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View Full Version : Full AC System Replacement recommendations and information - Brownwood Area


rmartineau
03-24-2025, 09:18 AM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

CLDA2002
03-24-2025, 09:52 AM
We used M & S Air condition and installed Mitsubishi whole house system. Best system we ever had. Keeps the house cool in the summer, warm in the winter with NO Heat Strips. Used it now for 4 years and no problems. Another feature is we never hear the air handler. The system is quiet and comes with a 12 year warranty.

laryb
03-24-2025, 10:36 AM
We used M & S Air condition and installed Mitsubishi whole house system. Best system we ever had. Keeps the house cool in the summer, warm in the winter with NO Heat Strips. Used it now for 4 years and no problems. Another feature is we never hear the air handler. The system is quiet and comes with a 12 year warranty.
Totally agree. We've had our Mitsubishi whole house system for 2 years this week, and no problems so far. Our electric usage has been lowered also. Another plus is that they use 1'x1"x20" filters instead of the 4" that my old Carrier did, so we save on that, too.

ithos
03-24-2025, 10:38 AM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

Your biggest decision will be whether to replace with R410A(if equipment is available) or a newer refrigerant which will be must more costly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnz4ODMyOJ8

retiredguy123
03-24-2025, 10:44 AM
I would buy a Carrier HVAC system from Munn's, as long as I could get a reasonable price. I would get the most current refrigerant available, and get a regular single stage compressor.

ithos
03-24-2025, 10:57 AM
I would buy a Carrier HVAC system from Munn's, as long as I could get a reasonable price. I would get the most current refrigerant available, and get a regular single stage compressor.

I agree but would have them add a soft start for a little more. It will add protection and extend the life of the compressor. It is often required for generators.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs&t=70s

Topspinmo
03-24-2025, 12:49 PM
Got to ask why would newer home in brownwood area need All new air handler unit? Most units last close to 20 years or more? I would get several estimates. Sometimes cheapest or most expensive not right choice IMO?

mrf6969
03-24-2025, 01:25 PM
We have installed high end Trane systems in both of our homes here. Both are very efficient, very quiet both inside and outside units. No issues with either.
DeSantis

kkingston57
03-24-2025, 01:54 PM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

Who ever you use, do not get the top of the line models. You will never recover the additional costs and they are more likely to break down and the repairs cost $$$$

retiredguy123
03-24-2025, 01:59 PM
We have installed high end Trane systems in both of our homes here. Both are very efficient, very quiet both inside and outside units. No issues with either.
DeSantis
Carrier seems to have replaced Trane as the brand of choice in The Villages. Unless there is some definitive evidence that Trane is a better brand than Carrier, I would choose Carrier. One reason is that it can be repaired more quickly than a Trane system because of the availability of parts and authorized contractors.

ithos
03-24-2025, 03:08 PM
Carrier seems to have replaced Trane as the brand of choice in The Villages. Unless there is some definitive evidence that Trane is a better brand than Carrier, I would choose Carrier. One reason is that it can be repaired more quickly than a Trane system because of the availability of parts and authorized contractors.

Most independent contractors will work on any standard HVAC system. If you upgrade to a more sophisticated system that has more electronic controls or something other than a standard compressor then you make a good point and will probably be limited to an authorized dealer for the brand. Always keep records of service especially if under warranty.

Stu from NYC
03-24-2025, 03:45 PM
We have been happy with Munns for service and would be our first choice when we need to replacement our system

Topspinmo
03-24-2025, 05:00 PM
Carrier seems to have replaced Trane as the brand of choice in The Villages. Unless there is some definitive evidence that Trane is a better brand than Carrier, I would choose Carrier. One reason is that it can be repaired more quickly than a Trane system because of the availability of parts and authorized contractors.

Well, I say 20 plus year old Trane units still going strong in my area? I have carrier now, we’ll see if it will meet the challenge?

villagetinker
03-24-2025, 05:05 PM
I would definitely get another review (inspection) of your system, I am guessing yours is under 10 years old and should not be ready for a complete replacement. I tend to agree with above comments about the "highest efficiency units" as the controls and equipment seem to be very costly to repair or replace.

retiredguy123
03-25-2025, 06:22 AM
When my AC failed on a Saturday a few years ago, Munn's came out and repaired it in a few hours. If you buy a new system from a small company, they may not even work on weekends. Also, they may not be an authorized warranty repair company. So, if you are paying for a 10-year warranty, make sure that whoever installs it, can repair it quickly and has replacement parts on hand. That is why I always buy the most standard equipment from a large contractor. There was another thread on this website where a guy had bought a high end variable speed compressor from a company in Orlando. When it failed, he was waiting for 4 months to replace a circuit board that was on order from overseas.

lpkruege1
03-25-2025, 06:32 AM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.

ithos
03-25-2025, 07:14 AM
Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.

I have never heard of having to replace a coil unless it had hail damage, was near salt water, or had been acid cleaned. Just curious, where were the leaks?
It's Hard to Stop a Trane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRQa1JxNcrI

mrf6969
03-25-2025, 07:28 AM
Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.

Read unbiased reviews and you will see that from the standpoint of durability, Trane is slightly better. Here is just one review below and there are others if one researches.

Trane Vs. Carrier: The Insider's Guide to Choosing Wisely - Comfort Time Plumbing & Air (https://www.fastacservice.com/2024/04/trane-vs-carrier-the-insiders-guide-to-choosing-wisely/)

retiredguy123
03-25-2025, 07:30 AM
I have never heard of having to replace a coil unless it had hail damage, was near salt water, or had been acid cleaned. Just curious, where were the leaks?
It's Hard to Stop a Trane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRQa1JxNcrI
There are two coils, an outdoor coil (condenser coil) and an indoor coil (evaporator coil). If a coil leaks, it is usually at a welded connection point, due to corrosion. Personally, I think both Trane and Carrier units are equally reliable. In The Villages, I would opt for Carrier because they are the more commonly installed brand.

biker1
03-25-2025, 07:31 AM
Regarding your comment about hail damage, I suspect they were referring to an evaporator coil leak in the air handler (inside the house) and not a condenser coil leak in the outside unit (with the compressor). Evaporator coil leaks are not uncommon.

