Need heat pump installed for reasonable price ($6600 for 3.5 ton current quote, 15 seer current quote) (Glendale: rental)

[TGentry]

I have a rental home in Glendale that needs a new heat pump. I have two quotes, both around $6600. It's for a 3.5 ton unit, 15 seer. I think the brand is Goodman, but I could be wrong on that.

That seems like too much money. Any suggestions as to which company to call for a more reasonable quote? The current unit still works, but I'm afraid it's on its last leg. Therefore, I have the luxury to replace it during the off-season, in case that will save me some money??

[autism360]

I paid 4500 for a 5 ton split 14seer
i paid 5000 for a 4 ton split 14seer

Look on craigs list for better pricing

[Hal Roach]

3.5 Goodman 15 SEER split system is under 3000 for the two pieces. You can buy online, pay no tax, and free delivery. Google it.

[TGentry]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

3.5 Goodman 15 SEER split system is under 3000 for the two pieces. You can buy online, pay no tax, and free delivery. Google it.

Hal, I would need it installed. How can I find a company that will install a unit I buy myself?

[Bird Street]

Look on Craigslist. It's sort of off season now and you may get a good price. If Zippyman responds to your question he'll have the right answer for you.

[john3232]

I would think carefully before using someone on Craigslist to install an AC unit. The quality of the installation is extremely important and unless the person comes recommend you can find yourself getting badly burned.

It's one thing to get screwed over by a handyman for a couple of hundred dollars. However, a $4500-$5500 AC unit that develops problems within a year of installation is something else.

[observer53]

I hear a lot of good things about www.newacunit.com - you might want to take a look at the site and see what you think, I have not dealt with them personally.

[john3232]

Originally Posted by observer53

I hear a lot of good things about www.newacunit.com - you might want to take a look at the site and see what you think, I have not dealt with them personally.

I looked into using them. Yes, you can buy the AC at a good price but the installation is farmed out to another company. You have a choice of two companies to choose for the installation.

However, the price quoted for installation is subject to change if extra parts are required for the installation.

[DougStark]

OP, I don't know if I'd opt for a 15 SEER system. I recently replaced my 25yo heat pump system with the basic Goodman 13 SEER system (but I think 14 SEER is the lowest you can buy in sunbelt states these days.) Anyway, my 13 SEER system is more than adequate and my bills aren't that big. The compressor/condenser unit outside is relatively quiet.

One data point to look at when comparing system-system is the system's EER (the amount of cooling the system can produce per watt of electricity.) The higher the EER, the better. BTW, I don't put much faith in the SEER ratings (just like others have said on this forum.) SEER ratings are almost meaningless when the outside temp is 100+ degrees. Any heat pump's performance/efficiency will plummet the hotter the outside temp is (and especially so when it's over 100 degrees.) Nothing you can do about that short of opt for an expensive "ground source heat pump system."

BTW, maybe you're aware that commercial buildings use cooling towers to greatly increase the efficiency of A/C systems, but single-family homes generally don't opt for this type of cooling set up due to cost and maintenance requirements.