Full AC replacement recommendations? (Phoenix: appliances, hotel, Home Depot)

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

Note that is only true with APS, which does not have different on-peak hours for summer and winter months; APS' TOU hours are noon-7pm year round. SRP, on the other hand uses a separate winter TOU schedule (defined by SRP as November-April) with on-peak hours being 5-9 AM and PM, with the former being typical heating hours for many homeowners.

We're splitting hairs - electricity in the valley is generally /cheap/ when it's cold. A high-efficiency heat pump isn't going to cost jack to run, unless you're running the heck out of it.

[Eric618]

I had another quote yesterday. Here's what I got thus far, company names redacted, for now...

Company #1
York 14 SEER 12.20 EER - $5600
RHEEM SEER 14 EER 11.70 - $5100
Trane SEER 14 EER 11.50 - $6100

Company #2
Goodman Aspen Coil 14.5 SEER 12.1 EER - $5936
Goodman Aspen Coil 16 SEER 12.8 EER - $6610

Company #3
Carrier 14 SEER 11.7 EER - $7880
Carrier 15 SEER 12.5 EER - $9423

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Eric618

I had another quote yesterday. Here's what I got thus far, company names redacted, for now...

Company #1
York 14 SEER 12.20 EER - $5600
RHEEM SEER 14 EER 11.70 - $5100
Trane SEER 14 EER 11.50 - $6100

Company #2
Goodman Aspen Coil 14.5 SEER 12.1 EER - $5936
Goodman Aspen Coil 16 SEER 12.8 EER - $6610

Company #3
Carrier 14 SEER 11.7 EER - $7880
Carrier 15 SEER 12.5 EER - $9423

I would ask if any of those quotes include ECMs in their furnaces or air handlers. Probably the Goodman 16 SEER system and the Carrier 15 SEER system do (that is probably what differentiates the two systems from Companies 2 and 3). An ECM blower is inherently more efficient than a PSC blower, even in heating season (regardless of whether you have a heat pump or gas furnace).

[Eric618]

Welp, Company three is just too damn expensive, so they're out of the running. I will check with the first two to see. Thanks!

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Eric618

Welp, Company three is just too damn expensive, so they're out of the running. I will check with the first two to see. Thanks!

Carrier typically commands a premium compared to other brands due to their strict contractor sales policies compared to other brands. However, that Trane quote from Company 1 seems surprisingly low, although it is probably a very basic builders-grade system (probably an XB series).

[Eric618]

Without model numbers and knowing specifics of the systems, the installers, etc, just looking at the hardware/prices themselves, what would you go with?

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by Eric618

Without model numbers and knowing specifics of the systems, the installers, etc, just looking at the hardware/prices themselves, what would you go with?

If Installer 2 is reputable and not some random guy on the street, I would go with the Goodman 16 SEER system. When choosing Goodman, I always recommend doing research on the contractor, since Goodman has a very open sales policy on who can buy and install their products; they are essentially the opposite of Carrier when it comes to this policy. Otherwise, I would get more quotes.

[Bird Street]

The slogan that it is hard to stop a Trane is not entirely true. I held out for Trane and got a reasonably priced rooftop unit installed on my house on Craigslist. After installation I went shopping for a ten year parts and labor warranty from Trane dealers. It's hard to tell from your quotes what's included as far as warranty and extras. I would choose Trane or Carrier. I have always been put off with the Goodman brand for unknown reasons. I have heard that the parts are easy to get unlike Trane. I love my heat pump and find that it works perfectly if you set it and keep a clean filter installed. Some new insulation in your attic helps. Don't fool around with the thermostat...set it so you're comfortable and leave it alone.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Eric618

Without model numbers and knowing specifics of the systems, the installers, etc, just looking at the hardware/prices themselves, what would you go with?

That's just it - there isn't enough info -
You've got quotes that include a furnace, and a split-system a/c.
I could give you a $600 furnace & a great a/c, an overpriced furnace & a cheap a/c, or some combination of the above.

Here's a way to separate a great a/c guy from a crappy one -

Did anyone actually go through the house & write down window sizes, ask you about R-values, etc?

In other words, did anyone bother to check if the five-ton you had already was even the right size for the house?

Anyone mention sealing ducts, adding insulation, conversations about how much return-air was coming back to the system? Did they ask if you have hot or cold rooms?

In other words, did anyone infer they were going to do anything /other than/ stab another same-sized unit in place of the old one & *hope* it's "more efficient" and "works better" than what you have?

If they're not looking to make it better than the old one, it won't work any better than the old one.

[autism360]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

Unless you run the heat *all the time* in the cool seasons, I'd be inclined to dump the gas furnace & just get a two-stage heat-pump. Electric rates are extra low in the off-peak off-hours timeframes when you /need/ heat & the separate furnace adds complexity & cost. I don't know if they even offer a two-stage compressor in a "straight cool" unit & it's a huge benefit when kilowatts = quarters.

I turn my unit off in November and maybe use the heat pump 8 times for a few hours each time over the entire winter.