Help need new a/c furnace unit ---UPDATE

[trip]

Well, after 19 years, we need a replacement. We have a two story 2400 sq foot house. Does anyone have any suggestions? We haven't had any estimates yet, I'm still doing research. Trane has been suggested by a neighbor. We have never had a heat pump - anyone have a comments about them? Any guesses on costs?

 

[Pop Daddy]

the cost of an a/c went thru the roof in the last 2 years, because of "green" concerns, but get one this year, in 2-3 years the price is going to be so high there going to finance a/c like they do cars with 5 -6 year loans. I have a friend in the business

 

[Buckalew11]

I think ours is a Trane. It went out a few years back RIGHT before a WDW trip. Perfect timing, huh?!! Ugh.

What state do you live in? We have a heat pump and it is fine for TN but not sure if I'd want one further north. I do not think they heat like gas.

 

[beeayekay]

Our 16 yr old A/C died when we were at Disney in September 2006 so we decided to replace the entire A/C/ furnace thing in May 2007. After pricing everything,and I do mean EVERYTHING--- Sears, Trane, and companies we NEVER heard of...... we decided on an Amana unit, installed by our local furnace/A/C guys. The package went for around $7000 installed. Our electric bill was cut by 3/4 last summer....so much so the electric company owes US money!!! Our gas bill fell from a third to a half probably owing to increased energy costs. The temperature in the house stays much more constant than it did before replacing the units. And no more cold spots.......
By the way, we heat/cool 2.5 floors with 3700 sq ft of living space.
As for the heat pump, we looked into that as well but decided it would not be as efficient in our Pennsylvania winters. It depends on where you are and the size of the space.

Good Luck.........

Babs

 

[Katlyn]

We replaced our 18 yr old Trane Heat Pump in June of last year with a new Trane HP. It was around 6800.00 but our power bill has not been over 115.00 since and we heat/cool about 1825 sq. ft.

 

[tiggerlover]

Our house is just under 2100 sq feet and we replaced our heating and AC system last June (I think) and we paid about $6,000. I am sorry I do not remember what brand it is, but I do know it is not a Trane. My only recommendation, if you can afford it, is to get dual temperature controls, one upstairs and one down. We didn't because we didn't want to spend the extra money, but I wish we had. The new system has definitely saved on our electric bill and we were even able to claim a tax credit for the new energy efficient system.

 

[bigmerle1966]

We replaced ours in the Spring last year and since then our electric bill has dropped dramatically.

We got a Trane 2 1/2 ton unit and they replaced everything, the inside and outside units, all the wires and the part that connects the system to the vents. And we got a digital thermostat.

The space where it goes is a part of our laundry closet and the unit was too big to fit in the direction it normally would. They set it in another direction and put in a door so we could get to the filter.

Cost us $6600 and was put in by the local electric company.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Heat pumps are generally expensive to run if you need your heat often. That could have changed if gas prices are higher then electric. Many of the main manufacturers have lines made in the same way with a less known tag on them. I believe that Trane goes under the name of Goodman for less. Lennox systems are high maintenance and can only be serviced by Lennox techs. I'm pretty sure that dh feels Carrier are also high maintenance. Price depends on where you live. Here you might expect to pay $7500-8,000 for a 2500sf home. You might find that if this is not urgent you will pay less in September then during the height of summer or cold of winter. Generally I would say go with a contractor you trust over the brand. Installation trumps equipment.

 

[barkley]

we never had a heat pump until we moved (just not common in california). the one thing i would suggest if you live in a region that dips into the colder ranges is to get one of the newer thermostats that tracks the outside temp such that it only engages the override when it's necessary. in this way you are running on a much more cost effective basis.

whatever system you get make sure to have them realy review the maintainance-we lived in a rental for a year and one day went to put on the a/c and phhhhhhhft, nothing. come to find out the owner was not aware of how much more often her system needed new filters (only told us to do it every 4 months), so the all the duct work collapsed into itself cost her tons to fix, plus it took a toll on the motor which ended up going out a month or two later.

 

[trip]

Thanks for all of the replies so far.

We live in Nebraska so still not sure about the heat pump. Are they better for areas that don't get so cold?

 

[Buckalew11]

I doubt I'd do a heat pump min Nebraska. Of course, I'm think you live in an igloo, right?! j/k

Seriously, I'd ask around up there before I put one in. In TN it is fine. Nebraska is much, much colder though!

 

[clutter]

I'm going through the same thing. Same size house, too. Trane and Carrier are running around $6k+ for a 13 SEER. 15 SEERs are about 600 - 800 higher. The less name brands, American Standard and Rheem were lower by about $600-800. Most companies specialize in only one or another brand name. Both Trane and Carrier have rebate programs going right now for orders made by 6/30.

 

[trip]

I spent about an hour on the phone with our electric company. The rep was great! He explained so many things to me about heat pumps. He gave me a list of things to ask about, numbers to use to compare units, and what minumin ratings should be. He couldn't give me a recommendation but gave me a range of what the cost should be,(for our size house $5500 to $13,000) of course depending if we went with the top-of-line or basic models.

We ended up going with Trane. They installed a 15 Seer 4 ton heat pump that uses the new refrigerant and a new furnance/humidifier. The digital thermostat tracks the outside temp and turns the furnance on when it hits 20degrees.

We already feel the difference. Our old a/c unit was only 10 Seer and wasn't working right. Of course,we haven't had to use the heat yet but I'm sure we will feel the difference there also.

We missed out on the Trane rebate- that ended May 29,2008. We will get a $250.00 rebate from our local electric company. I guess that's better than nothing.

It will be interesting tracking the electric and gas bills - we better save money!!!

 

[RNMOM]

I'm glad you were able to find a good resource. Sounds like you made a good choice.

I was going to add to AVOID Lennox. It used to be a very good product around here (Ohio) but we put in a new furnace and air in 99 and have had several repairs.

 

[Gina]

I think you'll be very happy with your new system. The difference in SEER rating is going to make a huge difference in your bills, and your comfort.

And I think you made a good choice with the Trane system. We only sell Trane for a reason -- it's just a rock-solid product. And ditto what RNMOM said about Lennox -- I swear more than half of our service calls are on Lennox products. Had two just today alone.

You've made a smart investment! I'm sorry you missed out on the rebates, though.


-gina-

 

[RabbitFood]

We just put in a new A/C--2400 sq. ft. home. We went with a Carrier--that's what our other one was. It was $3200 installed.
PD is right about prices skyrocketing--my friend put in an A/C and furnace for that price a few years back.