Hello everyone,
I am seeking for some advice. I have been in the market and currently have 4 bids to change my whole HVAC system (condenser, gas furnace, evap coil). It all started last summer when I noticed that my AC is not hitting my set temp on my Ecobee. I called a known acquaintance who is an HVAC tech to look at it. At the end of it all, he said my compressor might not be pumping the gas around enough and is on its last leg. He said the only way he can properly diagnose is by pulling a vacuum test to check loss of compression. He was wary of doing this during the summer because he claimed that it might eventually kill the compressor leaving me with total loss of AC. My evap coils are also rusted but he said I don’t have a leak. His recommendation was to start saving for a new unit. The unit I have at the moment is from the builder. I live in a stacked Townhouse which uses a Goodman HVAC unit (2ton 13 seer) built in 2010 and have been the only owner. Not knowing anything about HVAC, I am inclined to do my due diligence in finding out if I really need a new whole HVAC system, or just replace what needs to be replaced (compressor and evap coil). Contrary, knowing that the unit is now 12 years old, I am also considering in just replacing the system altogether to futureproof my house for another 10 years (give or take). My house is about 1700sq.ft. 2 level (including a 1 car garage).
So far, the three quotes I’ve received are the following:
a. $ – Lennox Merit line ML14XC1 condenser and ML193 furnace and all labor and permits, standard labor and warranty (local contractor)
b. $ – Carrier 24SCA530 condenser, 59SC2D060E17-14 furnace, CNPVP3017ALA coil, and a free nest plus all labor and permits, and 5 years labor warranty and 10years parts warranty. I was told by this company that I can go from a 2 ton unit to 2.5 ton unit. (From a Home Depot Contractor)
c. $ – for the same carrier unit above from another contractor but only with 2 years labor warranty (ARS Network Contractor)
d. $ – Heil unit (not sure what model) from the independent HVAC tech that diagnosed the problem, not sure about the labor warranty
Being ignorant in HVAC systems, I really don’t know what is a fair and reasonable cost. Of all the bids I have, I think choice B makes more sense given that the labor warranty is a huge factor.
I am hoping someone can chime in and provide me some honest advice about the following:
1. Cost of contract
2. Brand/model review
3. Things to consider when choosing which contractor
4. Going from a 2ton to 2.5 ton unit
Thank you all for your valued insight!