So uhhh… how do I not pay 21k for new AC unit and ductwork? That’s the quote I just got; I of course have a few companies coming to give their quotes, but would love to know if anyone has any tips on how to save some money here.
I’m in South Louisiana so maybe market conditions here help in some way? Idk I gotta type 300 words for this to be postable according to the subs rules. So there it is, 300 words.
Hello Frugalians, HVAC replacement, am I right?…
byu/EndDarkMoney inFrugal
Posted by EndDarkMoney
6 Comments
A few years ago after doing the math I decided to put in smart ushape window units vs fixing the central AC for the second floor bedrooms for just a fraction of the cost. Each one was about $300, got 2 extra, already had one for my bedroom to use at night, so 3 total. Very nice models, very quiet and efficient plus can setup schedules for them in the app so similar to a smart thermostat to save money. Saved about 30% in engery use too since I only cool the space I am in now. In my case only the AC was acting up, the heating system was completely fine, if heat wasn’t working that would be a different story.
In terms of your quote, why are they saying you need new ducts? Maybe get quotes for mini splits as well if you only need AC and don’t want to do window units. For saving the most money if you are handy they have diy mini splits.
You’re in the hot south, maybe wait for the cooler months to get quotes. HVAC companies are in demand during the busy hot months, so they charge high.
I might be in a similar boat. AC runs but have leaking condensate at my duck near the air handler unit. Got a small puddle in my utility closet now.
I’m in NC, a coworker of mine just got a new HVAC a few months ago. I think it cost between 10-12k but not sure all that was included. They got it done right before or at the start of summer.
If you do end up getting a new hvac system, don’t get anything fancy, such as a unit with a compressor that has multiple speeds. There is not much of an increaseinefficiency as people think. On a much larger scale, yes, but not anything a homeowner needs. Not only do they cost more up front but more expensive to repair if needed. The more parts a unit has, the more to break.
Assuming you’re not in an HOA that forbids them, I spent $900 on 3 window air conditioners 7 years ago and they’re all still working great. Pop them in the windows in May, pop them out in September and toss them in the corner of the garage until the following May.
We got a quote for a new Heat Pump and new ductwork for 18k.
Norfolk VA. 2000 sqft. 3.5 tons.
The old 3 ton AC is way back in the attic and according to code it needs to be moved to be more accessible. That is the main reason for new ductwork.
We are going from just AC to HP and the Air handler and condenser are moving so that will involve moving electric.
I recently bought the house for 430k. The house might have been built in the 60’s. The whole neighborhood looks like my house. I would call it a MCOL (medium cost of living area).
Our price is 18k. Yours is 21k. Why is yours higher? I would get another quote.
Also note that we need to replace because it is old and isn’t keeping up. It’s not broken. We will get it fixed in the fall.
If you are broken that’s a different deal.
Oh, and the unit replacement was like 10k. The ductwork was like 8k.
The house is one level over a crawl space. The AC unit is in the attic as is the ductwork. And again we are changing to a HP (heat pump). We have hot water baseboard heat (natural gas).