Hi all, I posted here a few days ago to try to figure out fair pricing
on some A/C work. (Main problem is a leaky evap coil, but due to
10-year age am considering a compressor also). I have been getting some
quotes since then, and while I am getting a better handle on how the
dollars start to fall, I am still not sure whom to follow as advice
conflicts between the four estimates I got.
Some advice/info from them, for example:
1. I don't need more than 2 tons (which is what I have now), but others
are saying I need 2.5 and even 3 tons.
(the latest guy said that one should roughly estimate as a quick and
dirty that one 8" duct equals aprx .5 tons of supply capacity. We
counted and there are 6 of these plus one 4 incher. He is returning
tomorrow to take more specific measurements.) Note that some years
after the home was built a basement was finished out with one 8"
supply.
2. 13 SEER is ok and in many cases the way to go. Current is 10 SEER,
about 10 yrs old. (I understand 13 is now the minimum).
3. Freon (R22) is still preferable to Puron (410?) due to the latter's
unproven nature and as yet not assured supply.
4. Rheem/Ruud (I understand these are the same) are lower priced than,
for example Trane, but not significantly lower in quality. The last guy
stocks the first but can get any brand the customer wants.
5. Replacement of copper lines (aprx 40 foot run). This is the part
with the greatest variance. The Trane guy said upgrade to 2.5 requires
no upgrade of my current lines (which are 3/4 and 3/8). The first Ruud
guy said the 2.5 unit *will* require upgrade. The second Ruud guy said
no, but I could if I wanted to (aprx $250). He said a nitrogen flush
and vacuum should be sufficient, no charge by him).

So, although I am trying to compare apples to apples, it turns out some
of those are McIntosh, some are Granny Smith, and some may be just
spoiled.

Any help sorting the truth from salesmanship is much appreciated!