Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

  • 0

I am in the market for a new central air unit.

Sonicrunch

Asked by Sonicrunch,

 Share

Question

Sonicrunch Proficient

Sonicrunch

Posted
Posted

My old one is dying. I had the first estimate guy out last night. I'll get a few more estimates and then pick one to go with.

So I was wondering if anyone in here had some advice to share. Like shady things (salesman tricks) to watch out for, brands you like or dislike, setups etc.

(I got a new furnace two years ago, so no need for a combo replacement.)

Thanks in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
youngie22 Experienced

youngie22

Posted
Posted

R-22 will blow "colder" air usually compared to the newer more efficient 410-A. Is your line set (refridgerant lines) replaceable, or are they in finished wall or ceiling? Make sure the unit is sized right by sales person, ask about fed. tax credits, and energy company rebates. Get a good vaccuum pulled in lines before refirgerant is added, and get pressures right this will make it run as efficient as possible for a long time. I favor Trane products. Good name, good product, easy installation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Sonicrunch Proficient

Sonicrunch

Posted
  • Author
Posted

My line set is replaceable. They told me I have to have new lines installed.(bigger lines)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
youngie22 Experienced

youngie22

Posted
Posted

Good, You should be in good shape then. Get a good vac pulled (minumum of 500 microns) and get the accurate pressures and you'll be in good shape. Save that copper almost $3 per pound. Good Luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Dusty Proficient

Dusty

Posted
Posted

I just had a new unit installed by Standard heating. It is a Bryant. It was about $2000.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
stick Proficient

stick

Posted
Posted

I have worked with a company both at home and they did our installation at our commercial building at work. They did an awesome job! I would recommend checking out names of companies on Angies List.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
efgh Proficient

efgh

Posted
Posted

I would check the price on a heat pump, it is reversable in the summer and becomes a air conditioner. It is reversed by selecting either heat or cool on the thermostat.WE have had a unit like this for 15 years, we replaced it last year because the newer units are way more efficent to operate. The heat part operates till the temp. gets to 5 below o outside, then the furnace takes over. Just my thoughts. wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
Sonicrunch Proficient

Sonicrunch

Posted
  • Author
Posted

OK, so I just had Centerpoint Energy out for a quote.

This guys tells me he does NOT recommend replacing the lines due to the fact that they cannot attach them securely. (The other guy would have just pushed them through and left them resting on the joists).

He recommended staying with R-22 and using the old lines. What do you guys think of that?

BTW, the heat pump is something I will do when I build a home. I love it, but I have a 1/10th of an acre, in which half is under a city easment for storm sewer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
bgmny Enthusiast

bgmny

Posted
Posted

Resting the lines on the joists will work just fine. Probably just Centerpoints way of doing things. Are you upsizing your A/C unit? If you can use the old lines it would save you some money on the install, but otherwise just have them pull new ones. Different companies use different brands of A/C units. Someone might offer a unit in the size your looking for that can reuse the old line sizes. On the other hand having a new A/C condenser, new furnace, and new lineset would be peace of mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
youngie22 Experienced

youngie22

Posted
Posted

I would get new lines put in, but it is hard to say. You can clean lines out and get filter dryers on line set, but they will need to be cut out and new vacuum will need to be pulled on lines. How much will not be secured and hanging ing finished wall or ceiling? Do lines go straight out or run down wall before going out? Get a warranty on the work, hold them accountable if they did it wrong. On the heat pump issue though, they look and and like a regular a/c that you are buying just have a reversing valve to make the refridgerant do the opposite job as before. May be a good option, kind of depends on fuel costs to heat your home vs. elec. a good sales personsshould be able to show you weather it is beneficial and how long it will take for it to pay off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
delcecchi Grand Master

delcecchi

Posted
Posted

Since you have a furnace, the heat pump might make you eligible for a dual fuel or somoe other discounted electric rate. I was just talking to a guy at work who has this setup and he is real happy, since the furnace runs on propane which has gotten a little expensive lately. His electric rate is like half of the regular rate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
pikechaser Collaborator

pikechaser

Posted
Posted

an air to air heat pump isnt very practical here...below 30 deg's they dont do squat...Id stick with a unit w/ r-22...installed properly should give you years of troublefree service...dont buy the cheapest and at the same time dont need the most expensive...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 0
pikechaser Collaborator

pikechaser

Posted
Posted

Pulling a deep vaccum say 500 microns or below and the rest of it should be standard procedure for any installer, especially on a 410a unit, they are more susceptible to moisture than that a r-22 system. centerpoint probly stands behind what they sell better than anyone else ive seen round here, and prices are competitive...the higher the SEER rating the more efficient. From what ive heard there isnt gonna be a ton of money in rebates this year if you stay with a more well known unit like carrier/rheem etc you should be in good shape

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to question listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      Big Kandiyohi

      By mulefarm · Posted

      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Big Traverse Ice Free

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By leech~~ · Posted

      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      St Cloud Fishing Reports

      By Rick G · Posted

      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By smurfy · Posted

      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports

      By monstermoose78 · Posted

      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept