Central Air Conditioning System question (house, heat pump, contractor)

[samnyc]

Hello,

Just getting ready for next year 2021. :-)
Last summer, my HVAC system failed and three technician said the unit is dead and no point of fixing. It's 20 years old. Any way, did anyone changed their central AC unit. Just trying to get some kind of budget and your experience.

Guy from Costco, Lennox guy gave a quote close to $20K. I have two unit one for first floor & basement and second floor for all the bedroom.

Please give few few ideas. $20K seems so high.
PSEG with Home Serve - gave a quote for $18K.

Thanks.

[rocafeller05]

If the existing units and the tonnages worked then simply get the size of each then google it. You will be able to see what the true cost of what the units are without the mark up. Then you can either have a moonlighter install it or sub it out to a contractor.

Wanted to add that you will probably need new refrigeration line sets due to the out dated refrigerant in your old system. But not a lot of $.

And yes $20k sounds nuts for a swap out.

[peconic117]

Originally Posted by samnyc

Hello,

Just getting ready for next year 2021. :-)
Last summer, my HVAC system failed and three technician said the unit is dead and no point of fixing. It's 20 years old. Any way, did anyone changed their central AC unit. Just trying to get some kind of budget and your experience.

Guy from Costco, Lennox guy gave a quote close to $20K. I have two unit one for first floor & basement and second floor for all the bedroom.

Please give few few ideas. $20K seems so high.
PSEG with Home Serve - gave a quote for $18K.

Thanks.

Ok well doing 2 condensers and air handlers is obviously going to cost more but doing a straight swap shouldnt be 20k thats insane. You should be able to get closer to 16 or even a little less. Dont let them up sell you on some crazy efficient 20 SEER model, you do not need one in NY the savings are minimal and you will never make up the extra cost. 14 or 16 SEER is fine just go with a decent brand name, Trane, Rheem, Ruud, Carrier etc with a good warranty. Get lots of estimates, and you usually can get it cheaper if you do it before the spring cooling season starts.

[markjames68]

Not on LI now but did a swap out last summer. 4 ton Heil (under the same umbrella company as Carrier) and new coil, 16 SEER single speed. $4200 including labor.

$20K would be ok for 2 new AC, new ductwork, new furnaces, all high efficiency, etc. but just a change out? No.

[VA Yankee]

Like the above poster replaced my Gas Furnace and a/c with new Bryant mid-grade equipment and paid about $4k, $20k seems way over inflated for just the equipment being replaced. At most your electrical might require an upgraded cable but I doubt it.

Also consider an energy survey to determine what size you actually need, years ago they tended to lean towards larger when its not needed with the newer equipment.

[twingles]

Same not on LI either but replaced the downstairs unit a couple years ago and it was less than $5000. No way there's that much markup, even on LI!

[mojo101]

I replaced mine for a 1600 sq ft house,one level back in 2010 cost me $7-$8k,I used professional ,

[nuts2uiam]

Also to be considered, you will no doubt need to have the breakers swapped out. We had to when we updated the unit.

[kru2oo1]

We gutted our house and paying 21.5k for 2 zones, American Standard 14-15 sheer 2 ton (2nd floor) and 3 ton (1st floor and Basement) condenser units, heat pump comfort with 95% force air furnace, humidifier, and Ecobee 3 thermostat.

[nassau2suffolk]

New compressor and handler, 2 additional ducts upstairs. Approx $7k. Lowest price out of 5 estimates.