Our a/c is not actually "dead" yet, but over the weekend with temps in the 90s, our 17 year old (or so) a/c was running over 40 minutes straight at a time just to keep the house at 79 or 80. Our furnace is original from when the house was built (early 70s), so it seems like it might be time for an overhaul.
I had two contractors come out today. We live in north, central Florida. Hot summers, fairly mild and short winters. 1780 sq. feet (even though I know that's not enough info for the whole picture) rancher.
I have read a lot on this forum and know installation is very important. But I also want to weigh in things like warranties, etc.
Contractor #1:
3.5 ton Goodman 13 SEER (didn't give a model #)
80,000 BTU furnace
programmable thermostat ("Pro 6000"?)
10 year parts warranty
1 year labor warranty
99 year professional warranty (is that for real??? are there lots of loop holes or something?)
2 year service contract coming out 2x/year
He said there are a couple things in the furnace closet that aren't up to code, including that the return needs to be sealed to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into the home.
Contractor #2:
3 options
-mentioned the return needing to be sealed, didn't make many other comments about furnace closet, but seemed more thorough in general
-didn't perform manual J at this point, but would have to as part of our utility's rebate program which he knows I was getting quotes for
-1: 15 SEER Bryant furnace 315AAV048090
condenser 124ANA036
Thermidistat thermostat
1 year labor warranty
5 year factory parts warranty
10 year compressor warranty
come back in 6 months to inspect/adjust
-2: 15.5 SEER Bryant furnace 315AAV048090
condenser 187ANA036
user interface thermostat
1 year labor warranty
10 year factory parts warranty
10 year condenser warranty
-3: a 17.5 SEER that we're not really considering
He also mentioned a 4" filter media for add'l $$--is that worth it? We do have a dog, but neither of us has problems with indoor allergies.
Lastly, he mentioned checking/correcting seals on the duct work for add'l $$. I'm not asking HOW to do it, but he talked about caulking the grates and using a tape in the attic... is that something we could do ourselves? Our utility does offer a rebate on that as well, but it only covers about 1/2 the cost.
Contractor #1 specifically mentions pulling permits and having building inspector come when job is complete.
Contractor #2 is a member of several associations and accreditations.
Any advice? Suggested questions? Both companies are part of our utility's "participating contractors" for their rebate program. My husband is asking around at work for any info them or other contractors as well. We plan to be in the house probably about 10 more years, if that affects anything.
Thanks so much!
I had two contractors come out today. We live in north, central Florida. Hot summers, fairly mild and short winters. 1780 sq. feet (even though I know that's not enough info for the whole picture) rancher.
I have read a lot on this forum and know installation is very important. But I also want to weigh in things like warranties, etc.
Contractor #1:
3.5 ton Goodman 13 SEER (didn't give a model #)
80,000 BTU furnace
programmable thermostat ("Pro 6000"?)
10 year parts warranty
1 year labor warranty
99 year professional warranty (is that for real??? are there lots of loop holes or something?)
2 year service contract coming out 2x/year
He said there are a couple things in the furnace closet that aren't up to code, including that the return needs to be sealed to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into the home.
Contractor #2:
3 options
-mentioned the return needing to be sealed, didn't make many other comments about furnace closet, but seemed more thorough in general
-didn't perform manual J at this point, but would have to as part of our utility's rebate program which he knows I was getting quotes for
-1: 15 SEER Bryant furnace 315AAV048090
condenser 124ANA036
Thermidistat thermostat
1 year labor warranty
5 year factory parts warranty
10 year compressor warranty
come back in 6 months to inspect/adjust
-2: 15.5 SEER Bryant furnace 315AAV048090
condenser 187ANA036
user interface thermostat
1 year labor warranty
10 year factory parts warranty
10 year condenser warranty
-3: a 17.5 SEER that we're not really considering
He also mentioned a 4" filter media for add'l $$--is that worth it? We do have a dog, but neither of us has problems with indoor allergies.
Lastly, he mentioned checking/correcting seals on the duct work for add'l $$. I'm not asking HOW to do it, but he talked about caulking the grates and using a tape in the attic... is that something we could do ourselves? Our utility does offer a rebate on that as well, but it only covers about 1/2 the cost.
Contractor #1 specifically mentions pulling permits and having building inspector come when job is complete.
Contractor #2 is a member of several associations and accreditations.
Any advice? Suggested questions? Both companies are part of our utility's "participating contractors" for their rebate program. My husband is asking around at work for any info them or other contractors as well. We plan to be in the house probably about 10 more years, if that affects anything.
Thanks so much!
