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Hello all,
We noticed this summer, that the "freon supply lines" (I think) to our furnace start to get a little frozen condensation on them after running for a while. I called a HVAC tech to investigate and during the routine maintenance check (the first since owning the property), I found out that the outside unit also has a booster installed (had to research about it to fully understand it.) He also mentioned that the coil may be clogged and recommended replacing the system (due to age.)
So, we are currently in the process of gathering estimates towards replacing our aging HVAC system. Our electric furnace (Goodman) is about 13 years old, and our AC compressor/heat pump (York) are about 27 years old.
Some Info:
Location: Columbia, MD
Type of Place: Condo, 1 floor
Size: 1000 sqft
All Electric
One estimate thusfar (waiting on others)...
RHEEM 2-Ton 13 Seer Heat Pump
RHEEM 2-Ton Air Handler w/ 10KW Heating Package
Includes flushing of pipes, hauling away old stuff, brazing into existing copper lines, and new refrigerant (410A)
$5400
This seems pretty reasonable. Thoughts or opinions?
Last edited by Randmness; 06-26-2013 at 08:25 AM..
2 tons for a 1000sq/ft???
On one floor!
Holy macaroni, Batman!
1-1/2 ton should be more than enough- especially for a condo.
I'd ask if those estimates are based on a Manual-J calculation- if not, find a contractor that knows how to do it.
1-1/2 ton should be more than enough- especially for a condo.
I second the sizing as being too much. We usually use the number 1 ton per 700 sq ft in our Texas heat for 8' ceiling common house plans. Too much capacity means the house will never dry out on humid days. I would think 2 tons is way too much. Rheem is decent as is Trane and Ruud. Make sure to look at the different makers warranties. Some have 10 year warranties that are worth more than an aftermarket monthly warranty fee. Goodman around here isn't acceptable even for builder grade equipment.
Considering the age of the old unit, anything you buy is going to save you money on utilities. Depending on how much demand on the unit, you can save 1/3 of the current electric bill. Up north may not be as much as less demand on the unit. Research SEER of each brand and what the cost might be. You may want to up grade to a higher SEER unit.Currently 13 SEER is the lowest allowable with more efficient units available at 18 SEER.
I ran outside and checked the model number (York E1FD018), and it is a 1.5 ton 10 SEER unit. It's also not as old as I originally thought (about 15 years old.) I didn't even think about that. I'm guessing the tech who took measurements guesstimated the sizing.
I ran outside and checked the model number (York E1FD018), and it is a 1.5 ton 10 SEER unit. It's also not as old as I originally thought (about 15 years old.) I didn't even think about that. I'm guessing the tech who took measurements guesstimated the sizing.
That is 18000 BTUs; at 10 SEER that is 1800 watts.
I'm guessing the tech who took measurements guesstimated the sizing.
98% of them will.
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