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I think that price was only for the furnace. As I said, I have no details other than "15 seer."
I do need to get a few quotes so I have something to compare.
SEER is a measure of cooling efficiency, so I'm thinking that quote includes both. Furnaces have a heating efficiency rating "AFUE" that is expressed as a percent. The system I got has a 15 SEER A/C unit and 92.8% AFUE furnace. You might also see if there are any rebates available from Progress Energy or PSNC. I got $400 back between the two when my system was installed.
SEER is a measure of cooling efficiency, so I'm thinking that quote includes both. Furnaces have a heating efficiency rating "AFUE" that is expressed as a percent. The system I got has a 15 SEER A/C unit and 92.8% AFUE furnace. You might also see if there are any rebates available from Progress Energy or PSNC. I got $400 back between the two when my system was installed.
Good point - I think Duke (formerly Progress) has rebates for a min. 15 SEER unit. We got them for our geothermal units (the SEER on those is near 28-30) also.
I used A-1 Heating & Cooling on a referral from a co-worker about 7 years ago to get a new Trane gas pack. I think it was around $4,500 at that time. They did a great job too.
3 years ago I replaced my dual zone HVAC with Trane. I hired Matson Mechanical who actually came recommended on this forum. The engineer who designed the replacement system struck me as very knowledgeable in the subject and didn’t try to push me for more expensive and higher rated SEER/AFUE models. Two other quotes from other vendors I got were for Carrier (the most expensive) and Goodman (very pushy salesperson). Trane was priced between the two. I went with the dual stage variable speed hybrid gas pack downstairs so the heat pump does the majority of work but on chilly nights and days (I think below 40) the gas furnace kicks in. Upstairs is just a regular two stage system because we use upstairs mostly at night and it wasn’t worth putting a fancier unit.
I can tell you that after three years I’m still impressed with Train and the install. My home comfort was transformed instantly and there are no more hot/cold spots anywhere in the house. My utility bills are lower by about 30-40%. Also, Trane has a huge presence in the Triangle area and you must consider the parts availability when shopping for a new HVAC. You can go with another HVAC maker that has limited presence here and when your A/C fails in August you may be looking at days or even weeks to get the right part.
Good luck with you decision because I know it can be overwhelming!
3 years ago I replaced my dual zone HVAC with Trane. I hired Matson Mechanical who actually came recommended on this forum. The engineer who designed the replacement system struck me as very knowledgeable in the subject and didn’t try to push me for more expensive and higher rated SEER/AFUE models. Two other quotes from other vendors I got were for Carrier (the most expensive) and Goodman (very pushy salesperson). Trane was priced between the two. I went with the dual stage variable speed hybrid gas pack downstairs so the heat pump does the majority of work but on chilly nights and days (I think below 40) the gas furnace kicks in. Upstairs is just a regular two stage system because we use upstairs mostly at night and it wasn’t worth putting a fancier unit.
I can tell you that after three years I’m still impressed with Train and the install. My home comfort was transformed instantly and there are no more hot/cold spots anywhere in the house. My utility bills are lower by about 30-40%. Also, Trane has a huge presence in the Triangle area and you must consider the parts availability when shopping for a new HVAC. You can go with another HVAC maker that has limited presence here and when your A/C fails in August you may be looking at days or even weeks to get the right part.
Good luck with you decision because I know it can be overwhelming!
I'm a Matson fan.
And, I agree, Kit is great at specifying and explaining.
I'm a Matson fan.
And, I agree, Kit is great at specifying and explaining.
Another vote for Matson/maximum mechanical. They were excellent and replaced an HVAC unit at my house. Kit and everyone else we came into contact with from this company were great!
An update for the forum. First thank you for all your assistance.
I selected Matson Mechanical to replace my entire system and they are out today with the first phase of the project. I did lots of homework along the way. Matson (Kit Ralph) spent 2.5 hrs with me, examining all parts of my system, ductwork, taking measurements, calculations, and working through my options with me.
I decided to replace my entire system as it's 25 yrs old and neither it or I are getting any younger. It was a no pressure consultation, and in fact I had Matson come out 3 yrs ago to work on one of my AC units and they were good and responsive then. At the time they said no reason to replace a system if it was working even if it was old and said just keep it maintained and run it into the ground, then replace when it dies. I appreciated that honest advice. And here we are 3.5 yrs later. kay:
An update for the forum. First thank you for all your assistance.
I selected Matson Mechanical to replace my entire system and they are out today with the first phase of the project. I did lots of homework along the way. Matson (Kit Ralph) spent 2.5 hrs with me, examining all parts of my system, ductwork, taking measurements, calculations, and working through my options with me.
I decided to replace my entire system as it's 25 yrs old and neither it or I are getting any younger. It was a no pressure consultation, and in fact I had Matson come out 3 yrs ago to work on one of my AC units and they were good and responsive then. At the time they said no reason to replace a system if it was working even if it was old and said just keep it maintained and run it into the ground, then replace when it dies. I appreciated that honest advice. And here we are 3.5 yrs later.kay:
Ain't if funny how that "honest advice" thingie is always appreciated!
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kay:
