Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Furnace and A/C Replacement
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caddyshck
06-02-05, 11:04 AM
I needed to get quotes on new AC install, and all the reps (3 quotes) that came out indicated that I had a Goodman furnace. One company inspected the unit noticed a small stress "crack" in the heat exchanger. The furnace is only 11 years old, and the "crack" is more of a raised line in the exchanger than a crack all the way through. He said I could get about another year or two out of this unit before I needed to replace. Is this normal for Goodman?
The quotes I've been given for a 75k BTU 80% furnace and 2 1/2 Ton 10 SEER A/C unit have come in from $3.5K (Rheem) to $4.4K (Trane). I live in upstate NY and have had the load calc's done. Are these reasonable prices?
The quotes I've been given for a 75k BTU 80% furnace and 2 1/2 Ton 10 SEER A/C unit have come in from $3.5K (Rheem) to $4.4K (Trane). I live in upstate NY and have had the load calc's done. Are these reasonable prices?
TigerDunes
06-02-05, 06:22 PM
Caddy,
$3.5k seems reasonable and Rheem is generally thought of as mid-tier quality equipment. One thought though is that 10 SEER AC condensing units were considered top of line in operating efficiency over 10 yrs ago, close to the bottom based on today's efficiencies. If budget allows, I would request quote on a 12-14 SEER AC condensing unit with a 90%+ AFUE gas furnace.
Energy costs both electric and natural gas will only get more expensive. Consider the upgrade if you plan to be in this home for more than 5+ years. Goodman is generally considered to be budget/builder grade model equipment-low end.
By the way, if you are considering new system because of crack in heat exchanger, you should check on warranty for a heat exchanger only 11 yrs old.
Just my opinion.
Good Luck!
:)
$3.5k seems reasonable and Rheem is generally thought of as mid-tier quality equipment. One thought though is that 10 SEER AC condensing units were considered top of line in operating efficiency over 10 yrs ago, close to the bottom based on today's efficiencies. If budget allows, I would request quote on a 12-14 SEER AC condensing unit with a 90%+ AFUE gas furnace.
Energy costs both electric and natural gas will only get more expensive. Consider the upgrade if you plan to be in this home for more than 5+ years. Goodman is generally considered to be budget/builder grade model equipment-low end.
By the way, if you are considering new system because of crack in heat exchanger, you should check on warranty for a heat exchanger only 11 yrs old.
Just my opinion.
Good Luck!
:)
Grady
06-02-05, 06:32 PM
I agree with TigerDunes about the warranty. Personally, in upstate NY, I would not go over 12 SEER on the A/C. Your cooling season just is not long enough to justify the extra expense, again just my opinion.
mattison
06-03-05, 05:29 AM
Another thought is being in your location a 90% furnace may benefit you much more than an 80%.
caddyshck
06-03-05, 01:28 PM
Thanks to all the replies. Yeah I had the warranty checked on the heat exchanger and since I am not the original owner, I am out of luck. I also appreciate the advice on the SEER rating and AFUE... I'll have them requote at a 12 SEER max with a 90+ AFUE heater..... I have always wrestled with the short cooling season and central air. I'm trying to justify if it is even worth it. Since our heating season can be from October to April, it makes sense to look at a higher eff. heating unit. Thanks again.