AC Unit Replace Cost

[BurntOrange&White 39,933]

Sounds like we're needing to get a new HVAC system for our home. We were quoted a few prices and they were all around 10-12.5k at the moment. Once company could do the job tomorrow but the others would take a week to week and a half to get the units. 

 

It will be a 3 ton, 14 ceer unit.

The one that could do it tomorrow quoted us $11,000 flat is only $700 more than lowest and $1500 cheaper than highest. That $11,000 includes inside and outside unit, install, permit, taxes, labor, and etc. The $11,000 quote also doubled up warranty on the unit to 2 year labor and 10 year parts fwiw.

 

 

Does that seem reasonable? Expensive? 

Edited June 24, 2023 by BurntOrange&White

[TonyTexas 10,515]

Nm. BWO added an edit that made my post moot. 

Edited June 24, 2023 by TonyTexas

[TexasCPA 102]

I paid $12k for a 3 ton 14 seer recently. It was a trane. 
 

I got quotes ranging from $10k to $15k. 

[msbesq 385]

Two and a half years ago, in November, we replaced both units(3.5 and 4 ton, 14 SEER) inside and out and the heaters for $14,000 for Carriers. If you can somehow keep it running until November-December, you may be able to get a better deal since the companies are much slower. We’re in Houston.

[davidg 4,038]

Dad paid $8k for installation of new 5 ton, 14 seer compressor and evaporator unit 5 years ago in East Texas as another data point.

[TexasCPA 102]

39 minutes ago, TexasCPA said:

I paid $12k for a 3 ton 14 seer recently. It was a trane. 
 

I got quotes ranging from $10k to $15k. 

Also, when I say recently, I mean last month.  It also had a heat pump. 

Edited June 24, 2023 by TexasCPA

[williemackgarza 1,826]

Those prices are in line.
Shit is crazy high. Companies making a killing on labor. Takes 1-2 days tops per system.
My kinfolk raking in big $ for hvac, plumbing and electrical work right now.

[immamac 42,852]

look at getting into a Daikin system instead of a regular system. They are way quieter and more efficient. 

[Doc Daneeka 6,769]

My parents had a Trane meeting those specs installed literally yesterday for $10,500. Had to wait two days. Those prices don't seem unreasonable... or at least out of line with the going rate.

Edit: May have been a 16. They were going back on forth.

Edited June 24, 2023 by Doc Daneeka

[blacklab 11,930]

Yep, that's about right. Had one go out a few weeks ago. Guy came out and found no pressure in the system. Repeated over and over it would be $6k just for the coil and installation would be a few thousand so I should just get a new system. I found the part for $600 on line.

Got quotes from $6k to $23k for complete replacement. Went ahead and spent $4k on getting the coil replaced.

Lowest price was at alamoaustinair.com , they seemed nice and not as shady as the other places. The 6k was after some discounts that are probably no longer available as they were trying to keep their crew busy. After I got all the quotes my wife somehow remembered her friends dad owns an AC place so I went with them for the repair and they did a good job. Arrow is the name of that company.

 

[BurntOrange&White 39,933]

Thanks for the input guys. We had a plethora of issues from the condensor drawing almost 100A on startup when it's max should be 73, the fan on the condensor has winding noise coming from bearing and the whole thing is shaking more so than normal operation, the contactor isn't engaging, etc.

 

The coil in the air handler are rusted and creating excessive condensation, the build up is causing the system to work harder than it should, the overall system pressure is low as hell, and on and on.


So it sounds like we're paying about average. I wish we had those 2.5-4 year ago prices! 

 

 

Edited June 24, 2023 by BurntOrange&White

[NoRagrets 1,125]

I replaced a 4 ton condenser for $3,500 last summer. He said the whole unit would be $8k. Used an independent guy I know, so got the unit at cost place $500 labor.

I’ve always used the independent guys. They get me the off brand versions of carrier. 

[CooterBrown 18,013]

I had my HVAC replaced a decade ago but the installer did say that we’d just missed the seasonal price increase of 40%. You don’t want to replace it May-September if possible. Sorry about your luck.

