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Old 07-09-2009, 10:33 AM
 
26 posts, read 136,097 times
Reputation: 18

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We just found out our 15 y/o HVAC needs replacing, since replacing leaky coils will cost nearly as much as new unit. We want to get a high efficiency SEER, but unfortunately are PEC customers and won't qualify for the great Austin Energy rebates, loans, etc.

Is this worth taking bids on or should we just have the people do it who caught the problem? Is the cost likely to vary much from company to company? Time something of an issue here since we don't know how much longer it will hang on, we have small children, etc.
Thanks!
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Old 07-09-2009, 10:46 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,046,364 times
Reputation: 9478
It is expensive enough that it is worth getting bids on so you know you are getting a reasonable price.

If you don't have time for that this may help you by giving you something to compare it to. I'm not saying I got the best deal but I was happy with the company I was working with so I did not get competitive proposals.

Cost to replace my HVAC and other energy upgrades

However I do recommend that you also look at your whole energy consumption issue and also consider duct sealing, solar screens, and adding insulation if needed.

Need to replace your HVAC system?

Last edited by CptnRn; 07-09-2009 at 11:05 AM..
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Old 07-09-2009, 10:50 AM
 
593 posts, read 1,377,794 times
Reputation: 395
If you can live in the heat for a couple days or even a week, then, yes it will be cost efficient to get several bids before you decide on a contractor, quality equipment, and total cost.
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Old 07-09-2009, 11:09 AM
 
Location: Austin, TX
16,787 posts, read 49,046,364 times
Reputation: 9478
It looks like PEC has some rebates available but they are small.

Pedernales Electric

Check with your gas company too if you have gas heat.
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Old 07-09-2009, 11:18 AM
 
2,238 posts, read 9,014,187 times
Reputation: 954
The PEC rebate is a joke.

Central A/C systems with electric furnaces are not eligible for rebates

Do any other electric companies deny rebates because you actually use electricity?

Most of their customers are rural and electric only households so I guess they figured they could look like they're being green while not actually having to cut a lot of checks to back it up.
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Old 07-09-2009, 11:25 AM
 
26 posts, read 136,097 times
Reputation: 18
Yeah, we're not too happy right now w/ PEC.

CptRn, can you let me know offline who you worked with? I'm grateful for all your info.
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Old 07-09-2009, 12:00 PM
 
26 posts, read 136,097 times
Reputation: 18
Never mind--I see you posted that already!
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Old 07-09-2009, 12:36 PM
 
Location: Avery Ranch, Austin, TX
8,977 posts, read 17,542,882 times
Reputation: 4001
Be sure to check the Energy Star qualifications of your new system...could be worth a $1500 tax credit.

Linky:
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR
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Old 07-09-2009, 12:44 PM
mwv
 
207 posts, read 673,589 times
Reputation: 196
Make sure you get a system using the new refrigerant standard. The old system, R-22, is being phased out as of January 2010 and being replaced by R-410A (also called "Puron" by some vendors). You absolutely want a R-410A system to be installed now as it'll be cheaper to maintain over time.
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Old 07-09-2009, 12:45 PM
 
26 posts, read 136,097 times
Reputation: 18
Yep, that's one of the reasons we're replacing it!
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