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My home AC system replacement- long and pic heavy

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    My home AC system replacement- long and pic heavy

    Long read, but may be helpful if you are considering replacement of your central ac system.

    Working in the residential HVAC industry, I have often been asked for advice when it comes to replacing central air conditioning systems. One question I am often asked is "what would you do if it were your house?" I finally have a real answer to that question as it came time to replace my own central ac system.

    A little background: I bought my home about a year and a half ago, and knew right away that the system would need to be replaced. It had the original furnace and ductwork, both of which were in very poor condition (sorry didn't get pics of original ductwork before we took it out). The ac unit was very basic and about 8 years old.

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    I did a Manual J and Manual D load calc on my house in order to ensure the proper equipment and duct size. I recommend this to anyone who will be replacing their HVAC system or ductwork. About half of all houses out there do not have properly sized equipment. It's not up to you or the contractor to decide the size, it is up to the house.

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    After that was done, I picked my equipment. I went with the Bryant evolution extreme heat pump system. It uses a variable speed DC-powered compressor in conjunction with a variable speed indoor blower, along with a very advanced communicating control system to constantly optimize efficiency and comfort as it runs. The 3 ton equipment can run as low as 40% of its total capacity if that is all that is required to get the job done. Also has a sweet color touch screen thermostat that is wifi compatible.

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    I used anti-microbial r-8 insulated medical grade flexible ductwork. The r-8 insulation of the ductwork drastically decreases heat gain in the ducts in the attic, and the anti-microbial lining of the ducts, along with the advanced air purification system installed with the system will ensure that my indoor air is clean and healthy. I did this because I have pets in the house and I don't like to smell them, and I also have a baby on the way.

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    One major move in replacing this system was that I relocated the indoor unit from a garage closet into the attic. I did this because my existing returns were in unsealed Sheetrock chases and were impossible to seal, and I could get better airflow by having an extended supply plenum. All in all turned out really well and I am very pleased with it.

    #2
    looks awesome

    quick ? since some of us may be needing an upgrade soon ..... what would be the total cost P&L you would charge a customer for that install

    is that a $8,000 - $10,000 upgrade ? I have no clue, just trying to get an idea of what I have to spend in the next 3-5 yrs.

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      #3
      Did both of mine the last 2 yrs....major PIA but well worth it. Yours install looks excellent...better to do it now then wait till it gets hotter

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        #4
        Looks great, I need to do that, but my electric bill hasn't been over $200 in years. I doubt I can justify the expense until my AC unit dies.

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          #5
          Blake, total cost for an install like this would significantly higher. Probably in the 20k range. I have about 8k in this one and I got the equipment at mfr cost and labor is really cheap when you do it yourself. This is very high end ductwork and that veriable speed compressor ain't cheap

          Keith, I have never had an electric bill over $120, but I was having pretty high gas bills due to my old furnace. I never expect to recoup my entire investment on utility savings alone, even doing it myself. I had some dust issues in my house and uneven cooking between rooms. I put a pretty big value on my comfort so I didn't mind jumping in an doing it early. Especially since I am super busy in the summer and didn't want to have to do it then.

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            #6
            20k might sound high but that is the Cadillac of a/c systems. Not to mention everything he mentioned in materials are also top of the line. Don't think there's any more bells and whistles he could have added. That's a great system and worth the money in the long run

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              #7
              looks good brother might have to come check it out sometime!!

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                #8
                I replaced mine a couple of years ago along with most appliances. My electric bill went down 38%

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by Roy D Mercer View Post
                  I replaced mine a couple of years ago along with most appliances. My electric bill went down 38%
                  Yep attic insulation and new windows are on the horizon!

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                    #10
                    Old vs. new. Funny thing is they Are both 3 ton units. 10 SEER vs 20 SEER!

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                      #11
                      At least you went with a good brand, have the same I used weather maker ICP product just like carrier or Bryant with the same communicating air handler and heat pump and infinity,evo touchscreen control at 20SEER at about half of what you paid for Bryant or carrier with the same warranties good job with the r-8 ducts. Make sure you seal your s/a boxes to the Sheetrock put a nice 6mo filter on it and a uv light on the coil an your set. Nice install! The only way I let my guys do it. Quit question you by chance going to Dallas for the ICP show/casino night? Feb 29-march1?
                      Last edited by Twztid; 02-20-2013, 03:49 PM.

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                        #12
                        Originally posted by Twztid View Post
                        At least you went with a good brand, have the same I used weather maker ICP product just like carrier or Bryant with the same communicating air handler and heat pump and infinity,evo touchscreen control at 20SEER at about half of what you paid for Bryant or carrier with the same warranties good job with the r-8 ducts. Make sure you seal your s/a boxes to the Sheetrock put a nice 6mo filter on it and a uv light on the coil an your set. Nice install! The only way I let my guys do it. Quit question you by chance going to Dallas for the ICP show/casino night? Feb 29-march1?
                        LMAO!!! I just saw your manual j thing you work at Jon Wayne!?!? Lmao!!! Wow good luck with that brother! No wonder you said that system would cost a customer 20k
                        Last edited by Twztid; 02-20-2013, 04:02 PM.

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                          #13
                          Very clean install sir. Very rare to see these days.

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                            #14
                            Originally posted by Twztid View Post
                            LMAO!!! I just saw your manual j thing you work at Jon Wayne!?!? Lmao!!! Wow good luck with that brother! No wonder you said that system would cost a customer 20k
                            Didn't post this to try to sell equipment, nor to be bashed. I'm sorry it costs money to do these jobs correctly, and I work for a company that was dealer of the year last year for a very exclusive brand of equipment.

                            I doubt you got this condenser from ICP; as of right now it is exclusive to Bryant and Carrier, not in their cheap lines.

                            I guess ex-employees gotta hate when they get the chance....

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                              #15
                              Originally posted by pickles View Post
                              Very clean install sir. Very rare to see these days.
                              Thanks a bunch! Definitely didn't want to cut any corners!

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