HVAC Replacement

[Michael G.]

I did a search on HVAC replacement here without help.

I'm presently gathering price quotes to get our HVAC replaced soon and have a couple questions.

Did I read the government will be giving rebates after January 1st, 2023, anyone
hear that?

What companies did you get a replacement quote from?

I will be checking Sun Kool, Chuck Farrell, Munn's, Mid-Florida, Sunshine.
Any preference on any of these?

Cheers!

[retiredguy123]

I would get a quote from Munn's and Chuck Farrell, but I would probably buy a Carrier unit from Munn's as long as their price was reasonable. Chuck Farrell doesn't install Carrier units, which is the most prevalent system in The Villages. I think Munn's is more capable of responding to repairs and can always get parts. Also, I would buy a single stage compressor, and stay away from 2-stage or variable stage compressors. They are not worth the extra cost and you may have trouble getting repair parts.

Note, that starting on January 1, 2023, contractors must install HVAC units that have a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER in Florida. So, if you don't mind buying a 13 SEER unit, you should be able to get a good discount, because after December 31, the contractors will be stuck with units that they cannot install.

[Michael G.]

I would get a quote from Munn's and Chuck Farrell, but I would probably buy a Carrier unit from Munn's as long as their price was reasonable. Chuck Farrell doesn't install Carrier units, which is the most prevalent system in The Villages. I think Munn's is more capable of responding to repairs and can always get parts. Also, I would buy a single stage compressor, and stay away from 2-stage or variable stage compressors. They are not worth the extra cost and you may have trouble getting repair parts.

Note, that starting on January 1, 2023, contractors must install HVAC units that have a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER in Florida. So, if you don't mind buying a 13 SEER unit, you should be able to get a good discount, because after December 31, the contractors will be stuck with units that they cannot install.

Thanks
I appreciate your feed back

[Peazoup]

Leo's in Ocala.

[ithos]

Just be aware that R410A is being phased out and the price has skyrocketed. The new freon is R-45B for most manufacturers.

HVAC Refrigerant and SEER Changes in 2023 | Air Conditioner Installation (https://acshvac.com/hvac-refrigerant-and-seer-changes-in-2023/)

Can I Retrofit My AC to Use R-454B?
No. Refrigerants operate at different pressures. An R-410a air conditioning or heat pump system will not be calibrated to use R-454b.

Even if you could retrofit your equipment to handle different refrigerants, the cost of doing so would likely approach the price of a new system. Plus, you would more than likely void your existing warranty.

You can save money immediately on utility bills by upgrading today to a high-efficiency system. Plus, you’ll pay less in purchasing costs. Otherwise, wait until 2023 to buy a system with the new refrigerant and SEER ratings.

[Luggage]

you will find quotes up and down - put make sure permts included AND a full list of work to be done and guarantee on quote..

as well as seer

I did a search on HVAC replacement here without help.

I'm presently gathering price quotes to get our HVAC replaced soon and have a couple questions.

Did I read the government will be giving rebates after January 1st, 2023, anyone
hear that?

What companies did you get a replacement quote from?

I will be checking Sun Kool, Chuck Farrell, Munn's, Mid-Florida, Sunshine.
Any preference on any of these?

Cheers!

[drbales]

We had our unit replaced about a year ago by M&S air conditioning. We had a Mitsubishi system installed to replace the original Carrier unit. Highly satisfied and would recommend you contact them for a quote and explain the Mitsubishi unit.

[Pairadocs]

I did a search on HVAC replacement here without help.

I'm presently gathering price quotes to get our HVAC replaced soon and have a couple questions.

Did I read the government will be giving rebates after January 1st, 2023, anyone
hear that?

What companies did you get a replacement quote from?

I will be checking Sun Kool, Chuck Farrell, Munn's, Mid-Florida, Sunshine.
Any preference on any of these?

Cheers!

We had Chuck replace ours about a year ago. We did get two other bids, none from Munn's. Being from Florida we may have had an advantage over those who move here from far off locations. Though we are not personal friends, we were well aware of the Farrell's and their lengthy reputation for honesty long before the present day Villages was such a huge area. Here's an example, judge for yourself. Farrell's told us there was a quick and inexpensive fix to our problem (turned out to be -0- expense in the end), and that given the age of our unit, it could have another 5 years of life, or could go the next day. The were able to get it working with a simple adjustment and no bill for us, and urged us to wait and see, it was working. Now two other companies proffered that at 18 years "it's pretty well shot and we can repair it but it's going to be expensive".. "How expensive" we asked, "hard to tell until we get into it". So, after Farrell's remedied the problem, with no new parts or expense, another two years passed with no problems ! This was now a 20 year old unit ! We then decided to call Farrell's and have it replaced before another summer season and a possible failure. We did get 2 other bids as I commented, but had already decided if prices for same seer and size units were the same, we would of course go with Farrell's. Pleasantly surprised that Farrell's was the lowest, not by much when you compared the bids.... however, we wanted some additional work done, including changing the drain lines and a couple other things, when considering those extras, Farrell's were more than reasonable. They arrived on time, were extremely efficient, polite, personable (not as important as skilled, but nice), and very pleased with experience so far, but only one year. Regardless of what company you decide on, the difference in the monthly bill for a new unit compared to your old unit will astound you. We were a bit skeptical it would make that much different, but it certainly does !

