HVAC advise needed.

[POINTER94]

Hey anyone out there give me an idea what a replacement of a furnace for a wisconsin ranch home, about 1200 sq ft plus a basement. Might as well throw in the A/C.<br /><br />My parents were told that they need to have theirs replaced (19 yr old unit). They guy told them that it would run between 5-10K. This seems really really high to me. 2200 for the furnace and 1200 for the a/c sounds about right to me as all the lines and duct work is done and it is a standard natural gas unit and installation.<br /><br />What should they expect to spend?<br /><br />Thanks all.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

That sounds a bit high unless they planned on changing all the duct work. I installed a 74,000 btu gas furnace with a 2 1/2 ton AC unit for my BIL last year. Materials/equipment came to about $1800, but that is wholesale price.<br /><br />I would be getting some more estimates. With the existing duct work, I feel it shouldn't run over $4500. Good Luck Pointer!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

Does it include a new "A" coil and what type of refrigerant does the new unit use? Puron or 22? What efficiency rating is he giving you and what size BTU/Tons? 80%+ or 90%+ on the furnace and what SEER on the A/C. Makes a difference in pricing.....

 

[JB]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

Lets ask this non-boating technical question in the Non-boating Technical Forum, Pointer.<br /><br />Moving it for you.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

As best as I know, 90+% efficient, and I would assume if the unit is 20 years old, the A coil is probably ratted out pretty bad. I think the key is the furnace so the AC is only used a couple of months a year, they live right by Lake Michigan.<br /><br />I don't exactly know what size unit should be used, but it is a 1200 sq ft brick ranch, well insulated as I can personally attest to. I am sure to be very specific I would need far more information, but I almost dropped a load when I heard that 5-10K figure. This is all the information I have. If there is more information needed that a novice can provide I can provide it.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[ufm82]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

For a 1200 sq ft house I wouldn't expect to see a bill of anything over $3,000 even if they have to fabricate the hook-up ductwork., Nobody is going to replace ALL the ductwork- just the stuff around the base unit. That's common and necessary. <br /><br /> That's gonna be a 2 ton or so unit anymore for such a size house. I can't see needing much more than that. <br /><br />UFM82

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

Assuming a complete new gas furnace with central A/C, installed, minimal ductwork as needed to fit the air handler, haul away the old stuff. <br /><br />I'd put it somewhere between $3K to $6K retail for good quality, still a wide range depending on the efficiency ratings and brand name of the units.<br /><br />$5K to 10K is too high, and WAAAAY too vague from the "guy" whoever that is. Get 2 or 3 written quotes from contractors....and they should be down to the penny...anyone who gives a wide range like that is not someone you want to install this system.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

My sister just contracted to have her's old gas furnace w/AC replaced with a Trane. House is 1600 sq. ft. brick rancher w/o basement. Don't know the size of unit, but it's gas w/AC. $4300.

 

[Drrockter]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I'd like to know the contractor, so I can avoid using him on our stores in that area. He's way high.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

thats the going price in ks yes. in ks by code they have to change the a coil to the more better.

 

[Drrockter]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

The 5K window is what scares me.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

Thanks guys, your numbers are more in line with what I thought.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I forgot to mention, the $3K to $6K range I provided earlier would definitely include a new lineset and A-coil as well. And highly recommended when replacing a 19 year old setup.

 

[jimr]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I just replaced my 1984 model 2.5ton gas pack with a 3 ton gas pack. reusing all the original duct work it cost $3210. and will probablly save us a bunch on the electric bill. on the 100* days we have been having the new one actually shuts off.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

As of a couple of weeks ago, copper took a big hike. So this will in turn relate to higher prices of units in the very near future. Might not want to wait too long if the prices haven't already jumped. Wire and linesets have almost doubled in price now.<br /><br />Pointer, make sure whoever does the job, that a new lineset is put in. I know some installers use the old freon/linesets instead of putting in new ones. This is a bad practice especially if the windings in the old compressor is failing. It will leave an acid throughout the system. Then of course if the old lineset remains, the acid will contaminate the new equipment. Good Luck............SS

 

[lewkster]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I have worked in the hvac field for over 20 years. I have seen people respond back 3 to 6 grand depending on what your buying. Seems right on target for todays pricing. Whole cost today are nothing like 10 years back even. <br /> Myself, at todays energy cost. I would choose the high efficient ( or state laws here in minneasota require 90 plus furnaces and minimum 13 seer a/c units I believe)<br /> Check with your sales person on any rebates, 14 seer here gets the rebate on a/c units for exsample.<br /> On the plus side hopefully you will see lower electric and gas bills to help justify some of the higher cost.<br /> Different brands may have much longer warranty's.

 

[lewkster]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

added comment...if old furnace is not high effienct, and the new one is(plastic vented). You will either have to reline the flue for the gas water heater (if gas), or change that out as well. There are drafting problems with to big of a flue on water heater (not enough heat to draft properly). <br /> City permits and inspections are for your safety. Get a carbon monoxide detector.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

My dad just had a complete removal and reinstall of his air and furnace in Minnesota. Total cost was $6800. House is about 1700 square feet.

 

[funpilot]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I did a Lennox two years ago. I went with their signature series, including the pure air filter with ultra violet light and the humidifier. The unit is a 90,000 BTU at 94% efficiency. New reduced size flu for the water heater since this unit vents to ambiant via plastic duct. The AC unit is the so quiet you can't hear it running. They did have to make significant plennum changes to locate the furnace properly.<br /><br />I paid $7740 plus tax, which the estimator was willing to propose on the spot. The price was well discounted. I have about 1300 sf on both levels for 2600 total.<br /><br />fp

 

[craze1cars]

Re: HVAC advise needed.

I might also add that the feds are now getting in on this rebate action as part of the new energy bill. If they buy a high efficiency system, they may get a pretty significant deduction/rebate on their income taxes. This is a brand new program being offered for 2006...do some research to see what qualifies and what doesn't. The better informed salespeople and contractors will also have these answers for you.