New House... Old HVAC System (NEW GUY)

[Big Boi]

Hi, Ive been reading trough the forums for a while now. And Im liking the info Im reading. I just bought a home the was built in '84. Its around 1400 sqft (under air). And has the original (Ruud/Rheem ???) air handler. The condenser is only 8 yrs old. But it seems to be way to small for the home.

We live in S. Fla, and it ranges from 85-99 degree heat in the summers. The ac is running ALL DAY and can never get the house below 78 degrees.

I called a HVAC bud of mine to look overe the system, and give me his opinion. And basically he wants to replace both units, and upgrade us to a Payne 3 ton (15 SEER) condenser. The drip pipe is angled too high, so hes going to redo that as well. The price hes giving us is fair, but I cant use any of the rebates.

On the otherhand, his boss will come out and give us a qoute. But we will most likely be paying $ more up front then getting the rebates in return.


Sooooooooo, my question is... Do I go with my bud, and let him install the Payne units w/ no rebates? OR do I fork out the extra cash, and get a Carrier/Trane unit w/ rebates?

What are the rebates?

[dash]

I'd good with the "real" company,and get the rebates,tax credit,etc..

[motoguy128]

The unit may not nessesarily be undersized. It could just be mismatched, not charged correctly, dirty ilter, dirty coils, or have installation issues.

Don't assume you need a larger unit because a 8 y/o unit mismatched to a 25y/o airhandler is struggling to keep up. That could be a 25y/o coil in there that's rarely if even been cleaned.


Do you have large enough ductwork for a 3 ton unit? A 3 ton will flow 20% more air than a 2.5 Ton, and 50% more than a 2 ton.

It's easier to find matches that meet the rebates in the 2 and 2.5 ton sizes as well... without going with top of the line equipment.

[snacktray]

i went with a 3 ton trane XL20i w/the clean effects. it qualified for the $1500 tax credit and the $1k manufacturers rebate. not to mention the 10year parts and labor warranty...

[kenshvac]

Hi, Ive been reading trough the forums for a while now. And Im liking the info Im reading. I just bought a home the was built in '84. Its around 1400 sqft (under air). And has the original (Ruud/Rheem ???) air handler. The condenser is only 8 yrs old. But it seems to be way to small for the home.

We live in S. Fla, and it ranges from 85-99 degree heat in the summers. The ac is running ALL DAY and can never get the house below 78 degrees.

I called a HVAC bud of mine to look overe the system, and give me his opinion. And basically he wants to replace both units, and upgrade us to a Payne 3 ton (15 SEER) condenser. The drip pipe is angled too high, so hes going to redo that as well. The price hes giving us is fair, but I cant use any of the rebates.

On the otherhand, his boss will come out and give us a qoute. But we will most likely be paying $ more up front then getting the rebates in return.


Sooooooooo, my question is... Do I go with my bud, and let him install the Payne units w/ no rebates? OR do I fork out the extra cash, and get a Carrier/Trane unit w/ rebates?

What are the rebates?

I know Rheem has a 1200.00 rebate on the higher seer systems plus a 30% up to 1500.00 tax credit.But the installer has to be signed up with Rheem to offer the cash back rebate

[kenshvac]

oh yeah by the way Rheem is a great system

[bluefitness]

Do you know what Trane is offering for rebates?

[Big Boi]

Well I guess I will have an update with you guys later this week. I called another HVAC company for an appt on Thursday...

[Big Boi]

Got the qoute today... He's offering a Rheem 3 ton - 2 speed (18 SEER) system, new Rheem air handler, rebuild the stand, seam the return, add new returns in each bedroom. Its is quite a bit more up front. But with all the rebates, and even the tax credit. It comes out to be less, than having my bud do it.

[dash]

Go for it,but if it's less ,your Bud is not your Bud!