Replace/repair decision on 13 yr system - DIY Chatroom

pumpkin5 · 06-28-2009, 06:57 PM

Hey guys - so, here is the decision and any input is greatly appreciated.
Had a Hvac company tell us that system was completely out of Freon and pulled a vacuum. System is 13 years old and builder grade. System has
gradually gotten worse over last 1-2 yrs, so I'm thinking it is a slow leak, but idk, maybe many leaks. Estimate for new 2 ton Carrier system is $6100, which would qualify for $1500 tax credit new year. First company charged $80 to tell us in 10 min we needed new system and if we call for
2nd opinion, another $80-$100. Any thoughts?

Home Air Direct · 06-28-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkin5

Hey guys - so, here is the decision and any input is greatly appreciated.
Had a Hvac company tell us that system was completely out of Freon and pulled a vacuum. System is 13 years old and builder grade. System has
gradually gotten worse over last 1-2 yrs, so I'm thinking it is a slow leak, but idk, maybe many leaks. Estimate for new 2 ton Carrier system is $6100, which would qualify for $1500 tax credit new year. First company charged $80 to tell us in 10 min we needed new system and if we call for
2nd opinion, another $80-$100. Any thoughts?

The second or third opinions should only cost you if you are asking these service companies to diagnose your current problem. If it is quotes you want, just tell them you are going to replace your old system and that you need quotes. This should not cost you anything.

Also, don't make your end-all decision based on the tax credit. That should be the last consideration. Consider your base need first, your budget second, and then the tax credit, only if it tips that balance scale in favor of the upsell. Chances are you will never see any real savings of combined energy savings and tax credit over the life of the system that qualifies for the tax credit, compared to a good quality base system that does not. I am sure there are those who will disagree, but the numbers don't lie. If you can make it work to your advantage though, go for it. Just don't do what the majority are doing right now, spending an extra $3000 to get $1,500. Doesn't make any sense.

Oh yea...... It's 13 years old.......If you have the means, replace it. It won't get better and it is in the golden years of its lifespan anyway. Average planned obsolescence for AC built since 1992 is 14 years.

beenthere · 06-28-2009, 08:15 PM

The repair cost could be high enough to make it impractial.

A second opinion nevers hurts(other then your wallet).

Get other estimates. Compare same type of equipment.

kenmac · 06-28-2009, 11:52 PM

While I don't know what's involved in your (I guess replacment) That price is way up there in my area for a 2 ton..

hvaclover · 06-28-2009, 11:57 PM

Don't they offer free estimates on new installations where you are? Or are you asking what it would cost to fix it or replace it?

dac122 · 07-01-2009, 09:53 AM

I'd say you are at a tipping point on that system, so it is probably better to just replace. I like Home Air's advice for picking a new system. My gut says that tax credit may have distorted prices and perceptions.

pumpkin5 · 07-02-2009, 01:03 PM

Any suggestions from a pro on comparing a Trane XL15i to a Carrier 24ACB?
Both are 16 seer, but the Trane is quite a bit more.
Thanks

Yoyizit · 07-02-2009, 01:30 PM

A dot plot of several bids might be helpful at some point

.........a...bcd...e.........f
$0....1.....2.....3.....4.....5
........^relative price^

Bids a and f are probably outliers, and bcd seems to be the true price of doing your job in your zip code in July, 2009.

Equipment replacement strategies are messy to non-MBA types, but. . .
if the cost of a 10 yr warranty is 10% of the asking price of 6 kilobucks you can expect you or the warranty administrator to spend $600 to repair your HVAC over 10 years. I guess when your repair costs are about to go way over this $60/yr expense it's time for a new unit.

kenmac · 07-02-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkin5

Any suggestions from a pro on comparing a Trane XL15i to a Carrier 24ACB?
Both are 16 seer, but the Trane is quite a bit more.
Thanks

Brand isn't that important...Install is... If your decision is down to these 2 .. Go with the carrier... I don't like the spine coils on trane/ am standard.. Very difficult to clean without bending

beenthere · 07-02-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmac

Brand isn't that important...Install is... If your decision is down to these 2 .. Go with the carrier... I don't like the spine coils on trane/ am standard.. Very difficult to clean without bending

Actually, they aren't that hard to clean. And provide good heat transfer.

Decision of which brand to have installed. Should be based on which contractor you feel will do the best install. And provide better service after the sale.

hvaclover · 07-02-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Actually, they aren't that hard to clean. And provide good heat transfer.

Decision of which brand to have installed. Should be based on which contractor you feel will do the best install. And provide better service after the sale.

They don't stand to a torch very well when you burn off cotton wood

beenthere · 07-02-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvaclover

They don't stand to a torch very well when you burn off cotton wood

Strange.

That is the method Trane recomends.

Your leaving the tourch in one place too long if your having trouble.

Been using a tourch on them for a long time.

hvaclover · 07-02-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beenthere

Strange.

That is the method Trane recomends.

Your leaving the tourch in one place too long if your having trouble.

Been using a tourch on them for a long time.

No

I set the oxy at 25 and the accy at 12 but the spines still melt

beenthere · 07-02-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvaclover

No

I set the oxy at 25 and the accy at 12 but the spines still melt

ROFL.