Air Conditioner Replacement Questions

[Heyitsrick]

Hi all,

My mom lives in a villa in the Villages. She's been advised that her circa 2005 AC unit is going to need to be replaced soon vs. piecemeal repairs.

I'm in NY, so I have some questions from afar.

The unit she has now is a Trane XR12 4TTR2030A1000AA.

The specs that I can see online about this is that it's a 2.5 ton unit (2.5 x 12 = 30,000 BTU / hour).

Questions: There seem to be other Trane units at her place, such as the heater/boiler unit. Do these all have to be replaced together as a system, or can one part of the system such as the AC be replaced when needed?

What do people think of Trane units in the Villages? Some reviews I see online suggest they can't really stand up to Florida weather over time.

She's been quoted a lot of money to replace this thing. The base price I see for the actual unit (assuming a Trane replacement) is somewhere in the $2000 range. Is it just as much to swap it out and balance the new one (labor)?

I've read some suggestions here about a particular AC guy and I'm not sure who she uses at present.

Can anyone here chime in on what they ran into when they've had to replace an AC unit, what all is involved, what to expect for $$$, etc.?

Thanks!

[Chellybean]

check you pm's

[villagetinker]

My past experience, when on component (compressor or air handler) fails, the other one is close to failing. Also, you probably with not be able to get a system warranty unless all of the components are replaced. The newer units have matched components to get maximum efficiency, using and old component, will probably cause a loss of efficiency. I would get 3 or more quotes, and make a comparison based on these, and ask questions (here) on the installers and their warranties.
Hope this helps.

[DangeloInspections]

VillageTinker is right on. A newer system will have a higher SEER rating. It will be R410a instead of the older R-22.

A newer system will save money on electric costs. If she has gas heat she most likely has a regular furnace with an A-coil in the plenum and an condensing unit outside. If this is the case, she will need a new A-coil, lineset and condensing unit.

If she has a heat pump she will need a new Condensing unit and Air handler.

A typical new system is around the 5k range. Here in Florida it is about the most important component of your home. They usually last about 10-15 years with normal maintenance. It is wise to budget for this expense.

Get three or so estimates and go with who you feel is best. Prices will vary some with the SEER rating. The unit you have now is probably an 8 SEER....newer systems are typically 14-15 SEER or more. Minimum SEER is now 14 SEER.

Hope this helps....

Frank

[Heyitsrick]

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like a complete system is the way to go.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like a complete system is the way to go.

Call Chuck Farrell A/C 352-753-9497. Chuck replaced my complete system, and has also worked for many of my friends and clients. We find to be a very honest and capable man. As always get a few bids before you decide. I hope this helps. Len ( PS no money up front)