New Air Conditioner Advice?

[Jarrett]

I'm at a point where I'm pouring a ton of money into my AC/Heating unit at home to keep it running while paying out crazy electric bills and not being at a comfortable temp. I'm considering replacing the whole system and looking for advice on what to get. I'm trying to heat/cool a 2650 sq foot place. One company is recommending a 5 ton/13 Seer system minimum but said that a 16 or 20 SEER system but would be $2000-$4000 more expensive.

Any suggestions on good ideas for new AC/Heat systems? Trying to go bang for the buck. Thanks in advance.

[Joe Dirt]

For where you live (south of DFW right?) I would look at a heat pump with the highest seer rating you can afford. It will cost more now but save big in the long run.

[Doodad]

Had the same problem a few years ago on a system that was 23 years old! Replaced with a middle of the road, but high end for that brand. The two stage units do a great job in combo with a thermo that can be programmed. I am heating and cooling almost the same space but part is basement so that changes things a bit. We have been very happy and the money we saved on going middle of the pack unit allowed us to add a hepa filtration and whole house humidifier on the system (which was the real kicker for our short heating needs). We did spend about 6 grand though all told. Name brand would have been much more for the same system and here we are five years later cool and/or warm.

[ACfixer]

Jarret, the higher seer ratings will get you in the mix for a $1500 tax credit. It will mostly offset the increase in initial cost so if you can afford to lay out another $2K until tax time next year, you'll get most of it back. The other $500 will be offset pretty quickly by lower utility bills.

The downside is that the fancier the equipment, the more finicky it is and the more important it is that it's installed correctly. If your HVAC contractor has a good reputation that shouldn't be an issue.

Based on the limited info you provided it's impossible to know exactly what you need, but I can tell you this... May is a great month for negotiating with HVAC contractors. Shop around.

[RCM78]

Just so you understand, 5 ton's is 5 ton's no matter what the SEER rating. A higher seer rating will not cool your house any better then a lower seer rating. A higher seer rating will provide that cooling while using less energy.

So, I would also suggest you get the highest seer rating you can afford. Make sure the new system uses R-410a refrigerant. It's the new standard and I personally think it works better in higher seer equipment.

Normally I would recomend two seperate systems for a house that size but that would be expensive.

Get at least three estimates. Try to use name brand equipment that has a reputable dealer in your area. I like Trane, Lennox, Carrier, and Rheem. Trane being my first choice.

20 years as an HVAC tech and I can honestly say I have NEVER found a bad compressor on a trane unit...

[ACfixer]

Originally Posted by RCM78

20 years as an HVAC tech and I can honestly say I have NEVER found a bad compressor on a trane unit...

I changed out my first orange compressor last year. That's over 40 years between us and ONE compressor. Nothing runs like a Trane.

[Jarrett]

Yeah, that's what I had heard about the SEER ratings as well. I was told going from what I have to a 13 SEER would likely be a 30% decrease in electric bills. 16 SEER = -35% and 20 SEER = -40%. Prices quoted are around $7500, $9500 and $12,000 respectively. The 16 and 20 SEER units are also two stage systems that apparently help with the comfort levels better than the single stage 13 SEER unit. That all sounding about right?

[boynamedsuse]

We went through this last year. It was the second replacement heat pump for our home. (We've been here 20 years.) The first replacement was a "great bang for your buck" unit that worked well and did not use much electricity, but it had more repairs than we wanted to put up with. This time around we got the top of the line Lennox and so far it has been soooooo much more comfortable at the same thermostat settings (much quieter too) that I regret not going to a Lennox (or some other quality brand) the first time around. YMMV, but unless you plan on moving, you will probably be the best off in the long run if you spend a bit more and purchase the best unit you can.

[RCM78]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

Yeah, that's what I had heard about the SEER ratings as well. I was told going from what I have to a 13 SEER would likely be a 30% decrease in electric bills. 16 SEER = -35% and 20 SEER = -40%. Prices quoted are around $7500, $9500 and $12,000 respectively. The 16 and 20 SEER units are also two stage systems that apparently help with the comfort levels better than the single stage 13 SEER unit. That all sounding about right?

I cant recomend a two stage A/C unit with a variable speed blower enough. Not only will the home be more comfortable (less humid) but you should be able to raise the t/stat setting a few degrees and still feel fine. It's a win win... If you go with the two stage system, make sure the installer uses a good two stage t/stat to control it. Using a single stage stat and letting the unit run through it's timed stages is not the same and it's a big comprimise considering the $ you'll spend...

[RCM78]

Originally Posted by ACfixer

I changed out my first orange compressor last year. That's over 40 years between us and ONE compressor. Nothing runs like a Trane.

It really is amazing. Buddy of mine works for Trane factory service here in Jersey. Compressor failures just arent a concern for him.

While I worked for Lennox we had a recall on a new compressor series. 8.5 ton-15 ton compressors were all recalled. Cant remember if they were Techumseh or Copeland but the model #'s began with SF ( we called them soon to fail) The replacement compressors were provided by TRANE!!!! but relabeled Maneurop.

[Boobala]

If you live in area where the winter temp often dips below 32°F, avoid "heat-pump" type systems. They are not real good at heating, and/or you kind'a lose the low operating cost advantage of a heat-pump.

I replaced my old tradition A/C system (70's era) with a Carrier SEER 16.5 Heat-Pump system a couple years ago and my electric bill dropped a full 50%.

[Jube2550]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

One company is recommending a 5 ton/13 Seer system minimum...

This is forced air duct work? Are the ducts 5 ton rated? If not the matching 5 ton heater/coil/blower unit will be incorrectly over sized for the ducts...like taping a straw to the end of your muffler. 5 ton system seems a bit large for 2650 sq ft.

I purchased a Trane and it is working great after 10 years with only some visible surface rust on the outside compressor fittings.

[Jarrett]

Yes, I have a 5 ton system now. Very, very cheap stuff. Does $7500 on a top of the line 13 SEER/5 ton seem about the going rate?

[Ultron]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

Yes, I have a 5 ton system now. Very, very cheap stuff. Does $7500 on a top of the line 13 SEER/5 ton seem about the going rate?

wow....that's big bux. I had a 5 ton TempStar installed last year (TX series, 13 SEER) for just over $3000.

EDIT...sorry, that's just for the AC....I didn't replace the furnace.

[boynamedsuse]

Originally Posted by Jarrett

Yes, I have a 5 ton system now. Very, very cheap stuff. Does $7500 on a top of the line 13 SEER/5 ton seem about the going rate?

I cannot recall the SEER numbers off the top of my head, but in my area (AZ), the prices run from $8K to $14K for a good system installed. One end is no-frills single stage but still a good brand, the other offers all the performance, highest SEER rating, etc.