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"The walls are not insulated since the exterior is brick it would not make sense to spend the $$$"
You do realize that brick has an R-factor of about 0.4? Then add the R-1.25 from the sheathing and you've got a whopping R-value of about 2 with drywall/paster on the interior side.
The 2 quotes I received to inject foam into the plaster on lath walls was $3500 & $4K, a lot of $$ I thought. Also they would need to drill holes on the exterior brick every 16" on center, I did not think they would be able to match the 1928 brick mortar and I would see every hole.
I am one of those that does not agree with "run it till it dies".
Waiting until it dies can put you in a bind, trying to get a replacement in an emergency situation. Say it goes out over a holiday weekend. Not only will you have trouble getting someone to come out, they will likely charge a premium to do it. They also have you over a barrel because they know you need the unit right now.
A couple years ago, I decided to replace my 20 YO unit before it died. I shopped around and found a contractor I felt comfortable with, and had time to compare prices, etc. As it turned out, the newer unit reduced my energy bills by $1200 per year, and we are more comfortable.
I am one of those that does not agree with "run it till it dies".
Waiting until it dies can put you in a bind, trying to get a replacement in an emergency situation. Say it goes out over a holiday weekend. Not only will you have trouble getting someone to come out, they will likely charge a premium to do it. They also have you over a barrel because they know you need the unit right now.
A couple years ago, I decided to replace my 20 YO unit before it died. I shopped around and found a contractor I felt comfortable with, and had time to compare prices, etc. As it turned out, the newer unit reduced my energy bills by $1200 per year, and we are more comfortable.
I agree totally with this. I'm going to give my 16 SEER heat pump 4 more years (it will be 14 years old then) and if I'm still in the house I'll upgrade to one of the new 23 SEER units that doesn't kick on the auxiliary heat strips in really cold weather. I figure the prices on them will have decreased a bit by then.
Recently changed out 18yr old units in a home we recently purchased, one of the furnaces stopped working on one of the colder nights, got quotes that ranged from $9000 to $15000. I'm sure we could have fixed and kept them a little longer but I'd hate for the AC units to go out during summer plus I have no idea how well the previous owners maintained them. The peace of mind is priceless.
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