Opinion wanted: Home heating/cooling

[Frankie]

My house was built in the late 60s. I remodeled it about 10 years ago. The original compressor and furnace/AC have worked loyally till now. However there's a refrigerant leak that has drained the entire Freon supply. I met with the tech today and he is of the opinion that I shouldn't put more money into the old system. I'm keeping this house for another 2 years. 3 max. What's the most economical way to approach this problem? Do you guys know of a good brand that does not cost an arm and a leg?

[Moon§hiner]

Originally Posted by elvomito

8" flex duct would be the correct spec right lol

8" flex duct is fantastic if you can get a .5 ton air conditioner and you only want to cool one medium sized room.
for return air....I'm not here to give instructions on how to build your system... maybe you have multiple 8" runs but that system is only as good as the return system...hmmm, bet that's not adequate or you wouldn't have had to add txv to make it work... based on "some" of the advice here I see a lot of people that have little or no knowledge tell him to buy new..I think otherwisem based on his circumstances...I was just suggesting to Frankie to get a second opinion and debunk other ignorant replies.....and yes I'll look in to view more ignorance.

[chubychecker]

I've been going through the same thing. In fact, I had a guy out today to see what he could do repair wise. My system is unique (at least according to the tech) in that the coil is in the attic. The vents are then in the ceiling blowing down. Both units are 30 years old, so probably need to be replaced. I too am not going to be here for more than a couple of years. I have had three people now out to look at this and all three want to install the coil in the basement and redo all duct work. The only bid I got was in the 8k range. So what to do??? I could replace the compressor (which seems to be the problem) for $800 or so, but still have a 30 year old system, or bite the bullet and replace everything duct work and all. Any suggestions??

[Moon§hiner]

Originally Posted by chubychecker

I've been going through the same thing. In fact, I had a guy out today to see what he could do repair wise. My system is unique (at least according to the tech) in that the coil is in the attic. The vents are then in the ceiling blowing down. Both units are 30 years old, so probably need to be replaced. I too am not going to be here for more than a couple of years. I have had three people now out to look at this and all three want to install the coil in the basement and redo all duct work. The only bid I got was in the 8k range. So what to do??? I could replace the compressor (which seems to be the problem) for $800 or so, but still have a 30 year old system, or bite the bullet and replace everything duct work and all. Any suggestions??

Newer 13 seer coils that were mandated as of Jan. 6th probably won't fit in your old cabinet in your attic....I can't believe that my company is the only one that is imaginative enough to be able to find ones that will still work....might not be able to a year from now but they are still readily available. Not sure what to tell you except the fact that I get more disappointed in my fellow service members every day. Quality and pride in the job just isn't there anymore very often.

[elvomito]

Originally Posted by chubychecker

I've been going through the same thing. In fact, I had a guy out today to see what he could do repair wise. My system is unique (at least according to the tech) in that the coil is in the attic. The vents are then in the ceiling blowing down. Both units are 30 years old, so probably need to be replaced. I too am not going to be here for more than a couple of years. I have had three people now out to look at this and all three want to install the coil in the basement and redo all duct work. The only bid I got was in the 8k range. So what to do??? I could replace the compressor (which seems to be the problem) for $800 or so, but still have a 30 year old system, or bite the bullet and replace everything duct work and all. Any suggestions??

for 8k you could probably get a super neat mini-duct system
http://www.spacepak.com/

[Calcountry]

Get one of them new wood pellet/corn stoves. They can burn wood pellets or whole corn.

Comes in handy if one or the other fuel is in temporary shortage. Of course, corn stoves use totally renewable fuel, and lessens demand for mid eastern products.

[Dave Lane]

I recommend a Heil unit you can get one installed for about $2500 furnace A coil and lines and compressor. Actual cost on a compressor is about $400 for a 3 ton unit. If you're moving in 3 years its the way to go...

Dave

[tiptap]

Originally Posted by Moon§hiner

Bullcrap....R22 will not be phased out until 2020....by then I expect technology to find drop-ins to replace r22...talk like this is only scare tactics by unscrupulous salesmen.

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phas...2phaseout.html

My statement was not that R22 was not going to be available but that new systems after 2010 will not be able to use R22 (as noted in your reference). And that the coolant ducts are not compatible with R22 so there will be a bigger price for putting in a new system if your old one breaks down. Especially for going through walls and the corresponding repairs afterwards.

I was saying putting in a R22 systems now with good efficiency would make the house good for 30 years and the lifetime of R22 availability. I think this will become more on people's mind buying houses in a year or two as this becomes better understood. Old systems that have to be replaced will be more expensive in changing to a non R22 system.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

I recommend a Heil unit you can get one installed for about $2500 furnace A coil and lines and compressor. Actual cost on a compressor is about $400 for a 3 ton unit. If you're moving in 3 years its the way to go...

Dave

I've mentally prepared myself for $3500+. $2500 would be just great.