[Pairadocs]

you will find quotes up and down - put make sure permits included AND a full list of work to be done and guarantee on quote..

as well as seer

Absolutely good advice I hope all who are reading here will follow. Also it takes motivation to examine bids in detail to make certain you are comparing ONLY apples to apples. Check EVERYTHING, not just includes something like "includes replacement with new Honeywell thermostat", Honeywell makes hundreds of MODELS and types. As mamma always said, "do the HOMEWORK", it a mine field out there...LOL ! And one last very important point, don't get too hung up on brand (Trane, Carrier, etc.), again, don't take anyone's word, do your own homework in MANUFACTURERS. You may be surprised to find the various "brands" do not all come from separate manufacturers. It's interesting to dig into that aspect so you understand parts availability, etc.

[kkingston57]

Worst part of getting all of these estimates is that all AC Companies send out what I call hard sell salespeople and prices all over the place, mostly due to make, SEER, 1 vs 2 stage compressors, 1-2 speed fans. Remember the more bells and whistles, the more possibilty of problems. Have fun.

[retiredguy123]

Worst part of getting all of these estimates is that all AC Companies send out what I call hard sell salespeople and prices all over the place, mostly due to make, SEER, 1 vs 2 stage compressors, 1-2 speed fans. Remember the more bells and whistles, the more possibilty of problems. Have fun.
I agree. Look at what the builder installs. Carrier unit, single-stage compressor, and an air handling fan with 3 speed settings. Easy to repair and lots of parts available. When your HVAC fails in July, you want it repaired immediately. There was another thread on this website where a poster had to wait months for a computer part because a salesman has sold him a fancy variable speed compressor, that almost no one bought, and it added no real value.

[JudyLife]

Munns were really good, replaced system 3 yrs ago.

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

Call Good Guys. They do excellent work, and very fair prices. Ask for Mike Labanz. (352) 805 - 0035. Mike lives in the Village of LaBelle. The other guys on his team are: Billy, Brian, and Donnie. They have done work for many neighbors. They just installed a new Carrier A/C system next door-- they are very pleased.

[jrandall]

We had Chuck replace ours about a year ago. We did get two other bids, none from Munn's. Being from Florida we may have had an advantage over those who move here from far off locations. Though we are not personal friends, we were well aware of the Farrell's and their lengthy reputation for honesty long before the present day Villages was such a huge area. Here's an example, judge for yourself. Farrell's told us there was a quick and inexpensive fix to our problem (turned out to be -0- expense in the end), and that given the age of our unit, it could have another 5 years of life, or could go the next day. The were able to get it working with a simple adjustment and no bill for us, and urged us to wait and see, it was working. Now two other companies proffered that at 18 years "it's pretty well shot and we can repair it but it's going to be expensive".. "How expensive" we asked, "hard to tell until we get into it". So, after Farrell's remedied the problem, with no new parts or expense, another two years passed with no problems ! This was now a 20 year old unit ! We then decided to call Farrell's and have it replaced before another summer season and a possible failure. We did get 2 other bids as I commented, but had already decided if prices for same seer and size units were the same, we would of course go with Farrell's. Pleasantly surprised that Farrell's was the lowest, not by much when you compared the bids.... however, we wanted some additional work done, including changing the drain lines and a couple other things, when considering those extras, Farrell's were more than reasonable. They arrived on time, were extremely efficient, polite, personable (not as important as skilled, but nice), and very pleased with experience so far, but only one year. Regardless of what company you decide on, the difference in the monthly bill for a new unit compared to your old unit will astound you. We were a bit skeptical it would make that much different, but it certainly does !

I switched from Sunkool to Chuck Farrell’s about five years ago for maintenance. They are great, honest, and I would use them when our HVAC has to be replaced.

[Rookie1]

BROWNS ARCTIC AIR 352-728-4990

Replaced our unit and they do our yearly check. Great company.

[mkjelenbaas]

I did a search on HVAC replacement here without help.

I'm presently gathering price quotes to get our HVAC replaced soon and have a couple questions.

Did I read the government will be giving rebates after January 1st, 2023, anyone
hear that?

What companies did you get a replacement quote from?

I will be checking Sun Kool, Chuck Farrell, Munn's, Mid-Florida, Sunshine.
Any preference on any of these?

Cheers!
We have used Sun Kool two times for replacing our system in each our homes - great service - BEWARE of mom and pop companies that may give you problems

[retiredguy123]

Call Good Guys. They do excellent work, and very fair prices. Ask for Mike Labanz. (352) 805 - 0035. Mike lives in the Village of LaBelle. The other guys on his team are: Billy, Brian, and Donnie. They have done work for many neighbors. They just installed a new Carrier A/C system next door-- they are very pleased.
Are you sure that it was a Carrier system and not a Bryant?

