need help/ central a/c replacement

18 years ago

I bought a condo 4 years ago and the original central a/c died in September (we had a good run - 34 years old!) So I'm getting quotes and I need to make sure I'm being told the correct things...so the facts that I have right now:

925 sf condo (one floor)

Live in CT so A/C used only a few months a year

Newer furnace in attic (Trane) which is connected to the existing a/c coil unit

I want to replace the outside a/c unit (condenser?) which is the part that died. Due to my budget, I'm looking a 2-ton 13 SEER Heil model (haven't gotten model number yet)

If I just replace this outside unit, I'm being quoted $2200 for everything (labor, unit, etc.). However, since the coil unit uses R22 Freon, which is being phased out, they will have to match the outside unit to it. So if the Coil unit dies in a few years, I'm SOL and have to replace the ENTIRE unit again. (That's what I'm told)

If I replace the entire system now, including the coil unit in the attic, I'm told $4100-4400 which would be the Heil 2-ton 13 SEER system.

This all sounds like a lot for what I'm getting. I'm getting more quotes, and the firt one was someone that was recommend by several friends, and he didn't try to push me into anything; told me to think about it, etc. Put the prices in writing for me, etc.

Something about R22 systems being phased out after 2010; can still get the R22 but not for "new" systems; since R22 being phased out, new coil units (if I need one after 2010) won't use it, hence the mismatch with the outside unit I get this year. My research on internet sort of confirms all this.

Are these prices somewhat inline for the CT/Northeast Area for this type of unit. Sorry this is so long and sorry I don't have model numbers. I just wanted some general feedback and maybe what other questions to ask the contractors that come out for estimate. Thanks!!!

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Comments (4)

ryanhughes
18 years ago
You're really not going about this the right way. You would be best off changing both the indoor coil and the outdoor condenser at the same time. The old coil is likely 34 years old too and could be leaking. Putting a 13 SEER condenser on a coil that is rated at around 6-8 SEER is really harming your outdoor unit. Make an investment and don't hurt your new outdoor unit; it needs a matching indoor coil for a warranty and guaranteed performance. R-410a would be a good idea but R-22 will still be available in the future for quite some time. No way should a new indoor coil be adding around $2k to the cost. I don't know why he's quoting so much more--maybe because they'll have to go into the attic? Get everything in writing: warranty, load calculation to guarantee proper sizing, extra parts, etc. New refrigerant lines for a R-410a system would be highly recommended. Good luck.

Oh, and I'm not sure if I'd recommend Heil equipment. You'd be getting cheap grade equipment, but if that's all your budget allows, just make sure you're getting a quality installation. I think I'd consider another brand though. Goodman would be on my list if I had limited funds.
bob_brown
18 years ago
Depending on the age of the furnace, I would consider the costs to replace inside and outside. Forget the stoppage of f22. There will be a replacement for f22 for many years to come. There already is a replacement. Consider how long you will live and where you will live first. Then consider the cost per year. Expect the newer unit to only last for 15 years. (many are replaced after 12 years) Electronics give a more efficient heat, but fail much more rapidally. At this time variable speed should be considered not ready for prime time. It fails too often. The story of f22 being extinct is a sales tool to sell an incomplete puron system. When the manufacturers wake up to the realization that it is not quite ready to be sold we will have millioms of units in the USA that need to be corrected.
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daisycat3
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for you replies! I appreciate it. I'm a single woman and fairly new to homeownership; just trying to make sure I educate myself. It's not really a matter of not wanting to do the whole system; I know I should. I just don't have the money. The only reason I'm even replacing the outside unit is because the condo is so stifling in summer; there is no airflow at all and it's like a hot zone. I have a few more people coming out so I'll see what they say as far as price.

Thanks!!!
baldloonie
18 years ago
I'll second the advice that you don't just do an outdoor unit. Today's high SEER units need matched indoor coils to achieve the performance, efficiency & lifespan they are capable of.

I see no reason to take out "newer" furnace. My Trane is 14 years old and not going anywhere if my cooling system fails.

As for which gas, R22 prices are going up, R410a prices going down. Manufacturers & suppliers are cutting back on 22 machines. I'm on the fence what I would do if I had to. Unless you have a leaky system it really doesn't matter. Really shouldn't have a problem either way. A couple brands have unit replacement pledges if the compressor fails in so many years, they give you a new outdoor unit. That would mean you should go with a 410 unit.