Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
When replacing a large item like a HVAC unit, I always get 3 estimates.
THIS. But you'll probably also get three different answers. Some contractors will charge a fee to do the load calculations or will only do them after you sign a contract.
My furnace conked out last week. I just bought a Rheem 92% efficient 1 Stage Gas furnace for $4100. He told me what the SEER is but I forgot. My original furnace was for 850 sf, I added about 100 more sf and got a mini-split for that.
I think he was ballparking based on the 1000 sf. It was last Thursday when the temps were low...I did not want to screw around with getting other estimates. Thank heaven for home equity lines!
I'm considering buying a house that has an unfinished attic that would need duct work and an additional unit. If anyone has a reputable HVAC recommendation please PM me.
Whatever you do, insist on no flexible ductwork. It is easy to damage, easy to fail, and impossible to clean. Also less efficient.
Rodents chew through flex, cable guy kicks it, tape falls apart, just to name a few reasons.
Ask for rigid sheet metal. It is the best duct to install because it has to be designed and the installer cannot just show up and throw it in. The installers always cut corners with flex.
While there are many advantages to rigid sheetmetal ductwork, you rarely see it on new construction anymore. Fact is, metal ductwork has almost disappeared. Flex ducts have been used in 99% of the houses constructed over the last 10 years (at least in our area) -even ones costing several million dollars. I do occassionally see some hybrid systems with a metal trunk and flex combination which may represent a good comprimise. That being said, installed properly, (and that is the key), flex ducts can perform very well and are considerably less expensive than metal ductwork. I would recommend a minimum "r" value of 8 and make certain they seal the ductwork with mastic-not just tie wraps.
While there are many advantages to rigid sheetmetal ductwork, you rarely see it on new construction anymore. Fact is, metal ductwork has almost disappeared. Flex ducts have been used in 99% of the houses constructed over the last 10 years (at least in our area) -even ones costing several million dollars. I do occassionally see some hybrid systems with a metal trunk and flex combination which may represent a good comprimise. That being said, installed properly, (and that is the key), flex ducts can perform very well and are considerably less expensive than metal ductwork. I would recommend a minimum "r" value of 8 and make certain they seal the ductwork with mastic-not just tie wraps.
That is because it is cheap and fast. Cheap because you cannot assume that the installer will use quality flex pipe or that the installer won't use long runs or hang it from zip ties.
The AC system (3 ton unit for 3000+ sqft house) seems too small per HVAC contractor. He said we need to replace with 5.5 ton at minimum and the duct work seems under sized as well. He gave me the quote of 8500~11k to upgrade it. Is his price reasonable? What if we just add another 2.5 ton unit, will that cost so much as well? This is one story house with walk out basement. The HVAC was in basement. Any information is appreciated.
Like alot of homes, the builder was cheap, and the hvac is horribly and grossly undersized (ductwise,and cooling size) Now its up to you to correct the mistake. If you add another unit it will probably have to be installed with a furnace or air handler in the attic and ductwork and registers put in the ceiling.. the price is going to be high either way. The 5.5 ton with new ductwork seems the easy way to go. And hope the cool air will make it to the top floor and returned properly.I would make sure of that or you will be back in the same problem. Price looks fair to me, get a couple other quotes.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
