How Much to Replace AC/Heat Pump Unit? (condo, house)

[capitalhockey]

Hello all

My condo (~800 sq ft...Cardinal Forrest) heating system has been acting up. It's an old heat pump from 1993. The HVAC guy came out to take a look and told me I need a full replacement. I am going to call a few places for quotes. I was told that I need to replace both AC and heat pump by one company. I can't only do one at a time.

1) How much does it generally cost in Northern VA area for a full AC/heat pump replacement for a condo? 3-5k? more?

3) Is it normal to be forced to replace both AC and heat pump at same time?

3) Any recommendations for a HVAC company to get a quote from?

Thanks

[Fredesch]

A heat pump acts as both heater and AC, so when you replace it, it will replace both heat and AC. It is one unit, so no you can't replace one and not the other. You can think of a heat pump as an AC which can run backwards and when it runs backwards it heats your house instead of cooling it. When it is really cold, there is an electric heater that can turn on to make your warmed air warmer. How your heat pump is set up will affect your cost and your options for replacement.

Does your HOA/condo association control maintenance and access to your external heat pump? If so you may have to follow their rules on what can replace it with.

[homebeyer2013]

I saw a guy advertising 2995 for new packaged heat pump. Carrier would be more like 5500 and Trane maybe 6500. York is worth looking into. A 13 seer goodman is 2000 for just the part....I'm assuming it is all electric.

[ecko_complex24]

You might not need the whole thing replaced. Maybe just the condenser unit. If you want to message me I can take a look and probably give you a better quote on the work.

[Fundman]

The interior heat pump components can last 30 years. The exterior condensers usually die after about 10 years.

[homebeyer2013]

but....the new condensers are 410 refrigerant, and cannot be used with an R22 type coil, and it may be a packaged unit, too, since it is a condo. 410 systems run at much higher pressure. You can ask about dry R22 condensing units, but the refrigerant is $$$ and you will still have an outdated system when it comes time to sell.