The continuing saga of the central air unit and other home improvement adventures.

[Tobin S.]

I got some estimates to replace our central air unit. It looks like we are going to be able to get it done at a lower price than we originally thought. We got a quote for $1780 and jumped on it. Ten year parts warranty and two year service warranty. Just in time for summer.

I also bought us a new washer and dryer. Ours were shot. I went with an inexpensive matching set from GE. Free service and installation. They are going to haul away our old ones.

Next, the fungus growing on the back of our house. I don't know if it's mildew or mold or what, but it's got to go. I've got the stuff to do that myself.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Be sure to ask what year the unit is.

Here's why

Our A/C guy, who is trustworthy, told me last year that freon is being phased out, from now until 2020.
So it there is less and less available and it is more and more expensive .
Starting in 2020, ALL A/C units will be required to run on a different kind of coolant.
that coolant will not work with older models.
thus, ALL units will need to be replaced.

We just had our 2 units replaced, one in Dec. and one last week. They both were over 17 years old, which is why they died.
and EACH one cost about 3 times of your quoted price.
The gas/A/C unit is a 3 ton, the heat pump is a 2 ton, and we will be set for at least another 17 years. ( they will outlive us, probably)
I decided on replacements since fixing them would only last a few more years and cost almost as much as a replacement, and these will run on the new coolant.

So, luckily for you, getting a new one now will save you from having to deal with the new coolant issue.

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks for the heads up, dixiegrrrrl.

I'll be sure to ask them about it.

Our house is pretty small. That's why I think the price is lower than what you had to pay. I think we are getting a 2 ton unit. Our house is about 1200 square feet.

I looked up the issue with the new coolant. The R-22 coolant started being phased out in 2010, so I doubt the unit they are installing is going to be over 6 years old. I don't think they have stuff sitting on the shelf for that long. The quote says the unit is a new Rheem 14 SEER.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. They should be installing something a year old or newer.

And 14 SEER is very very good.

We noticed a definite difference with the new units. They work better to keep a more even temp in the house, and it takes much less time to reach the set temps.

the real test will be if we get a hot humid summer.

Hope you have great luck with the unit, Tobin.