What Should a New A/C Cost (bills, design)

[Zach Ashton]

Get a specific quote with specific model numbers for handler and compressor etc..a 1400 sq ft house is NOT hard to cool at all, and the overall seer ratings are totally useless in actual efficiency and cost savings...it can be a scam and the actual benefits of some sky high rating is an excuse to rip you off, and not making that much of difference in comfort or even electric consumption.


Get the model numbers, then Google them and compare prices, and you'll see how much you're getting stabbed around here in FLORIDA during the summer. Some of these AC dealers might as well carry guns.


DOn't be a chump.

[Zach Ashton]

Additionally please get informed and you'll find that some of the lesser known "brands" are actually made by the same people making the very costly brands - like Carrier and Bryant.


Coils are coils, blowers are blowers, compressors are compressors and sometimes made by one of the same few manufacturers...Wirings and capacitors either work or don't. Warranties deserve scrutiny. Florida AC dealers will ********* running in the summertime.


Don't be a c.h.u.m.p.

[imagardener]

The type of roof you have and how much insulation as well as volume (if there are high ceilings) will make a difference in the size cooling unit you need, it's not just square foot measurement. Other big considerations: peoples ratings of the installation company, length of warranty. If the company is not doing the math and just quoting on square feet they are possibly upselling.

The only reason I'd go with the lowest quote is if the install company had high reviews and they were using top-rated equipment.

We just installed a mini-split in a small 616 sf home to replace window A/C, there is no ductwork. It heats and cools and the compressor is outside. Super efficient but if you already have ductwork that's not for you. Great for older homes with no ductwork to replace window units.

[Zach Ashton]

Cooling a lousy 1400 ssq ft is CHEAP...hell I doubt it has 2 vaulted ceilings !! lol....give me a break...cooling a lousy 1400 ft ain't hard, on A bad day, are you nuts ? hell, you can make 1400 ft sorta comfortable with 2 badazz window shakers even during the damn summer ! this is not 2400 ft for godssake, an dit damn sure not cost 4k !!! are you nuts ?

[imagardener]

Are you?

[kiggy]

Originally Posted by imagardener

Are you?

In a word, yes.

[craigiri]

So, since you are all at it...
When I need my outside package unit replaced soon (it's 2003 vintage), what might it cost me?

No real ductwork would be needed - house is 1150 square feet and it's a matter of the cost of the unit and remove the old one, hook up electric, etc.

Even the existing unit is cheap to run so I assume we don't have to pay big for extra special SEER...??

I would like to be as reliable as possible and last as long as possible and have a decent or extended warranty?

Suggested firms? I too like the small independent contractor...although the biggies serve a purpose, I just don't like the "one size fits all" way they do biz (but do understand that consistency is good for operations like that).

[kiggy]

Recently got a Rheem 4 ton for a 2,000 ft house for around $4500. Was told going to a 5 ton would make the whatindows condensate.

[SusieClue]

Originally Posted by kiggy

Recently got a Rheem 4 ton for a 2,000 ft house for around $4500. Was told going to a 5 ton would make the whatindows condensate.

wow, you got screwed...

[kiggy]

I can afford it. Didn't get a do it yourselfer, Zach, DPBarr, or whoever you are this week.