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Need Help! AC/HVAC repair recommendation

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by icici, Sep 5, 2008.

  1. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    No no, thanks for all the info! So with the $7k you'll then get the $1500 fed rebate and maybe a state rebate with that too, right?
     
  2. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    the tax credit is based on a minimum efficency in the system, but more then likely they got it.

    not aware of any state credits in this area?
     
  3. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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  4. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Yikes!!!! :scaredeyes::scaredeyes::scaredeyes:

    We had our heat pump installed on April 28th, which is the start date of the VA rebate thing! I hope it counts! When I checked previously the rebates were not active as they were out of money. I better, as they say on TV, act now and don't delay!
     
  5. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Yes, we purchased a system that qualifies for the federal rebate and Climatic is processing that for us. I just did the online portion for the state one. Sonny is coming tomorrow to look over the work that was done and answer any questions I may have.
     
  6. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    FYI: The state rebate is $300 for a heat pump.
     
  7. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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  8. fidothedog

    fidothedog Member

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  9. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I probably over thought the whole thing but my advice is to review some information available online so you get a sense of what is important when choosing an HVAC system and a company to install it. Research 3-4 different companies online through the Better Business Bureau and Google searches to get an idea of what other people's experiences have been with them. It isn't foolproof but can help you weed out the notably bad ones.

    Interview the potential installation companies and decide which one did the right things according to the information you read and which one you felt the most confident in regarding their abilities, knowledge, and customer service.

    Choose equipment based on your needs but remember that bigger is not better in terms of tonnage and the absolute highest efficiency model may not pay off for you in the long run in terms of saving energy. I suggest purchasing one with a good efficiency rating that will offer you financial savings over the life of the unit. We could have purchased a more expensive model but the energy efficiency ratings were the same for the moderately priced one; the difference was in the features offered on the more expensive one. In our case the price difference was about $700 and we didn't feel that the increase in features offered was enough to make it worthwhile since both units had the same energy savings rating.

    If you think you'll be living in your house for more than 10 years, look for a system that will allow you to recoup some of your investment in terms of lower electric or gas bills. If you're planning to move before then, go with a reasonably good unit but don't overdo it if you won't be there long enough to benefit from it financially.

    And yes, I am a big dork about this whole thing!

    Buyers Guide: Air Conditioning & Heating Equipment and HVAC Contractors

    Bigger is not Better

    Energy Savers: Sizing Heating and Cooling Systems

    For Homeowners & Building Managers

    http://www.airconditioning-and-heati...HVAC_GRID2.pdf
     
  10. Pilot

    Pilot New Member

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    Another vote for Climatic. Fixed only what was needed.
     
  11. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Villager,

    Have your bills gone down noticeably? Our past Dominion bill was $290 for us (end unit townhouse), which is way high (we have to run the blower all the time because of a leak, etc) :(

    We're going to replace our system and looks like I'll be trying Ashburn Air, Climatic, and Bowman for quotes. Our current system is a 2.5 or 3 ton and we have an end unit townhouse ~2100sq/ft.
     
  12. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Boomer, let me know what you end up with. I'm in the same situation as you, end-unit TH and wanting to replace our system between now and next spring.
     
  13. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I just reviewed our usage and it has not gone down. However, we have two units and only one of them (for the upper level) was replaced. I wish I could say that replacing the unit has reduced costs but it has not. What also could be taken into account, though, is that this summer has been hotter than last summer. Dominion's website does not allow me to search further back than 2009 to get a wider range of time, which might indicate a long term savings.

    The unit we replaced had a coolant leak in the system somewhere that required additional coolant added a couple of times a year. That's why we replaced one but not the other. When the other unit breaks down we'll definitely use Climatic again.
     
  14. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    My quote from Sonny @ Climatic for a 3 ton Carrier infinity/performance 17 Seer AC + 80% gas furnace was around $8100 (yikes!). Then 1500 off for fed tax credit. Will post updates once we decide how to go.

    Again, we have a ~2100 sq ft townhouse.

    Any input/suggestions welcome. =)
     
  15. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    I assume that quote is all-inclusive, i.e. parts, labor, removal/disposal of old unit, etc? Did they also mention how long it would take to complete the whole thing?
     
  16. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Another quick question; the Fed tax credit - do you still get it if you're due money back after filing taxes? I thought a credit only reduced what you owed, but didn't increase your refund. Is that the case here?
     
  17. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    yeah includes everything.... they can do it in a day usually.

    I'm not sure how the tax rebate works, I always get a refund too, but I presume/hope I would just get 1500 more back =)

    http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgi-...std_adp.php?p_faqid=5582&p_created=1236028396
     
  18. mdfiji

    mdfiji New Member

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    The fed tax credit reduces your tax liability regardless of how much you had withheld. We were going to get a $1300 refund, and with the credit got $2800:)
     
  19. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Well that is a good sized, pretty high efficiency AC, not so high furnace. Stepping down a notch would cut into that too. I'd also say try to negotiate and reference other deals if need be. This is a contractor business - not retail... so there usually is some play.

    Yeah, they all quote 'turn key' totals to you.

    Credit is basically real money as if you paid that amount. So you calculate your tax liability, you do your deductions and they say you owe X. You subtract how much you paid in plus any credits. If that means you overpaid.. you get it back.

    Credits are king because they dollar for dollar reduce your tax money owed (full face value). Deductions only reduce your tax liability (amount taxed).
     
  20. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Please also bear in mind that different homes need different adjustments along with the new system. For example, we needed two air intakes to have the opening enlarged to allow optimum air flow. Some duct work could require some configuring and or adjusting as well, so not everyone's price quote will be identical. And although it is not tangible, trust in a quality company and quality installation is important as well. Sometimes the lowest bidder isn't the best long term investment. Still, prices should be reasonable and the key should be whether or not you feel paying more gives you something of value, whether that is peace of mind or comfort level with customer support, or whatever it might be. :)
     

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