Heating & Air Conditioning Design Dilemma

HVAC feedback please

Steve Cahoon

8 years ago

Was quoted $16,500 for the following. Want feedback please as this is way out of my wheelhouse.

was given the following quotes for $16,650.00: wondering feedback? THANK YOU!

Trane 4TTx8036 3Ton 2 Stage A/C XL 18i

Aspen ACE48D44175 Cased Coil

Trane S9v2B080U3 Gas Furnace

Trane TCONT824 WIFI thermostat

PAD and Pump UPS For AC Unit

Bradford White Power Vent Gas Water Heater

All necessary ductwork, refrigeration condensation piping, high and low voltage wiring

Featured Answer

mike_home

8 years ago

The price you quoteed is more in line with the work you described. If you want feedback on the price of just the HVAC (furnace, condenser, coil, filter, thermostat), then you will have to ask the contractor to provide that as a separate cost. Most HVAC contractors are not going to break price down to individual components, but you can try.

It sounds like your house is currently all electric and there is no chimney. If there was a chimney then I would suggest getting a traditional gas hot water heater and save yourself some money.

If money is the issue, then you could hold off on the hot water heater and the extra gas piping to the gas cook top. You would then have the gas line plumbed so that it would be easy to tap into it when it is time to buy a new hot water heater. I also suggest doing this for a future gas dryer, and any other future gas appliances.

Is your current heat pump and air handler in need of replacement? If so then you could figure out what an equivalent heat pump system would cost, then calculate how much more it cost to install a gas furnace and AC condenser. The delta is the added cost to switch fuels. Then you can calculate how much money you will saving on heating the house with gas and what is the return on investment to do the HVAC upgrade. You will also save quite a bit on domestic hot water. I think it will help you justify spending this amount of money.

For me having a gas cook top is a big improvement. I have tried to cook on an electric stove and I just get frustrated. Give me gas any day.

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Comments (13)

mmilos
8 years ago
I paid $13.5k for a similar quality system and all new ducting back in 2013. I'm in Los Angeles for context.

I would try to get a few quotes with other HVAC people that carry Trane for a comparison.

Look up the rated efficiency of your condenser and coil models on the AHRI website. HVAC salespeople will always sell you on the higher efficiency, but they're always rated "up to ____ SEER". The AHRI website will tell you likely rating for your equipment.

If you want a bit cheaper, look at American Standard. They are the same exact units as Trane...just different paint job and label. Both are manufactured by Ingersoll Rand. The American Standard line is cheaper because they don't have the Trane marketing costs.
tigerdunes
8 years ago
ridiculous pricing and the 3rd party evap coil is a big red flag!

get a quote from Am STD dealer.

IMO
Steve Cahoon thanked tigerdunes
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mike_home
8 years ago
Is the quote to replace current equipment or is it for a new build with duct work? If it is for replacement then it seems out of line. If it is for a new build then it is hard to judge.
Steve Cahoon thanked mike_home
chiflipper
8 years ago
Whatever system you decide to buy PLEASE have a leveled poured concrete pad for the compressor. The plastic pads WILL shift over time, causing the compressor bearings to fry. Make sure the pad is large enough so that the unit is placed at least 24 inches away from the house to allow a tech room to service it. (All the "hookups" are on the house side of the compressor.) Spend a little more now...or a lot later.
Steve Cahoon
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you to everyone for the comments so far. Some more info: we cirrrntly have a heat pump set-up and electric hot water heater. The cost as estimates would be to set up all pipe work for gas hot water heater, gas furnace, and run a gas line to our kitchen stovetop (about 30’ in from side of house and through drop ceiling in basement).

Does that effect anyone’s thoughts
SJ McCarthy
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
So they need to CUT INTO existing floors/ceilings/walls/paint, etc to get this done? Do you have any duct work at all?
tigerdunes
8 years ago
Flipper makes a good point about a nice properly sized poured concrete pad. I also prefer this over the cheap plastic pads and the preformed composite concrete pads. Since this is an AC condenser and depending on your location, you might not require pump ups.

IMO
Steve Cahoon
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
In terms of the duct work. The duct work is not being touched at all. The duct work, they say is original to the house from 1979, and there was no further 'investigation' into whether it was running without leaks, etc.

They will need to drill through the cinder-block to vent the furnace? or hot water heater I guess? The utility company will be trenching to the house to set the meter, the company I am considering hiring would have to plumb internally for the gas lines.

Also for reference, I am in Maryland
Steve Cahoon
Original Author
8 years ago
Compare and contrast the two systems below that I’m choosing between:
Note I was also quoted armana of similar but have read terrible reviews other than their warranty.

Option 1: is TRANE 4TTX8036 XL 18l (Trane 80k Btu 96% gas furnace and 3 ton 2 stage 18 SEER air conditioner)

Option 2: is TRANE 4TTX6036 XL 16l (Trane 3 ton 16 SEER)

We live in Maryland in a home built in 1979, colonial, with basement about 2400 square feet

Just trying to know what is best. About 2100$ difference.

Also, advice please: a 1610 aprilaire high e air filter was recommended ($475) and an Air Scrubber Plus ($975). I am allergic to pollen so are these both good to have or one or not necessary. Also is humidifier recommended (not yet quoted)?

Thank you all for your expertise.
tigerdunes
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What furnace model? Trane evaporator coil? Assuming same furnace Mdl, $2100 difference between a single stage AC condenser and a 2 stage AC condenser is simply not worth it. What thermostat was quoted? I prefer Trane Perfect Fit Filter cabinet. Air scrubber, have no idea what that is? Do you have humidifier for existing system?

IMO
PRO
Austin Air Companie
8 years ago
Steve,

Were the reviews for Amana similar to the reviews for Trane listed here?

Notice Trane has a 1 star out of 5 rating on that website. AC equipment... all brands score roughly the same in the 1 to 1.5 star area when looking at reviews on line.

The configuration, system design and installation are the most important parts. All mechanical equipment breaks down. No brand is immune to that.

You have to follow your gut for the most part for these kinds of decisions, but it's pointless to search reviews for one brand and not the other.

Did someone put you up to this?
udarrell
8 years ago
You don't need that high cost A/C equipment, the lowest SEER & cost equipment will work okay for your comfort in Maryland.