O/T Central A/C advice

[Clifford]

It seems that, if I were to buy this:

https://www.acwholesalers.com/Goodman-Air-Conditioner/GSX130481-ARUF48D14-4-Ton-13-SEER-Air-Conditioner-Split-System/30233.ac?catId=cat1010&mainCat=&subCat=&trail=15452:4%20Ton

And then pay for someone to install it, I would save quite a bit instead of going to ASI or Mauzy. Am I wrong ? Please advice.

[FlyerInHi]

Yes, absolutely if you have an AC guy who will do work on the side and install it for you.

It’s not that hard to install if you know what you’re doing and have the right tools. I assume that you already have a furnace and ducting.

I’ve replaced the capacitor on AC myself. Under $20 for the capacitor vs. several hundred $ for a technician.

If you want, I can PM you the name an AC guy. Don’t know if he will do install. BTW, pair the AC with a smart wifi thermostat.

[moneymaker]

Was that a run capacitor or a start capacitor FlyerInHi?
I’m thinking of putting a start capacitor on mine but I really should upgrade the wire first. I have #10 going to the unit and really should have #8.Another inherited problem that hasn’t really been a problem…yet

[FlyerInHi]

My capacitor what a dual round one. Yeah, definitely try to fix it yourself.

[an]

I have the same brand HVAC. I did consider buying from acwholesalers and hire an installer. Then I talked to the install that I picked and he said he can get it from a local supply for a little cheaper, since he gets contractor discount. So, I end up having him getting it and installing it as well.

[spdrun]

The beautiful thing about having a business credit card and bank account with a very generic name is that you can get “trade” discounts in all sorts of places without really being entitled to them…

“Yes, of course we do plumbing.”

[FlyerInHi]

spd, you can buy pretty much anything online now. A 24v AC transformer is $11 at home depot, ship to store. The local supplier sells for $35 if you need it the same day.

[FlyerInHi]

[quote=AN]I have the same brand HVAC. I did consider buying from acwholesalers and hire an installer. Then I talked to the install that I picked and he said he can get it from a local supply for a little cheaper, since he gets contractor discount. So, I end up having him getting it and installing it as well.[/quote]

I would do the same.

Thinking about AC, it’s really a simple system. But it’s mysterious to a lot of customers who will only trust Home Depot, Sears, etc.. with their high prices, fancy proposals, and guarantees.

In reality, a good AC tech is all you need.

[Clifford]

[quote=AN]I have the same brand HVAC. I did consider buying from acwholesalers and hire an installer. Then I talked to the install that I picked and he said he can get it from a local supply for a little cheaper, since he gets contractor discount. So, I end up having him getting it and installing it as well.[/quote]

Approximately, how much did you save compared to using an HVAC contractor like ASI ? (You know how people typically call them & they come to your house to give you an estimate …)

[FlyerInHi]

AN can speak for himself, but I would say that he saved about 1/2.

I have seen AC quotes at $7,000 – $8,000 from the most well-known contractors, for an average house that already had a furnace and ducting.

[an]

[quote=Clifford]Approximately, how much did you save compared to using an HVAC contractor like ASI ? (You know how people typically call them & they come to your house to give you an estimate …)[/quote]
>40%. I’ve gotten quote between 9k-12k. I end up gotten it done for around $4500-5000. I forgot the exact amount. IIRC, it was around $2k for labor and the cost of the unit.

[FlyerInHi]

AN, I’m assuming your got a high SEER unit. Smart move. It will pay off if you use AC a lot, like I do.
$2,000 for labor sounds reasonable, especially if there is a long copper pipe run to the compressor.

[an]

[quote=FlyerInHi]AN, I’m assuming your got a high SEER unit. Smart move. It will pay off if you use AC a lot, like I do.
$2,000 for labor sounds reasonable, especially if there is a long copper pipe run to the compressor.[/quote]
yes, I got the 16 SEER 4 ton unit. I like my AC at 72, so yes, I do use my AC a lot. My house is already pre-plumb for AC, so no need for installing new copper pipe, since it’s already there.

[FlyerInHi]

72F is good. I go between 70 and 72F. Before the shower, I turn down to 70F.

Good climate control is important to me.
In case anyone is interested, I find that the adjustable 1-way registers are best. I don’t like the standard non-adjustable 3-way registers they put in everywhere (stupid if the register causes the air to blow against a wall).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/TruAire-14-in-x-6-in-Adjustable-Wall-Ceiling-Register-H210VM-14X06/202525326

[Clifford]

Thanks to FlyerInHi & AN for answering my questions.

AN, what brand is your AC unit ? Goodman ?
Also, on what month of the year did you replace your AC ?

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