[rockyhyder]

Get a quote from Mark Anthony he provided competitive equipment with the same warranty for about $800 less than the companies you’ve listed.

[Bridget Staunton]

Without a doubt it’s Good Guys they are the best & most reasonable. You will not regret it if you choose them

[Wondering]

I did a search on HVAC replacement here without help.

I'm presently gathering price quotes to get our HVAC replaced soon and have a couple questions.

Did I read the government will be giving rebates after January 1st, 2023, anyone
hear that?

What companies did you get a replacement quote from?

I will be checking Sun Kool, Chuck Farrell, Munn's, Mid-Florida, Sunshine.
Any preference on any of these?

Cheers!
Kalos is the best!

[crash]

I would get a quote from Munn's and Chuck Farrell, but I would probably buy a Carrier unit from Munn's as long as their price was reasonable. Chuck Farrell doesn't install Carrier units, which is the most prevalent system in The Villages. I think Munn's is more capable of responding to repairs and can always get parts. Also, I would buy a single stage compressor, and stay away from 2-stage or variable stage compressors. They are not worth the extra cost and you may have trouble getting repair parts.

Note, that starting on January 1, 2023, contractors must install HVAC units that have a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER in Florida. So, if you don't mind buying a 13 SEER unit, you should be able to get a good discount, because after December 31, the contractors will be stuck with units that they cannot install.

I believe a variable speed compressor is worth the money. Your home will be so much more comfortable with the variable speed. Without it you will be cold when the unit is on and warm when it goes off. The variable speed also helps control humidity without having to get too cold.

[evelyn218]

I would get a quote from Munn's and Chuck Farrell, but I would probably buy a Carrier unit from Munn's as long as their price was reasonable. Chuck Farrell doesn't install Carrier units, which is the most prevalent system in The Villages. I think Munn's is more capable of responding to repairs and can always get parts. Also, I would buy a single stage compressor, and stay away from 2-stage or variable stage compressors. They are not worth the extra cost and you may have trouble getting repair parts.

Note, that starting on January 1, 2023, contractors must install HVAC units that have a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER in Florida. So, if you don't mind buying a 13 SEER unit, you should be able to get a good discount, because after December 31, the contractors will be stuck with units that they cannot install. Try Marc Anthony 352 504 0522. Did a great reasonable job for us.

[Ken D.]

I used Sunshine years ago, but last time around they were much higher than others. Purchased a new system from Mike Farrell three years ago, but (post installation} service was lacking, especially the handling of service calls. I believe Farrell has changed ownership, or joined a larger organization. As others mentioned, Good Guys (MIke Labantz) does a terrific job servicing my system that Farrell installed.

[curler1]

Great primer on the subject:

Heat Pump Price Guides | Compare 2022 Units and Installation Costs (https://www.heatpumppriceguides.com/)

[rogerk]

Check with Munn's. Before you decide on a company ask about their warranty and responsiveness to problems. Ask about whole house duct cleaning. It was amazing when I saw how much 'stuff' they got out of the ducts. It did make a difference.

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

Not sure I saw your original question about rebates being addressed-and not sure I have the 100% correct answer, but what I've read and have come to understand is this-

-As a result of the 'Inflation Reduction Act' being passed by Congress a few months back-there will be significant rebates, or direct tax credits (not clear which) for purchase of electric heat pump equipment-Up to $8,000 and even up to 100% of that purchase, based on income level. My understanding is that the funding for administration of the program is in process, and the program will be handled on a state level. The goal of the bill's provisions was to promote the use of electricity over fossil fuels. (a whole other debate on that statement could ensue) There was also the $7,500 rebate/credit for EV purchases included as well as some other minor appliance provisions.
I've struggled to find more information about how/what/when in Florida. I have read the 'IRA' bill passed by Congress, and as is usually the case, it's as clear as mud.
Moving from a traditional HVAC and gas fired heat system to an all-electric heat pump is a no brainer in Florida-it will be as efficient, or more efficient than most any dual system you can purchase.
I have a perfectly working HVAC and gas fired furnace system,but because it's 10 years old,and Mr. Biden sees fit to give me a new system,if not free,then at least half price,I will probably be taking advantage myself once I figure out how!

Anyone have any better or more specific info?

[laryb]

We had our unit replaced about a year ago by M&S air conditioning. We had a Mitsubishi system installed to replace the original Carrier unit. Highly satisfied and would recommend you contact them for a quote and explain the Mitsubishi unit.We also used M&S to replace our Carrier with a Mitsubishi. Had an issue with the unit one night as it was giving me an error code, so I called them. They got here in less than an hour. The safety switch line that we pour hot water down was plugged because I forgot to do it. They did it for me, and couldn't have been more friendly. The unit is an inverter type, and we find it's more efficient than the unit we replaced. I can highly recommend them and the Mitsubishi