Central Air Installation Cost (how much, furnace, heat, installing)

[Omaha Rocks]

Hey All...

I'm getting bids to replace the Central Air unit on a rental house. The furnace is new, so they're just replacing the AC. I'm not looking at a heat pump, because I don't believe that they're cost effective.

I'm getting bids on 13 Seer, 2-1/2 ton units. I'm looking at "turn-key" installations, because they're not giving me any deals if I haul away the old stuff myself (I think there's considerable salvage value in the old units). 10 year parts warranties, and 2 year labor.

So far, the bids are coming in between $1900 - $2300.

Does this sound reasonable? High? Low? Your thoughts?

Thanks!

[sgresident]

I think that sounds reasonable. also, you should check about the energy tax credits that are available when you file your taxes! I think it is up to a $1500 tax credit. I don't really know the details, but anything is better than nothing!

[pinetreecity]

I think that price seems reasonable. I second sgresident's advice, check to see if there are any tax credits, but make sure that the unit your are getting qualifies for the tax credit. Sometimes the state tax code or local utility may have some kind of rebate for energy efficient improvements, so it's worth you time to check into that as well.

[5x10]

looks reasonable to me
i just paid 3900 for a 2nd unit put into my house
14 sear(sp?) 2 ton emana

they had to plumb and wire it, add another return air, and frame out the attic to hold it

[lumbollo]

13 seer unit does not qualify for a tax credit. I believe that you have to get to 16 for that. (might be 14) In 2009 the tax credit is $1500. You will have to have a certificate provided and signed by the installer certifying the efficiency of the unit.

[M3 Mitch]

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR

An EER of 13 might qualify, as this thing says, read the fine print.

Offhand I am thinking you ought to at least ask the contractors about a system that will get you the tax break. Of course if you can get enough tax break to pay for the increased cost of the higher efficiency system, it's a no-brainer.

Your electric utility *may* also have incentives, it's worth asking.

How much of a selling point this might or might not be in a rental house, I am not certain. Gets hot there in the summer, in the Midwest, and your power rates are not that good either. But how effectively you can recover any additional cost beyond the immediate tax break and local incentives is not clear, at least not to me, sitting on my butt at the computer in the Pacific Northwest.

[BigJon3475]

Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks

Hey All...

I'm getting bids to replace the Central Air unit on a rental house. The furnace is new, so they're just replacing the AC. I'm not looking at a heat pump, because I don't believe that they're cost effective.

I'm getting bids on 13 Seer, 2-1/2 ton units. I'm looking at "turn-key" installations, because they're not giving me any deals if I haul away the old stuff myself (I think there's considerable salvage value in the old units). 10 year parts warranties, and 2 year labor.

So far, the bids are coming in between $1900 - $2300.

Does this sound reasonable? High? Low? Your thoughts?

Thanks!

What makes you think heatpumps are not efficient? What's your latitude and longitude? or location will do.

[CptnRn]

HVAC replacement cost, Austin, TX: http://www.city-data.com/forum/8484811-post7.html

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by BigJon3475

What makes you think heatpumps are not efficient? What's your latitude and longitude? or location will do.

Omaha.

I talked to several of the guys "in the business". They all kind of him-hawed around, and admitted that in this climate, the benefits of a heat pump probably do not make it worth the cost. They don't net you that much, because they're really only effective down to about 30 degrees. Obviously, Omaha gets a lot colder than that in the winter.

The only thing that might tip the scale in favor of installing the heat pump is if, by installing it also, I get the tax credit.

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks

So far, the bids are coming in between $1900 - $2300.

Does this sound reasonable? High? Low? Your thoughts?

Thanks!

Sounds very reasonable - 'course I can only use my area of the country for comparision but - sounds about right.

btw - If I were you - I'd let them haul the other one away rather than hastle with it - remember - they have to do some enviornment stuff to the old one - like removing the freon etc.