AC Replacement Options Help

17 years ago

After spending ~$1400 over the last 2 months trying to "band-aid" 2 of our AC systems, I think we are resigned to replace them because they both don't seem to be holding a freon charge. We have a 3 level, open floor-plan house (finished basement, main level, upstairs where all bedrooms are) and have 3 separate HVAC systems (though we RARELY use the basement's 1.5 ton system and won't be replacing it). Our 2 top floors currently have 3 ton units and are properly sized (though we do need to add return capacity to create equilibrium). Our gas furnaces seem to be fine and have plenty of life left in them, so we are only looking to replace the AC system/components. We live in Duluth, GA (Atlanta suburb) but may only be in the house another 1-3 years... maybe 5 tops. So we don't need the Cadillac of models, just something cheap and reliable to survive the summers here.

I have received the following quotes from various large, respected vendors in the Atlanta area and would like advice/input on the different systems and prices (NOTE, these prices are for replacing 2 Units - BOTH the main level and upstairs level):

Option 1 - $6900:

Goodman

Condenser: GSX130361

Evap Coil: CAPF3636B6

Option 2 - $5300:

Lennox

Condenser: 13ACX-036

Evap Coil: CX34-38A

Option 3 - $5883:

Trane

Condenser: 4TTR3036

Evap Coil: 4TXCB036

Option 4 - $5688:

Goodman

Condenser: GSX13036Â

Evap Coil: CAPF36

Option 5 - $5280:

Payne

Condenser: PA3ANA03600

Evap Coil: CNPVT36Â Â Â

My questions are:

1. Which quote above looks the best? Which system to avoid?

2. I have been told that mixing copper and aluminum (as Trane does) could lead to corrosion... any truth to that?

2. Does it make sense to upgrade to a dual fuel heat pump for ~$800 given we don't plan on being here long?

3. I was recommended the White Rodgers 1F95-1277 thermostat because of its ease of use. (from my reading the HW VisionPro gets recommended a lot here, but I was told its more complicated to operate than the WR unit... we want EASY or it probably wont get used properly)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

ryanhughes
17 years ago
1. The Trane is the best setup of all those quoted above. Then Lennox, but compared to the Trane the others aren't even in the same ballpark. Aluminum coil protected with louvered panels, etc.

2. Not really. Trane uses a zinc-aluminum alloy transition between the aluminum coil and copper feeds anyway. At least in the outdoor unit. I'd feel more comfortable with Trane's aluminum coils than any copper coil, but that's more of a personal preference.

3. Dual fuel would save on the heat bill if your electric is cheap, but if you don't plan on staying more than a few years, I would probably just go with a straight a/c replacement. I'm assuming your winters aren't extreme.

4. The VisionPRO is not difficult to operate for most. I think it's easy--all the options are clearly organized on the touchscreen (mode, fan, temp setting). I would prefer the VisionPRO personally. And I would get Trane's TCONT802A, which is the same thing with the Trane name on it.
tigerdunes
17 years ago
tbenz

I agree with Ryan about the Trane and because of your area/climate, I would strongly consider upgrading to the HP model.

BTW, what type furnace-brand, model, size, age?

IMO
Related Professionals
Tallahassee General Contractors · Portsmouth General Contractors · Fort Worth General Contractors · Eau Claire General Contractors · Manhattan Home Remodeling · Charleston Home Remodeling · Elgin Home Remodeling · Birmingham Bathroom Remodelers · Miami Bathroom Remodelers · Asheville Bathroom Remodelers · Jacksonville Bathroom Remodelers · Spring Bathroom Remodelers · Cleveland Bathroom Remodelers · Youngstown Bathroom Remodelers · Pullman Bathroom Remodelers
tbenz345
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks to you both for your help!

The furnaces are 80% 9 year old York Diamond 80s...

The company offering the Trane listed above is going to give me the TCONT803 t-stat. It will be underutilized for now, but if the furnace ever needs replacing, we wont also need to replace the t-stat.
tigerdunes
17 years ago
tbenz

definitely upgrade to the HPs with an 80% eff furnace. payback will be quick.

IMO
tbenz345
Original Author
17 years ago
I am leaning towards not upgrading towards the heat pump mainly because of three reasons:

1. Payback period - its $600 incremental cost for each, and we will only be here 1-3, maybe 5 years tops
2. Selling Appeal - Some buyers remember heat pumps of old and would prefer a straight AC/Furnace setup.(Even though the new models are greatly improved)
3. Our basement is finished, and hence we would need to punch holes in the drywall in order to run the new wires between the outside HP & furnace (right now there's only a 2 wire run between them)

Thoughts?

Thanks
Troy
ryanhughes
17 years ago
Troy, your thoughts for not wanting to go with a heat pump are clear and make sense to me. If you planned on another 10 years and it was just an easy upgrade, then it could make sense as tiger suggests, but in this case I think I'd go with straight a/c myself. $5883 for two condensers and two evaporator coils is a good installed price.
tigerdunes
17 years ago
troy

at first glance, your reasoning seems valid. however, I would reconsider. homeowners are becoming more aware every day about the benefits of today's modern HPs leveraging reasonable electric rates vs more expensive nat gas. and with today's high fuel prices, an 80% eff furnace is a dinosaur even for hotlanta area.

I would expect the heat pump cost difference to easily pay for itself over a five yr period. and while I don't know your individual situation, repairing drywall can be easy and cheap.

take a look at the attached link for fuel comparison calculator and plug in your numbers.

IMO
Good Luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator
tbenz345
Original Author
17 years ago
The calculator requires some information I'm having trouble finding... how can I get an accurate Heat Pump COP? I don't see it on the Trane website.

Drywall is not an issue to be honest (I have installed/repaired it a few times), just more of an annoyance. It wouldn't truly preclude me from upgrading to a HP if it made sense for my family.

Thanks
Troy