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2,732]

I own a company here in Dallas.
Equipment prices have gone up over 60% is the last 3 years. Labor has gone up too so the margins aren’t as high as you’d think.
It’s highly competitive out there.
If anyone needs a second opinion on a replacement or service work, shoot me a PM.
We are a Trane Comfort Specialist but also install, Carrier/Bryant, Amana and American Standard.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,512]

In 2016, I paid for a pre-summer checkup of my ac unit which included a small amount of Freon, if needed. The guy kept trying to upsell me for a brand new unit. Showed me how beautiful the new condensers were. Adding Freon to the current unit was waste he said. I told him to do it anyway and sat out there to watch him.  7 years later with zero additional work, my Houston house has been chilly the past week. Never replace anything until you squeeze out the last possible cold blast of air. Force them to repair instead of replace.

I’ve known a few single women and one married guy fall for the free summer tune-up that costs >$10k by the end of the visit. Why in the world replace something that is working.

Edited June 26, 2023 by Nice Guy Eddie

[Jkwellborn 6,702]

Those prices are in line.
Shit is crazy high. Companies making a killing on labor. Takes 1-2 days tops per system.
My kinfolk raking in big $ for hvac, plumbing and electrical work right now.

It’s been a long time since I installed them on the regular, but I’d be pissed if it took 2 days and they didn’t run all new duct work.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,512]

15 minutes ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

 

Double post.

Edited June 26, 2023 by Nice Guy Eddie

[statsman 5,471]

Replaced an 18 year old Trane a couple of summers ago. 18 seer Lennox, for under $10k all told. We have an annual tradition now where the AC goes bang due to a voltage search causing the circuit board to stop (part of getting to 18 seer evidently involves ensuring you don’t draw too much voltage). We reset by flipping breakers. 
 
Out AC company says our nominal voltage is high, causing the problem. I asked, “Think it might be a good idea for you guys to check that before selling the unit?” I’m not completely gruntled about this. 
 
I offer it as a data point and something for y’all to ask before buying the high seer units. 

[Armybrat 40,850]

Replaced our 17 year old HVAC with a new 4 ton 16 seer Trane ten years ago. One day installation - total was $5,700.

[Gatorubet 30,239]

8 months ago I replaced a 30 year old Trane 12 SEER with a two stage Goodman 16 SEER.  I also replaced the furnace - and had them run a small duct to the upstairs hall ceiling and also a duct to a bathroom w/o one.  Plus they put in a return air upstairs because it stayed hot.   Now that hot air gets sucked out of the damn hallway so it can cool down.  The damn hot air could not move, nor couldn’t get downstairs to be sucked into the air. Return on the first floor.

I got a quote for a second AC for upstairs, but the ductwork rerouting was pretty freaking expensive so I passed on that and did this is as a work around.

It is 97° outside and 75 in the house right now so I can’t complain. 12k is what it cost.  I wanted to buy a Trane because the one I had lasted 30 + years.  When I found out how much extra they cost I went with the Goodman - because I won’t be around in 30 years. If the sucker lasts 15 I’m more than good to go.

[immamac 42,852]

https://daikincomfort.com/

I'm telling you guys. Look at these they are cost competitive and sometimes cheaper and way better tech with great warranties. 

[Jkwellborn 6,702]

8 months ago I replaced a 30 year old Trane 12 SEER with a two stage Goodman 16 SEER.  I also replaced the furnace - and had them run a small duct to the upstairs hall ceiling and also a duct to a bathroom w/o one.  Plus they put in a return air upstairs because it stayed hot.   Now that hot air gets sucked out of the damn hallway so it can cool down.  The damn hot air could not move, nor couldn’t get downstairs to be sucked into the air. Return on the first floor.
I got a quote for a second AC for upstairs, but the ductwork rerouting was pretty freaking expensive so I passed on that and did this is as a work around.
It is 97° outside and 75 in the house right now so I can’t complain. 12k is what it cost.  I wanted to buy a Trane because the one I had lasted 30 + years.  When I found out how much extra they cost I went with the Goodman - because I won’t be around in 30 years. If the sucker lasts 15 I’m more than good to go.

I’m gonna be like imma and suggest a mini split for something like that.

[UT_OB1 2,223]

4 minutes ago, immamac said:

https://daikincomfort.com/

I'm telling you guys. Look at these they are cost competitive and sometimes cheaper and way better tech with great warranties. 

We put a different brand in our master bedroom when our main unit died and we were waiting on new central unit. We’ve added several to rentals we bought, and I will never again install central AC if the duct isn’t already run. May not install it anyway. I like being able to control each room. I think it saves money. 

