[PB]

Looking to replace my original AC/furnace (house built in 76) and replace with new AC/heat pump combo. My house is all electric. Quote is for an Amana ASZ14 - 14 seer Heat pump.

Has 10 year parts and labor and Lifetime unit replacement if compressor ever goes out.
Work to be done is remove existing, relocate inside and outside unit....inside about 10 feet down the main trunk and replacing that section of the main trunk and adding a return air line for the basement. Moving the outside unit about 8 feet and then redrilling into the house for the new line placement.

This unit qualifies for the 1500 tax credit.

Includes a New April Air programmable thermostat and a 5" premium Pleated MERV 8 Air filter. All for 6885.00

Is this a reasonable quote for the work/unit? Can I offer a lower price? Thanks!

[67blackcherry]

In today's economy, you can always offer a lower price! Play hardball, get other quotes, be a savy consumer.

I take it the 14SEER is what qualifies for the $1500 rebate, correct? Why use a heat pump? You realize that outdoor unit will run year round, driving up your electricity bill; why not get an electric furnace? We run into electric strip heat air handlers from time to time but generally not electric furnaces; everyone has gas out here, especially the windbags in Sacramento...

At the very least, insist on a free 5 year maintenance program. Make them work for your money. Good luck.

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by 67blackcherry

I take it the 14SEER is what qualifies for the $1500 rebate, correct?

Not sure how the SEER ratings equate to efficiency, but I think we had to get at least a 97% efficient (or maybe 95%) to qualify for the tax credit.

Originally Posted by 67blackcherry

Why use a heat pump? You realize that outdoor unit will run year round, driving up your electricity bill; why not get an electric furnace?

In his local (KC), his climate is not that much different than mine. Heat pumps are very efficient down to about 20 degrees or so. (Probably don't see 20 degree temps out there in socal). Homes that do not have gas in these climates will have both a HP and an electric furnace.

The best of both worlds (efficiency and comfort wise) is a gas furnace with a heat pump.

Originally Posted by 67blackcherry

$5100.00? You're never going to get your car done if you keep spending money on non-essentials like that!

You're telling me! I was just starting to feel good about the savings account and the job situation to think about that short-block that the goat needs.

[4dblnkldude]

Make an informed decision and do your research. Get multiple quotes and bargain if you must. Go to hvactalk.com, they may answer some of your questions. The people giving you your qoutes are the pros.

[Mark1968]

The amanas are sometimes a crap shoot. The ones with the stainless exchangers are nice though.

Get three quotes and go from there. Just remember you get what you pay for, the cheapest bid rarely seems to be the best.

[69goatboy]

I think it's reasonable.

I just had my furnace replaced last week to the tune of $5,100 (furnace only). Mine is gas though, 100,000 BTU Trane. I had quotes from three different companies. The one we like the most wasn't the cheapest initially, but he did price match to the cheapest.

The quotes for replacing the A/C added around $2500.

Mine also qualifies for the $1500 credit as well as a $200 credit from my energy company (Duke).

Keep shopping and let them know you're shopping.

[67blackcherry]

Originally Posted by 69goatboy

I think it's reasonable.

I just had my furnace replaced last week to the tune of $5,100 (furnace only). Mine is gas though, 100,000 BTU Trane. I had quotes from three different companies. The one we like the most wasn't the cheapest initially, but he did price match to the cheapest.

The quotes for replacing the A/C added around $2500.

Mine also qualifies for the $1500 credit as well as a $200 credit from my energy company (Duke).

Keep shopping and let them know you're shopping.

$5100.00? You're never going to get your car done if you keep spending money on non-essentials like that!

[Old Goat 67]

You're never going to get your car done if you keep spending money on non-essentials like that!

Because of the "If Mama's Happy" factor.

[Cammer-6]

My dad just had same done only with a 3 ton Carrier unit.
SEER of 16.
price $5100
also qualifies for the $1500 rebate and a $450 rebate from power co.
get more quotes....

[Txbobcat]

Get 5 quotes and tell them what the lowest quote so far is but deduct $500 from that quote. If they want the job they should pony up.

