What questions to ask and what to ask for when getting quotes for a new HVAC system?

[fg12351]

Hello all,

I was wondering if you could help a newb out.

I am getting ready to get quotes to replace our 19 year old HVAC system (AC, heat pump, and gas furnace backup).

I would like to know what questions to ask or what sizing services I need to ask to help to make sure I am getting a complete HVAC system that is properly sized to my home and to help me compare quotes more accurately. I've read terms like air flow analysis, heat loss calculations, etc. What do I need to have them do to ensure a properly sized system?

It's a 19 year old, 2 story home with a 75% finished basement in Indianapolis, IN. Each floor is approximately 1,300 square feet. The furnace is in the basement in the 25% unfinished portion. Current AC size is 3 ton.

We've been in this house about 1.5 years and we noticed that the upstairs does not cool or heat as much as the downstairs. It varies by approximately 8 - 10 degrees which when it's 100 degrees all day makes it not comfortable. We have resorted to a portable AC unit in the master bedroom and bathroom to compensate. I would like to know what if any recommendations you might have for this. I've had 8 inches of cellulose insulation added to the attic and I think it helped some.

I have gotten a quote on a 3.5 ton system, will upping the size help?

Thank you very much for your help in advance,

Any information you need, let me know.

FG12351

[tinner73]

search out Baldloonie on this board.

he's in your area and one of the smartest guys around here. his company does fantastic work.

[George2]

Enlarging the HP may make the upstairs (comfort) worse. I would recommend a variable-speed blower in the furnace. That will give you many benefits. Also go with a 4-5" pleated filter. Normally, filters are too small.

Of course the right contractor is a must.

[hcong]

Hello all,

I was wondering if you could help a newb out.

I am getting ready to get quotes to replace our 19 year old HVAC system (AC, heat pump, and gas furnace backup).

I would like to know what questions to ask or what sizing services I need to ask to help to make sure I am getting a complete HVAC system that is properly sized to my home and to help me compare quotes more accurately. I've read terms like air flow analysis, heat loss calculations, etc. What do I need to have them do to ensure a properly sized system?

It's a 19 year old, 2 story home with a 75% finished basement in Indianapolis, IN. Each floor is approximately 1,300 square feet. The furnace is in the basement in the 25% unfinished portion. Current AC size is 3 ton.

We've been in this house about 1.5 years and we noticed that the upstairs does not cool or heat as much as the downstairs. It varies by approximately 8 - 10 degrees which when it's 100 degrees all day makes it not comfortable. We have resorted to a portable AC unit in the master bedroom and bathroom to compensate. I would like to know what if any recommendations you might have for this. I've had 8 inches of cellulose insulation added to the attic and I think it helped some.

I have gotten a quote on a 3.5 ton system, will upping the size help?

Thank you very much for your help in advance,

Any information you need, let me know.

FG12351

You should ask them if they would do a "Manual J" or equivalent heat load calculation. Also, whenever you up-size your air conditioner you will need to make sure your ducts can take the extra airflow.

Heat pump vs. furnace, that is really up to you, if you have a existing furnace then you have the gas available. Some people want to be electric only, but climate is a pretty big factor, if it gets really cold where you live you might want to go gas. If they do a heat load calc, you could size your heat pump to meed the heating needs, but a lot of times they just add electric booster heat and that can mean higher electric bills.

Some questions you should ask yourself is if you want an standard efficiency or something more energy efficient (aka more expensive).