Replacement 3 ton Rheem/Rudd Roof units

[DrWass2]

I need to replace 5 roof units (heating and Air). looks the same. some Rudd and some Rheem. Latest bid from my contractor was to install 5 Rheem 3-ton packaged roof top units. These are Seer 10 units with R22. Does this makes sense in 2008?? Is the refrigerent being phased out? Are they reasonable more efficient then my old (15-20 year old units)? contractor claims next unit up is 30% more $ and not worth it. By the way, total bill would be $xx,xxx for the five units installed with crane rental etc. sounds good to me.. Just asking?

[desertdweller]

Please read the rules posting of prices will be deleted

[consolidmech]

I would go with at least 13 SEER . Are these gas/ electrics or heat pumps?
I don't know if Reem/Rudd has 410a package units(14 SEER and above),but other manufacturers do. Saving will depend on usage & electricity rates. Do a return on investment comparison on a 10 & a 14 SEER system. That will give you an idea of the total savings.

[BaldLoonie]

How bad are your electric bills now? Today's 10 SEER will save quite a bit over yesterday's 7 & 8 SEER. Rheem goes to 14 SEER in smaller packaged units. 13 & 14 SEER are R410a. You mention a 30% premium for 13 SEER, if your bills are small, it may not be worth it. But juice rates are only going to rise so if you look long term, probably would be. Of course if you aren't paying the utility bills, definitely hard to justify paying a lot more for high SEER unless you feel green.

R410a is the future. Of course you are hoping you are buying a unit that won't need major repairs so the gas in it shouldn't be of major concern too :D

[DrWass2]

Thanks for the info....Yes,, units are gas heat, electric compressor air. I will try to price out the higher seer units. Cost of crane to get units to roof doesn't change, so it may not really be that much money....what are the odds that the gas (r22) will stay in a new system.?...lots of problems with leaks in old system.