My central A/C is dead. Thankfully my President will pay almost 30%

Over 5 tons? Should probably replace the evaporator coil too, as a matched pair, I'd guess $4,500

How about the existing air handler? Single speed or variable speed?

 

Very perceptive. We installed central A/C/furnace last year and had to suffer through multiple sales pitches which included lots of up-selling. Finally, we said "screw it, we'll buy another fan." But a month later, as the recession began to bite, one of the bidders came back with a much more reasonable bid and we signed. Did good work on some tricky corners that previously didn't get good heat circulation. So I guess my point is don't jump too soon and make them squirm.

 

Especially if that someone gulps down Ambien like salted peanuts. Sorry, couldnt resist

Living in Florida, you're probably a lot more concerned about moisture removal than actual heat removal. A system that is purposely designed to extract humidity can be sized smaller than usual, with resulting energy savings

I have a Bryant Evolution system.

Evolution Control - Bryant

Evolution® System Fan Coil - Bryant

You'd think our brief summers wouldnt need A/C, but the humidity is nasty. I can program my system for priority dehumidification, so the system runs on the slowest possible speed

This allows me to keep a much higher setpoint, say at 76 F. The neighbors have to run theirs at 68-70 to try to wring moisture out of the house, so their homes are not only freezing cold, they're still damp to boot

 

We have a lot of humidity, obviously, since we live in the middle of a big lake. We solve the humidity problem by having cold weather. We refer to it as being cold and damp. That sounds so much more inviting than hot and humid. We have a 12x12 pitch on the roof, and we still grow moss on asphalt shingles on the north side.

Tom

 

We replaced our central AC/heat unit 2 years ago with a Carrier high efficiency setup. We got rebates from both the electric and gas companies, but it was a little over $7k after rebates. No duct work, but everything else was replaced.

 

That cabin I used to have, I'd make a roaring fire in the airtight stove even in May, just to drive back the cold damp

Oh hell yes, same problem up here. Then in winter, if for any reason you have to climb up on the roof (Clean the fireplace chimney, knock the ice out of the plumbing vent stack, etc) the moss underneath the snow is so slippery you slip right off the roof

It helps to give a blood curdling scream as you slide off the roof. That let's the neighbors know they can raid your liquor cabinet

 

Air handler, outdoor condenser, etc? Yeah, that sounds about right, the high eff units are pricey

Any difference in your utility bills?

 

I think it reduced the amount some (GF pays that bill), but the main thing is that we keep the house more comfortable after getting the new system. Plus it is a lot quieter than the old one.

 

Compared to my neighbors, my HVAC uses 40-60% the natural gas and electricity their systems do.

Yes, the comfort factor is light years better. After going from a single speed (On full bore, or off) to a gentle variable speed unit, I'd never want another single speed system again

 

At that price, I hope the salesman also bought her supper ....

 

That's what I also suspect. Hopefully, the iffy economic conditions will be an incentive for HVAC folks to be more competitive - or not

 

Our old one was single speed and it is located in the center of the house, so it was very loud and annoying when it came on. Plus, the fan was wired into one of the 15 amp circuits used for the bedrooms and baths (house was built in 1958) so it would trip the breaker if the GF was using the hair dryer in the bath and the fan for the heat came on.

The end of the old system was when the compressor started tripping the breaker that it was on; the compressor was close to seizing when we finally bought the new unit.

 

Well, nobody wants to face a +$5,000 bill, but the new systems are very nice, efficient, and quiet

 

AC? We did our PV Solar under the 30% bailout proviso this year. You mean we can do HVAC too? All we really need is compressor/condenser as we've already done our heater & vents. Anybody know if just the AC side counts? . . . and if so, can you cite the provision? Thx mucho