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AC replacement - suggestions wanted

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by BroadRes, Mar 10, 2018.

  1. BroadRes

    BroadRes New Member

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    We are currently getting estimates for AC replacement and wanted to know what others have paid to replace their units. We are looking into a mid range, humidity controlled, single unit. What is a fair price?

    Do you suggest a certain company? Do you suggest certain features?

    Any opinions, comments are appreciated!

    Thank you!
     
  2. Jeddie Busch

    Jeddie Busch Member

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    Hi There. My clients have had great success with Climatic. The cost and details will vary widely depending on the type of home (single family, town home or condo) and the specifics of the manufacturer's warranty.
     
    Pirate likes this.
  3. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    We changed our both units with Modern Mechanical. Our goal was to reduce the coast of electricity and the noise. The originals were very loud. So we went for the highest efficiency units by Lennox used Federal Tax credit which covered the cost of 4 solar panels as a bundle deal with the Lennox. I would recommend to go for a good brand and highest efficiency SEER number which is the efficiency rating. We replaced them with XC25 and 21. We have been saving 40% and more since the replacements, but we did some minor insulation fixes too.
     
  4. stevenbdjr

    stevenbdjr Member

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    Oya, might I ask who you used for your insulation work? We have a significant temperature imbalance upstairs, and since getting a whole-house humidifier installed I've also noticed our humidity tends to drift upstairs, leading me to believe we have an insulation problem in the attic. I'm on the hunt for company that can do an energy audit, and perhaps a blower door test, and then fix what they find.
     
  5. M&E

    M&E New Member

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    We used Relax Air. They gave us the best price and 2 years warranty. They are authorized American Standard dealers.
     
  6. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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    I had Cascades Comfort replace both my York units with top of the line furnace and AC ones. Did a great job and that plus installing Nest thermostats has resulted in savings on my monthly bills of around 30% on average. And the house has never been more comfortable. Robert really knows his business.
     
  7. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    We used Home Energy Detective. I posted our Energy Audit online too. I also highly recommend Comfenergy.

    The insulation work we did were:
    Duct Sealing with Aeroseal
    Sealed with aluminum tape: Floor vents connections with ducts
    Sealed with spray foam: Concrete to drywall edges from the garage into the house
    Replaced the attic door

    We still have the 2 bedrooms over the garage that are colder in winter and hotter in the summer. Our nice humidifier is challenged with very cold days but otherwise it really helps to retain the heat.

    I hope this helps.
     
  8. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Oya, so you had 4 solar panels installed at the same time? Was it the same company who installed the whole package? And are the solar panels just meant to supplement your power?
     
  9. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    We first installed our 2 HVAC units. We wanted to see the efficiency difference without the the panels and we installed the panels a month later. I attached the info on our systems. Also, the production info for our solar panels so far.

    In addition, there is a campaign for solar starting very soon and I do suggest you participate. Nothing to loose.
    New Solarize campaigns for NOVA and with Piedmont Environmental Council start April 2! More details coming soon. All campaign participants get access to education about solar power options for their homes or businesses, vetted solar contractors and preferred pricing. Call us anytime (703-517-7251‬) or send us an email (info@solarizenova.org). We will gladly answer your questions about solar, help you find a qualified solar installer, and perform a free solar satellite assessment. Sign up for our Solarize Newsletter to get announcements and information about our Solarize campaigns.
     

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  10. Bandit1

    Bandit1 Member

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    Recommend Climatic Heating & Cooling http://www.climaticva.com/. Sonny Swan (VP) is extremely knowledgeable and can advise you on HVAC options to fit your particular needs in relation to your home construction. We replaced both of our original Goodman HVAC systems in Aug 17. After going through five contractor visits/evaluations with subsequent estimates, I selected Climatic. Sonny described the minimum and maximum HVAC needs of the home based on many factors and the parameters of his recommendations. Climatic's professionalism, technical knowledge, and system expertise was by far the best of the contractors that proposed system install. Climatic's pricing was competitive and their subsequent installation was flawless. I purchased the Carrier Infinity HVAC system as replacement for both units. So far so good. My only complaint with the Carrier Infinity system(s) is that they are proprietorial in that in order to utilize all of the capabilities of the Infinity system, the Carrier Infinity Touch thermostats must be installed/used. And Carrier is VERY proud of those thermostats.
    .
     
    boomertsfx and Jeddie Busch like this.
  11. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Just posted on climatic's webpage too...

