Questions on replacing/upgrading HVAC

Tinkerer · 10-04-2009, 10:25 AM

I currently have 14 year old Am Std Freedom 90 with a rusting heat exchanger. I have given up on getting a replacement as I cannot order it and if my HVAC co. orders it, they want more than the cost of a new unit to install it. I would like to replace the unit and am looking for guidance on what to do. In my research, the prevailing advice is to have a tech do an audit on needs, heat-loss, etc. to size out a correct system. Does anyone have guidance on what should be done during this audit and what guidelines on sizing would be checked? I want to be sure that I am getting an efficient system for my needs and not a one-size-fits-all unit. Thanks

yuri · 10-04-2009, 11:15 AM

Get 3 quotes and make sure they have a heat load/loss program in a laptop computer or show you the forms that they used. It is not an exact science doing those load calcs but it narrows it down to +- 10-15%. Nothing wrong with upsizing your furnace by 10,000 BTU's. Some manufacturers make 70,000 and others 80,000 BTU units and go up in increments of 20,000 BTUs. I would buy a 2 stage furnace or a modulating unit as it runs on its lower stage longer and is more efficient that way. ECM motors save LOTS of electricity $$ if you run the fan for circulation or have high electric costs/KwHour.

Yoyizit · 10-04-2009, 06:24 PM

Only 1/3 of HVAC stuff gets replaced this early, but it's your call.

Tinkerer · 10-04-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoyizit

Only 1/3 of HVAC stuff gets replaced this early, but it's your call.

Believe me, I don't want to replace it, but even though the heat exchanger is under warranty, I can't order it unless I am a licensed HVAC tech. I've spoken to a few shops around here and they'll order it only if they install it for several thousand $$$. I even offered one guy $200 just to get the unit for me and no deal.

Yoyizit · 10-04-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkerer

Believe me, I don't want to replace it, but even though the heat exchanger is under warranty, I can't order it unless I am a licensed HVAC tech. I've spoken to a few shops around here and they'll order it only if they install it for several thousand $$$. I even offered one guy $200 just to get the unit for me and no deal.

I guess you are being forced to buy a new unit and they can pull the same thing, in 2023, for the next furnace you buy.

And I wanted a schematic for a VCR so I could fix it but I am not "in the trade."
They wanted $50 for the schematic.
Of course, no deal.

You can't lose anything by talking to your state's attorney about this. You've already paid his/her salary.
It does seem that you are constructively being denied your rights under your warranty.

Tinkerer · 10-04-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoyizit

I guess you are being forced to buy a new unit and they can pull the same thing, in 2023, for the next furnace you buy.

And I wanted a schematic for a VCR so I could fix it but I am not "in the trade."
They wanted $50 for the schematic.
Of course, no deal.

Have you tried here? http://www.schematicsforfree.com/
I haven't used them, but it looks pretty comprehensive. I downloaded a random print of a VCR and it was good quality.

Yoyizit · 10-04-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkerer

Have you tried here? http://www.schematicsforfree.com/
I haven't used them, but it looks pretty comprehensive. I downloaded a random print of a VCR and it was good quality.

Thanks, but that ship has already sailed.

That particular VCR might be pushing up daisies by now in some landfill.

firedogut · 10-06-2009, 08:42 PM

if all you want to do is buy a new furnace then call 1-866-798-0835. they are based in florida but ship for free. make sure you ask about the 5% discount they are giving right now.