New A/C Unit

[Rex Kramer]

So, does replacing an evaporator coil, condenser, blower, and furnace - all of that - cost about $6,500-$7,500? Does that sound right?

 

[Namewithheld]

**** for that price you can almost buy a 5 ton unit! I assume that is turn-key which includes labor.

 

[JohnnyM]

Just had the whole thing done in our new house in Austin and it was slightly higher than that, but with rebates brought it down to about that. It sucks for sure.

 

[Rex Kramer]

labor included, which includes retro-fitting some stuff. Getting a Ruud.

 

[Rex Kramer]

************, I am spending $7,400.

 

[accuratehorn]

It can easily cost that much or more, depending on the features and efficiency of the units. Really efficient heating units are expensive, which might be worth it in colder climates than around Austin, but the better, more efficient A/C units should be worth spending more for around here. Some power companies have rebates/low interest loan programs, also some federal income tax rebates available, I think it is up to 30% of the cost up to $1500 if the seer factor is high enough.

 

[JohnnyM]

What size system did you get? The only bright-side is that it's going to work a lot better and cost you less to run. Doesn't quite take the sting out of it though.

 

[mcbrett]

Have any of you guys run the numbers on these more efficient units?

I'm curious what the payback is for lower running costs, vs. higher upfront costs, and of course- the rebates affect the decision.

Rex- what kind did you end up getting? (AC)

I was just reading about a company called "Coolerado"- which is supposedly the most efficient AC being made, or close to it. I have no personal data to add but their website talks a good game:
Coolerado

 

[JohnnyM]

They don't seem to work as humidity levels rise. I don't know where Rex lives but I wouldn't even consider something like that for central Texas. It looks like it's an evaporative cooling system (aka "swamp cooler"), so it may be a good idea for those living in a desert or relatively dry climates.

The system I ended up with was a 4-ton Carrier SEER 17 (I think). Somewhat efficient, but not ultra-efficient. It was already ~$8k, so I wasn't looking to spend a few thousand more to get likely $10-15/mo in savings. If I had the cash to burn though, maybe I would have looked at them more.

 

[brntorng]

Might have been able to point you to a more cost-effective unit and installer, but sounds like you've already made a decision.

 

[uisge beatha]

Rex, Johnny,

What size houses do you have? Had my ac serviced a couple weeks ago and they told me the coils need replacing for about $1400. I'm thinking I probably want to change out the whole AC system at once (it's about 12-15 yo). A 4 ton unit seems high for my house of ~ 2200 sf

 

[NickDanger]

One thing I have found over the years and 8 units is that a gentle rinsing of the fins often does wonders. You just go outside to the big green or tan thing sitting on concrete on the side of your house and gently rinse through the big vents. It's not necessary and probably damaging to use a pistol washer. There are are fragile metal fins inside of the unit that need to be cleaned every once in a while. A pistol washer will possibly smash them together. This may not help the OP, but for the rest of you who might ever read this, give it a try.

A GENTLE rinsing.

 

[NickDanger]

Another thing to think of is a kind of leak stop additive to the freon. A/C guys sometimes recommend against it because, well they just do and I don't want to offend, but if you can put the freon leak stop stuff in and put in more refrigerant (I don't know if they actually use freon anymore) it might be a gamble worth taking. I did it on a couple of units and they held for 10 years.

 

[JohnnyM]

uisge beatha - My house is 3000sf and every chart you will find online tells you I need 5 tonnes. However, you have to find out what your ductwork is capable of handling. If your ductwork can handle only 3 tonnes and you put in more, you will have problems down the line and/or your system won't run efficiently. My ductwork was designed for a 4 tonne system so that's what we did.

Don't let anyone sell you a size system based only on your square footage. They need to measure and calculate the amount of air your ductwork can handle. If they won't do that, call someone else. We went with Stan's here in Austin and they were not the cheapest, but he was the only guy who didn't try to upsell me into a larger system.