[67blackcherry]

We get underbid all the time; I never want to be the cheapest or the most expensive. We also get calls back from clients whose systems we didn't install, and their new system doesn't work properly because:
1) The duct system is horribly designed.
2) The system is undersized.
3) The workmanship is terrible.

We tell those customers "this is why our bid was higher. You get what you pay for."

I'm sure I could find a number of machine shops here in L.A. that can build my engine; would they be cheaper than Ken Brewer at Pacific Performance Racing?

Yes.

Will it perform as well?

No.

[SupergasDil]

I am a territory manager with Lennox and deal with about 30 A/C companies here in Oklahoma all of which are top notch. I hear stories all the time about unreal installations, incorrect sized units, improper duct installation and sizing, the whole enchilada.

While we all like a great deal, sometimes it is unwise to go with the cheapest even when it is the same equipment. Do some research on the companies, and ask for references. That is huge.

On your stat selection, have them show you a demonstration on how to program and operate before you buy. I'm not familiar with that one but some of the newer stats have a hard to read display and are just about impossible to program. Lennox has some pretty cool stats similar to Honeywell in looks but ours have a white backlit screen and it tells you how to program as you are using it. You don't have to look up codes in a 175 page book. It also gives you reminders as to when you should change your filter or have your system serviced. They also communicate with the equipment and will tell you if a problem occurs. Cutting down on diagnostic time.

Warranty, most reputable companies will try and set you up on a maintenance program. That may be something you can negotiate. Your system should be looked at about twice a year. Just like a car, it needs to be cleaned, oiled, checked for proper operation. If you aren't currently doing that you are taking your chances an can shorten the life of your investment. You also may need a maintenance program to keep your warranty in effect. Something to ask about.

Something else to consider is ease of maintenance. Some equipment manufactures have built their products with zip screws, not machine screws, and some eqiupment needs to come completely apart to change a part. Bad design. Most Lennox equipment has a separate compressor compartment which helps with noise levels as well as separate controls compartment. Something else to keep in mind when you are the one paying the bill when they come out to do a repair.

We did a comparison with a competitor to see how fast you could get into service the unit. All we had to do was unhinge our panel. Theirs had to be dismantled. You pay for their time.

Remember, this is an investment in your home.

I got a kick out of the Premium 5" Pleated Merv 8 Filter. Most box media air filters are about 5". But Premium Merv 8 is not Premium. In fact Merv 8 is the bottom of the totum pole. Pretty much standard in todays market. But it may be the best that dealer has to offer. Ask him about a Healthy Climate or Lennox branded Merv 16 air filter. That's one step below HEPA and should be changed once a year. Maybe more depending on your area. Our Lennox filters have been tested and certified to meet Merv 16 rating. The best you can get.

A Merv 8 should be a minimum with any system and will keep your equipment fairly clean. A Merv 16 will actually clean the air in your home and I feel should be the standard. Do you drink water out of the faucet, or do you drink bottled water ? Same difference.

Go to www.lennox.com and check out some of the products we offer. Look at the 16 seer, 19 seer and 21 seer condensing units, and the variable speed air handlers. All are very quiet and some have the claim quietest available as well as the most efficient available. I'm proud to work for Lennox,. They are true innovators. And depending on where your equipment is located you may want to consider quiet. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have and I'll try to help you any way I can. Also from time to time we have freight damaged equipment that I may be able to save you a few bucks on scratch and dent. We have warehouses all over the country.

One last thing, each one of your prospect companies should be doing a load calculation on your home. If they aren't there is no way they can properly size your unit. Just things for you to think about. Dil 918-497-9756 Cell or you can PM me

[shawn e.]

Since you are moving both units an electrician will be involved. It is amazing how much$$$$ an electrician adds to a job or eats away the profit!

Shawn

[PB]

Thanks for all the advice fellas, I appreciate it. I plan on having a few more quotes next week or so. The people I've talked to say I should cut my heating costs by 1/2 with a heat pump. Winters here aren't too horrible, in fact, they are quite tolerable compared to the Iowa winters I grew up in.

I will be doing some remodeling of my home and possibly an addition in the future, so I want to be sure I purchase something that can expand just a bit if necessary. Thanks Dil for the information and I may be hitting you up on your offer....I will let you know,

Pat