House Air Conditioning system question ? (Post: new home, maintenance, costs)

[LastStraw]

Had the annual Air Conditioning check-up on my house.
It's a two-story that has one-unit with two thermostat controls (one to service the downstairs and the other to service the upstairs)
The A/C Service Person, said the dampers should be replaced becuase the seal is worn out and leaking, plus they sometimes get stuck.
Estimate was approximately $1200 to $2500 depending whether they replace just the 2 dampers or the dampers plus control system that operates them.
The Htg/AC system was replaced and upgraded 4 years ago, but the duct work, dampers etc. were not replaced. They are the original ones when the house was built 16 years ago.
Wondering, if anyone here has heard of dampers needing to be replaced ?
OR is this just an A/C company trying to drum up more businses ? ?

Should I get a second opinion or a second estimate ?
I would probably have to pay each time a different A/C company comes out to check it out, wouldn't I ?

Also any recommendations for a reliable Htg-A/C Company that doesn't charge an arm and a leg ???




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[sinsativ]

Definitely get a 2nd opinion, I have an honest HVAC man, will only do what is needed, if you need his number, Ill PM it to you. VERY Honest.

[LastStraw]

Originally Posted by sinsativ

Definitely get a 2nd opinion, I have an honest HVAC man, will only do what is needed, if you need his number, Ill PM it to you. VERY Honest.

Yes,... please do. And thanks !

[banker]

Post your findings back here. I have a new home with three zones and would be very interested to see what you find out - for the future.

[LastStraw]

How about the Beyer Boys ? Any comments on them ?
They do a lot of advertising.

I would rather try someone recommended highly by 'word of mouth' than someone that pays big bucks to advertise their service.
In other words... if a company is good, they really don't have to spend money to advertise because there is no better advertisment than comments by a satisified customer. Unless of course it is a brand new company and they have to get the word out.... Just MHO

sinsativ.... I'm still looking for that PM

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[smm1970]

I would recommend san antonio a/c & plumbing. we had them out to do our maintenance and they checked our zones too (like yours, 1-upstairs, 1-down). didn't have to replace anything (newer system), but he adjusted the dampers and sealed some leaks in our attic and it was less than $200 for everything. and our a/c is running a lot less to keep the upstairs cool now. the tech said our leaks were enough to cool a small bathroom, yikes!
great people, highly recommend.

[jules07]

sinsativ and smm1970, would you mind pm'ing your a/c guys' numbers to me? We haven't had any work done on our a/c unit since we bought this house almost 3 years ago. Otherhalf has been afraid that having someone out will "omen" us and the whole system will hafta be replaced. But I really think it needs a check up.

TIA!!

[TXtrkgrl]

Jules, don't do a checkup unless it isn't working.

As long as you keep your filters changed (monthly) and it is blowing cold air and keeping your house cool there is no reason to waste your money.

[kevcrawford]

Since it costs so little, it is actually a good idea to get it serviced every 6 months. It's only about $65. Well worth it and much cheaper to catch a problem early (like a minor freon/gas leak) than later.

And Jules, you know I've got a referral for everything! Just DM'd ya!

[Camper1]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

Jules, don't do a checkup unless it isn't working.

As long as you keep your filters changed (monthly) and it is blowing cold air and keeping your house cool there is no reason to waste your money.

Thats the way we do it!