need a source

[aal2]

Essentially clueless in HVAC
`Didnt think much about our original Carrier unit the builder put in - It worked trouble-free for 10 yrs - We think the outside/compressor unit took a direct hit from lightning.
Had two estimates - neither gave a load calc. but the prices were *very* different for the same models,etc.

- I'm looking for some source to get an idea of what rnage of costs I should be looking at.
(HVAC seems alot like water filter systems in terms of "mystery" prices)
I think install is just as important - if not more - as the unit & I just want to know what I'm paying for each..
Thanks.

[comfort comando]

you may not find what i think you are looking for.
with contracting a bid basically says.
i will for XXX dollars do XXX work. there is hundreds of factors that go in to determining that price and it will be different from company to company. just like one texaco gas station can charge $0.10 more per gall. than the same Texaco across town.
the quality of the install is very important and that may come at a higher price.
on this site there is a link to a heat load calculator its pretty easy to use. do you own and see where you all stand


[Edited by comfort comando on 05-27-2006 at 11:06 AM]

[aircooled53]

No pricing questions, but I will give you some answers if I can.

1) Load Calculation
2) Manuel J
3) Equipment -Variable Drive-Heat Pump/Filtration
4) Design/Installation/Inspection
5) Extended Warranty/Labor 10 years

Follow these simple rules and you can't go wrong.

[aal2]

Good point on the gas station analogy..
& I appreciate the recommends - `pretty much what I was looking for; getting dumb sh_ ripped off almost always guarantees you'll be paying too much for bad work.

BTW, is a ten year life span typical? Warranty was 5 yr.