[immamac 42,852]

2 minutes ago, UT_OB1 said:

We put a different brand in our master bedroom when our main unit died and we were waiting on new central unit. We’ve added several to rentals we bought, and I will never again install central AC if the duct isn’t already run. May not install it anyway. I like being able to control each room. I think it saves money. 

They make them up to 6 ton multi zone. Shits awesome. 

[UT_OB1 2,223]

3 minutes ago, immamac said:

They make them up to 6 ton multi zone. Shits awesome. 

Yep. And I don’t think the air handler on the wall looks bad, but they make handlers to put in the ceiling that look like normal registers

[Gatorubet 30,239]

6 minutes ago, Jkwellborn said:

I’m gonna be like imma and suggest a mini split for something like that.

Full disclosure, I’m going to put in a 12K btu mini split unit in the hallway as well. It may have to be at 9KBTU unit. The point is I want something that runs on 115 Volts so when we lose power or have a hurricane my generator can run it and cool the spare room with the doorway directly across from where I intend to put the mini split unit.  I still have about a 2 to 3° difference between floors, and I think that will be resolved with the mini split unit blowing additional cool air.     

You guys offer great advice, but you failed miserably providing me the time machine to go back and change my decision eight months ago

[Gatorubet 30,239]

I am also gonna put a single mini split unit in my garage. It currently does not have AC.  Detached garage.  Mr. Cool makes a DIY unit that is pre-charged and I can install that without having to cut a hole in the garage wall for a window unit AC.   I can see a lot of advantages to a mini split system.

Edited June 29, 2023 by Gatorubet

[Jkwellborn 6,702]

They make them up to 6 ton multi zone. Shits awesome. 

Bet that thing is expenser.

[HOOKEM4 5,037]

I am going to install mini splits in every room of my home when my central shits the bed. I have one in an addition I built and it is fucking awesome. Controlling temps room to room through the day is awesome. I have had to redo some drywall in two rooms internal walls throughout the last few years and I added insulation so I am prepared to isolate zones already.

[immamac 42,852]

You don't have to do that. These things are multi zone and can use existing ducts. They aren't huge mini splits, they do kind of leverage the same base technology but it's way different. 

It is not expensive and it's cheaper to run. I replaced my house and rental house with them. Can't say enough good things. 

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2,732]

Bet that thing is expenser.

Troof. The more heads you have on a split the more cost.
They are pretty sweet though. Debating on putting one in my insulated garage but the people that I live with continually leave the doors up.

[Jkwellborn 6,702]

Troof. The more heads you have on a split the more cost.
They are pretty sweet though. Debating on putting one in my insulated garage but the people that I live with continually leave the doors up.

I’ve got one for my shop, but it’s not going to be big enough to properly cool the whole thing. Probably still gonna put it in, unless I can fill in the lean to part pretty soon.

[South Austin 52,510]

On 6/24/2023 at 6:35 PM, BurntOrange&White said:

We had a plethora of issues from the condensor drawing almost 100A on startup when it's max should be 73, the fan on the condensor has winding noise coming from bearing and the whole thing is shaking more so than normal operation, the contactor isn't engaging, etc.

[That Guy 955]

Replaced my downstairs unit in February. Negotiated the addition of a new gas line into the price so that I could have the gas package. Two new units in the last year had me feeling like Joe Dirt when he met his parents. 

[Texzilla58 4,736]

My son put a mini split on his barndominium apartment and shop/office/man cave. Only way to go. They way most of the rest of the world works.

[Jkwellborn 6,702]

Replaced my downstairs unit in February. Negotiated the addition of a new gas line into the price so that I could have the gas package. Two new units in the last year had me feeling like Joe Dirt when he met his parents. 

You most likely paid for it.

[4th&Five 41,555]

Ours went out on the 4th because of course it fucking did. Hopefully we’ll have a new one sometime next week. Preparing my anus accordingly. 

[williemackgarza 1,826]

Ours went out on the 4th because of course it fucking did. Hopefully we’ll have a new one sometime next week. Preparing my anus accordingly. 

NLAA, RIP butt virginity
Unless u roll that way. NTTAWWT

[deadshank 24,653]

One of the AC guys we use has recently replaced full systems and, in other cases, just components for several friends and neighbors of mine.  He does annual service work, as well.   
 

Trane dealer but will work on other brands, as well. 
 

