the AC.

The wife is talking to a co-worker about Federal tax credits for replacing old heating and A/C with energy-efficient stuff. I’m trying to get a sense for how much money I might save in heating/cooling costs with the new stuff compared to the ~15 year old stuff I have. Does anyone have a sense for this?

I’m also trying to figure out how much potential usable life is left in the stuff I have already. How long can A/C units and furnaces made 15 years ago be expected to last?

Finally, my wife’s co-worker is telling her that if we replaced the A/C unit, we must also replace the furnace, because the two work together and modern A/C units can’t work with older furnaces. True? BS? What’s that about?

Thanks,
-Scott

[ACfixer]

You'll need to replace both the furnace and a/c unit together to get the tax credit on a split system. A newer a/c will work just fine with an older furnace, you just won't get the tax credit. How much will you save? Overall knock about 40% off of the heating/air portion of your utilities on overage. As far as life expectancy it's 15-20 years. It will last longer if properly maintained by keeping the units clean and keeping a clean R/A filter installed.

[twinrider1]

AC, any thoughts on if they'll extend the tax credit?

[RCM78]

There's always some sort of rebate for high efficiency equipment going on... Don't let the tax credit be the driving force in your decision...

[ACfixer]

AC, any thoughts on if they'll extend the tax credit?

No clue really. But what RCM said usually holds true, it's just that this particular discount is very easy to get. Most of the other ones I have seen require some serious hoop-jumping. Right now, at least in my neck of the woods if you're already thinking of a new system, going to the next level is a no-brainer because the tax credit is actually more than the increased equipment cost.

[mcknigs]

Thanks. Do you have a ballpark idea of what it would cost to replace A/C and furnace with Energy Star stuff for a house that's abut 1,750 sq feet?

-Scott

[Guitar Josh]

Thanks. Do you have a ballpark idea of what it would cost to replace A/C and furnace with Energy Star stuff for a house that's abut 1,750 sq feet?

-Scott

In your area, probably $7500+.

[RCM78]

Thanks. Do you have a ballpark idea of what it would cost to replace A/C and furnace with Energy Star stuff for a house that's abut 1,750 sq feet?

-Scott

Be careful with "energy star". Unless you're planning a house renovation you dont want your HVAC equipment sized to energy star standards.

High efficiency is one thing, energy star is another.

[bluesjuke]

Heating A/C replacement?

No R9 for you!

[MERCYFULFATE]

mine ac/heater stuff is over 25 years old.works fine but you do have to do maintenance like with anything else.