[jashuty]

Hi.. we have two zones 1600 sq ft two floors.

We built here in Connecticut in 1999 and still have our 2 original “First Company” 2.5 ton Air handlers. Two zones for heat and cooling. One in attic with plenty of space and air flow. One in the cellar with space snd radiant heat. Not any problems other than a few leaks (R22) and replaced one compressor. One is Heil 10yr and Heil 20 yr old Heil- 10 seers.

We had a refrigerant leak a few weeks ago when it was 75 degrees. We knew we would soon have to replace because of the old refrigerant. We DID NOT realize it would be $****** to upgrade!!!!

Is this reasonable?? It’s easier to move. We can’t afford it. The contractor said his company charges a flat rate per zone of $****** to upgrade to R-410, reusing our lines. We are going to get more quotes… but we would like to hear from the forum if this is the scenario for everyone with 2 zones and equipment over 20 yrs old.
Thank you for any advice.

Please refrain from adding pricing to your posts as it is not allowed by forum rules.

 

[pecmsg]

Hi.. we have two zones 1600 sq ft two floors.

We built here in Connecticut in 1999 and still have our 2 original “First Company” 2.5 ton Air handlers. Two zones for heat and cooling. One in attic with plenty of space and air flow. One in the cellar with space snd radiant heat. Not any problems other than a few leaks (R22) and replaced one compressor. One is Heil 10yr and Heil 20 yr old Heil- 10 seers.

We had a refrigerant leak a few weeks ago when it was 75 degrees. We knew we would soon have to replace because of the old refrigerant. We DID NOT realize it would be $****** to upgrade!!!!

Is this reasonable?? It’s easier to move. We can’t afford it. The contractor said his company charges a flat rate per zone of $****** to upgrade to R-410, reusing our lines. We are going to get more quotes… but we would like to hear from the forum if this is the scenario for everyone with 2 zones and equipment over 20 yrs old.
Thank you for any advice.

Please refrain from adding pricing to your posts as it is not allowed by forum rules.

Id be doubled here!

 

[kdean1]

Replacing equipment is not an “upgrade.” Costs of materials and labor have risen considerably. Many contractors have arrangements for financing.

 

[pecmsg]

So, how much are you going too loose selling the house with outdated leaking HVAC?

 

[jashuty]

Replacing equipment is not an “upgrade.” Costs of materials and labor have risen considerably. Many contractors have arrangements for financing.

So there is no less expensive way at all?
We only have my husbands income. I’m disabled as well as my oldest son… kids with high cost diets … How is everyone else affording these upgrades? I read upgrading with 407 is less expensive?

 

[jashuty]

It’s a quarter of the worth of our home.

 

[pecmsg]

It’s a quarter of the worth of our home.

What is?

 

[jashuty]

What is?

The cost. It seems astronomical.
Does that sound right?

 

[pecmsg]

The cost. It seems astronomical. ****** ***
Does that sound right?

Here that wouldn't buy a buildable lot!

Whats the price on an average car?

 

[Special-K]

Second warning, pricing is not allowed.

 

[jashuty]

Replacing equipment is not an “upgrade.” Costs of materials and labor have risen considerably. Many contractors have arrangements for financing.

What exactly would they need to do and would they need to replace both air handlers and both compressors?

 

[pecmsg]

What exactly would they need to do and would they need to replace both air handlers and both compressors?

Basically install 2 new systems and recover refrigerant and remove the old.
Depending on the job
2 men 3 or 4 days.

 

[kdean1]

Yes. Indoor and outdoor equipment must both be designed for the modern refrigerant and a matched set.

407C is a replacement refrigerant, not an upgrade. Upgrade means better, not newer or bigger. 407C is less expensive but has lower cooling performance.

National average air conditioner life is 17 years. There comes a point when it’s not worth repairing it.

 

[jashuty]

Yes. Indoor and outdoor equipment must both be designed for the modern refrigerant and a matched set.

407C is a replacement refrigerant, not an upgrade. Upgrade means better, not newer or bigger. 407C is less expensive but has lower cooling performance.

National average air conditioner life is 17 years. There comes a point when it’s not worth repairing it.

Thank you so much for the info.
To clarify:
A contractor can flush and replace r22 with 407C?

Our air handlers are fine. Brother in law installed huge system for home when we built. Leak most likely at coil. Just replacing one of condensers and flush/fill will give us time to get $$ for a couple years.
Is that the case?

 

[jashuty]

Or even replace both condensers is a small fraction of quoted upgrade. Thank you

 

[pecmsg]

If you replace that old system with a newer heat pump there are tremendous tax advantages!

 

[kdean1]

Thank you so much for the info.
To clarify:
A contractor can flush and replace r22 with 407C?

Our air handlers are fine. Brother in law installed huge system for home when we built. Leak most likely at coil. Just replacing one of condensers and flush/fill will give us time to get $$ for a couple years.
Is that the case?

“Huge system” suggests that it is likely to be oversized. That’s bad for dehumidification and causes short cycling. That’s why a proper load calculation and correct equipment selection is the FIRST step in comfort and performance.

 

[kdean1]

Or even replace both condensers is a small fraction of quoted upgrade. Thank you

NOT AN UPGRADE!

 

[jashuty]

NOT AN UPGRADE!

So it’s not an option to flush and replace r22 with 407C?

We know at some point we’ll need to replace everything … but right now, that amount is out of the question.

We live check to check. Can’t refinance now that the interest rate went up.

Unless my husband uses his 401 to pay, we can’t afford a years wage or an additional monthly payment.

If there’s nothing else we can do, we will use a portable air conditioner for one bedroom upstairs in the leaking zone.

 

[jashuty]

I tried to look up tax credits in our state but could not find that much