    "With warmer temperatures on the horizon, will you be ready? For a limited time, #ClimaticVA is offering 0% financing for 60 months or up to $1,250 off a complete system upgrade! Now is the perfect time of year to change out your old systems for newer, more efficient models. Visit our website at http://www.climaticva.com/ to request a consultation."

    I recommend them (and I used the free financing in the past too... why not.. free money)
     
    Jeddie Busch likes this.
  12. Christin Yi

    Christin Yi cyi

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    Hi there!
    My husband and his brother have a company and can guarantee the lowest price. They give free estimates and have been servicing our townhouse here! Feel free to give them a ring!

    JNB Services, LLC.
    703-498-7139
    r.douangdara@jnbservicesllc.com
     

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  13. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    We got Lennox. They work really well. Extremely quite and high efficiency. When we replaced ours it saved us 40% in electricity cost. Look at the SEER number and that will tell you how efficient they are. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-is-a-seer-rating/
     
  14. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    One of my AC units finally died. Replaced it and the furnace.
    Can't say enough good things about Climatic.
    They gave me the best price and the work crew was extremely respectful and friendly.
     
    T8erman likes this.
  15. L0stS0ul

    L0stS0ul hmmmm

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    Hopefully you got more than a year warranty like we did. The "care" package was a joke. I used to love climatic but won't be using them for the second larger replacement we will have to do in the next year after what we went thru.
     
  16. Dawne

    Dawne HOA Sec/Treas, Tech Comm

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    We had Climatic replace the entire HVAC in our place in May 2012. There was nothing really wrong with the old equipment other than being contractor grade, noisy and very inefficient. We've been very happy with the new Carrier system - particularly with the variable speed fan. We installed the highest efficiency available at that time that our budget could afford. It was about $9,000. Though keep in mind that the price will vary greatly based on size, efficiency, warranty, etc.

    We put a new HVAC in our place out in WV in February - again the whole system to replace at 30 year old heat pump. That was $4,700, but a house that's only half the size of our Broadlands place. Also, that was a heat pump and air handler - completely different type of system.

    It's very difficult to compare one person's install to yours as every house is different. Pay attention to system size and efficiency to be sure you're comparing equivalent equipment from one contractor to another. Also, the key to obtaining the highest efficiency is a proper and professional installation. Be sure you're contractor knows what they're doing. Are they a manufacturer-certified installer?

    Ask your neighbors (as you have). Ask to see their installed system.
     
  17. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    JWF - what was your cost to replace both systems? Which brand did you end up using and which models if you remember?
     
  18. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Got the HVAC system replacement estimates through the Costco representative... seems really expensive for 2 full system replacements. Anyone else ask for estimates through Costco and F.H. Furr?
     
  19. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    We got an estimate from FH Furr/Costco- it was way higher than three other estimates (even including the 'discounts').

    By about $3k (we replaced only 1 of the 2 furnace/AC). And they stood me up for the first attempt at an estimate.

    Their quoted price (2 lbs min at $452) for a charge on the old system was 3x what I ended up paying.
     
  20. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Yea, even with the extras they throw in....humidifier, thermostats, maintenance, duct cleaning. For Lennox elite for the 4 ton and the 3 ton a single stage, the whole package comes in around $27k. Just seems high. The Costco promotions and discounts take around $4200 off.... ouch.

    I plan to get more estimates and hope that the numbers get better for a 17 SEER and 16 SEER type of system.
     

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