Posted on 10/26/2010 3:06:38 PM PDT by LouAvul
May be a simple leak and add some freon.
Why would you wanna spend good money upgrading an old system using R-22 which is being phased out.
Also something else you did not mention: Cost savings.
Your monthly electricity bill will decrease significantly based on a new energy efficient unit.
Buy the new system. It’s a no-brainer.
Get some more bids. We replaced our 20 year old AC & furnace this summer. Those guys are hungry. There are numerous Carrier installers as well as Lennox (my favorite). You NEED to get some more bids then have them compete against each other.
personally I’d go with the new unit. I wouldn’t worry about the tax break, it will come back eventually. Take a look at the energy efficency, if you can make it break even in 3-5 years then it’s totally a no brainer. If your staying in your house for the next 5+ years, again go for it.
We replaced ours June of 2009. I believe, Bryant is the same same as Carrier. Bryant units are made by Carrier. On the 3 estimates I received, same same model of Carrier was 2K higher than the Bryant. We went with Bryant. Same 1500.00 tax credit and then there was a 500.00 mfg. rebate . . . my husband looked the other day for a friend and I believe now it is 1200.00. So you might want to compare the two and see for your situation. 2700.00 and IF the Bryant is another 2K cheaper than Carrier, I’d replace. The Carrier we were looking at was around 6500 and went with Bryant for 4500 ‘ish’ less the rebates.
Replace it, the heater isn’t gpoing to last much longer either. You’ve got 12 years of use out of them both, which isn’t bad, not great, but not bad either. THe both of them will nickle and dime you to death as time progresses.
I just asked my favorite HVAC dude, my husband.
He said it is an old unit and you would be better off replacing with a higher efficiency unit and you will likely have a payback within 3 years if you buy a higher efficiency unit.
Remember the higher the SEER rating the more efficient it is.
Now days you need at least a 13 SEER. We just bought a 17 SEER, Mitsubishi that is amazingly quiet and does a great job.
The SEER is 16-16.9.
I know someone who was having problems with a used German car (top of the line brand) with compressor leaks or or evaporator. The part and install were something like $1,500.
I suggested one of those leak sealing kits. There are a few of them out there. Some are better than others.
Anyway - they had the mechanic put the stuff in and it has been fine for 6 + months.
It sounds like you are getting a great price on this unit.....go for it.....
Yeah those prices sounded high. I had a tech guy who does telephone stuff do some work recently. He had an issue with his house and went on Craig’s List and got a semi used system cheap.
They are hungry. Also search some of the online sites. In central FL I can get a 4 ton install for about $2500 after rebates. The furnace is more but search around on the web and also check Craig’s List. Guys are on there advertising deals.
What he said. All of the symptoms indicate a freon leak. Also, an AC system should last more than 12 years. I’d do the cheapest thing first and not assume that you have a major problem. Get at least three reputable opinions.
Your tech is just trying to “upsell” you! Have the next guy top off your freon. Your symptoms are classic low fluid pressure, not mechanical!
Man, central AC units are expected to last 25-30 years around here. Dry area, though. And the furnace unit (including elements) in this house lasted 25 years until replaced. Our heat pump is 11 years old and I consider it brand new.
Love my Trane 14 SEER
First time we turned it on it blew a bunch of stuff out of the ducts that the previous carrier unit never moved. She was mortified.
At least get a second opinion before you start panting for the super duper new unit.
Could work. There are ways to detect leaks (soap bubbles or electronic)and many can be fixed without evacuating. Those R22 systems should last 25 years. Some of these guys are “hungry” alright. They are incompetent or liars in many cases.
I always said if doctors are like HVAC service guys, how do you know if you have one of the three-in-ten who know what the hell they are doing?
Exactly right.
4 ton unit is huge. How many sq ft is your place?
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