My next door neighbor went with him after his quote was $9K less than the other quote my neighbor received.  My NDN is a cranky old NASA engineer that doesn’t suffer BS and he was well pleased. 
 

No fanfare, no marketing, no oily salesman.   Old school pen and paper sans iPad quote.  He’s on the job when the work is going down. His pricing has been very reasonable.  He’s in Houston.

Let me know if you need a contact. 

[TwiceHorn 31,480]

We're in this boat, also.

Have had Lennox recently and no problems.  Got two Lennox quotes and a Carrier.  Have had Carrier in the past, also.  And Trane, but no Trane quote this time.

Have had variable speed motor and that makes a difference in feel and humidity control.  What about two-stage compressors and furnaces?

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,512]

On Sunday, AC started blowing uncooled air and wasn't expelling hot air at the condenser. Decided to test out the capacitor from a memory of watching a repairman back in the day. After a few videos on how not to electrocute myself and test it with a multimeter, I was fairly certain the capacitor was dead. $25 replacement part and the cold air has returned. 

 

[TwiceHorn 31,480]

9 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

On Sunday, AC started blowing uncooled air and wasn't expelling hot air at the condenser. Decided to test out the capacitor from a memory of watching a repairman back in the day. After a few videos on how not to electrocute myself and test it with a multimeter, I was fairly certain the capacitor was dead. $25 replacement part and the cold air has returned. 

 

Was it not obvious that the compressor was not coming on?

[TwiceHorn 31,480]

12 hours ago, TwiceHorn said:

We're in this boat, also.

Have had Lennox recently and no problems.  Got two Lennox quotes and a Carrier.  Have had Carrier in the past, also.  And Trane, but no Trane quote this time.

Have had variable speed motor and that makes a difference in feel and humidity control.  What about two-stage compressors and furnaces?

Let me revise this.  Any preference of Lennox over Carrier or vice-versa?  I think Lennox tends more expensive.

Secondly, I think a variable speed motor is fairly key, but I'm not so convinced on two-stage furnaces and compressors, especially furnaces.

[Nice Guy Eddie 13,512]

1 hour ago, TwiceHorn said:

Was it not obvious that the compressor was not coming on?

Yes that is what I described as the symptoms above. which point to a compressor not working. However I can't look at or listen to an AC unit and know the cause of the compressor not coming on. 

My point without being overly obvious is that we've all run into repairman who know they can fix the problem but prefer to sell a new unit. As soon as they see a unit that is 10-15+ years old, they're going to tell you to replace. It's not necessarily wrong but it isn't necessarily your only option. A new unit should be more efficient and may cool better but you will be paying for that.

[4th&Five 41,555]

On 7/7/2023 at 8:10 PM, 4th&Five said:

Ours went out on the 4th because of course it fucking did. Hopefully we’ll have a new one sometime next week. Preparing my anus accordingly. 

Still without AC but the good news is our home warranty is going to cover all but $2k of the cost for total replacement. We should be cool again by Thursday. It was 89 in the parts of the house last night where we don’t have a portable unit. 

[fattyflattie 4,639]

7 hours ago, 4th&Five said:

Still without AC but the good news is our home warranty is going to cover all but $2k of the cost for total replacement. We should be cool again by Thursday. It was 89 in the parts of the house last night where we don’t have a portable unit. 

Damn. I’m hitting the no tell motel if that shit breaks 80. 

[Anastasis 23,471]

I had the good fortune of replacing both of my coil and condenser units and a furnace last year.  That was a fucking blast. Just for reference, prices:

Install new 5 ton single stage coil and condenser 14 SEER. Install includes new Carrier
coil and condenser. Also includes safety float switches for flood protection, new
secondary drain pan, foam blocks for noise reduction and all other code upgrades as
required by law. This system does come with a 10 year all parts warranty and also a 2
year labor warranty.

$7,228.00

 

Install new 2.5 ton single stage coil and condenser. Install includes new Carrier coil and
condenser. Also includes safety float switches for flood protection, new secondary drain
pan, foam blocks for noise reduction and all other code upgrades as required by law.
This system does come with a 10 year all parts warranty and also a 2 year labor
warranty.

$6,910.00

 

Install new 5 ton gas furnace with propane gas kit, This system does come with a 10 year all parts warranty and also a 1 year labor warranty.

$2,512.00