I have never heard of having to replace a coil unless it had hail damage, was near salt water, or had been acid cleaned. Just curious, where were the leaks?
It's Hard to Stop a Trane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRQa1JxNcrI

Tyrone Shoelaces
03-25-2025, 07:41 AM
Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.
My Trane XR18 has had zero issues in 8 years
The thing runs (really slow) about 80% of the day in the hottest months
Lowered my AC usage 40% energy wise
My only regret is paying an extra $750 for a10 year warranty.
5tons 4 zones I paid mid $11k

Ptmcbriz
03-25-2025, 07:44 AM
Living in Brownwood your system is not old. I’m curious to know if you had the 6-month service maintenance checkup all the time you had it? Munn’s comes every 6 months to service ours. I’m guessing this should extend its life. We have a Carrier.

HJBeck
03-25-2025, 07:50 AM
Used MUNNS and bought very high end Carrier unit. If you can afford it, recommend a 19 SEER rated unit because the payback is a little over 5 years due to the lower electric bills. High end units have significantly more complex electronics and can thus cost more to repair. We required 12 year parts and labor warranty to mitigate higher repair costs. Our electric bills are under $100/month. Approx. $14K for entire removal and installation of new system.

retiredguy123
03-25-2025, 07:58 AM
Living in Brownwood your system is not old. I’m curious to know if you had the 6-month service maintenance checkup all the time you had it? Munn’s comes every 6 months to service ours. I’m guessing this should extend its life. We have a Carrier.
I have never paid a company to perform any maintenance on an HVAC system because I don't think there is anything a technician can do that will extend the life of the system. I change the filter and make sure the condensate drain is draining. Why would you pay an HVAC company $75 to $100 every 6 months to do a checkup on a system that has a 10 year warranty?

JRcorvette
03-25-2025, 08:00 AM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

We had our system replaced in November. Got bids from Kalos - Sunshine & Munds. The first two were close to the same price but Munds was very much higher. We went with Kalos because we have been using them as our service company for years and they always do a good job. As for price it depends on what you are getting and are you going to upgrade your thermostat (recommended).

Mobrien
03-25-2025, 08:01 AM
We live in the Brownwood area, Village of Pinellas. Out of eleven homes on our cul-de-sac, six have replaced their heat pumps in the past year. Our homes are eleven years old. Coming from Vermont, our furnace lasted 30 years and was still going strong! Like everything else here, refrigerators, microwaves, roofs, nothing lasts!
We used Sunshine for the ‘better’ unit, newer Freon and variable two stage motor. We paid $11,780. Outrageous, I know. There is a $2000 tax rebate available. We’ll be lucky to get that!

Bealman
03-25-2025, 08:10 AM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

If your a member of Costco, I would look into them. Saved $10k on heating and air conditioning system in CO when we used them to replace our two heaters and two A/C units. Great install by local contractors. Backed by good warranties.

bagboy
03-25-2025, 08:26 AM
We live in the Brownwood area, Village of Pinellas. Out of eleven homes on our cul-de-sac, six have replaced their heat pumps in the past year. Our homes are eleven years old. Coming from Vermont, our furnace lasted 30 years and was still going strong! Like everything else here, refrigerators, microwaves, roofs, nothing lasts!
We used Sunshine for the ‘better’ unit, newer Freon and variable two stage motor. We paid $11,780. Outrageous, I know. There is a $2000 tax rebate available. We’ll be lucky to get that!

Sunshine can tell you right away if your new unit qualifies for the rebate. I'm guessing it does. Luck has nothing to do with, it depends on your tax status. You'll have serial numbers for your Air handler and compressor that you include on your tax filing (If purchased in 2024) . We just did this on a unit we purchased in December.
If you replaced your unit in 2025, file for the rebate next year.

ithos
03-25-2025, 08:54 AM
There are two coils, an outdoor coil (condenser coil) and an indoor coil (evaporator coil). If a coil leaks, it is usually at a welded connection point, due to corrosion. Personally, I think both Trane and Carrier units are equally reliable. In The Villages, I would opt for Carrier because they are the more commonly installed brand.

That was pretty stupid of me.

I know evap coils rust and can leak especially the ones that are installed by the builder. But they usually last at least 10 years.

Spartan86
03-25-2025, 09:18 AM
We used M & S Air condition and installed Mitsubishi whole house system. Best system we ever had. Keeps the house cool in the summer, warm in the winter with NO Heat Strips. Used it now for 4 years and no problems. Another feature is we never hear the air handler. The system is quiet and comes with a 12 year warranty.

I have heard of people doing this. Curious how many interior units do you have? Ceiling units or wall units or both? I am of course, assuming you’re talking about a multiple mini split type system as opposed to a Mitsubishi system that used your existing ductwork?

My BIL has a new build townhome in Seattle that is all Mitsubishi - 4 interior units, one large external.

Thanks

HORNET
03-25-2025, 07:11 PM
Broward

retiredguy123
03-25-2025, 08:09 PM
Living in Brownwood your system is not old. I’m curious to know if you had the 6-month service maintenance checkup all the time you had it? Munn’s comes every 6 months to service ours. I’m guessing this should extend its life. We have a Carrier.
Has Munn's replaced your capacitor? Have they run a test of the electronic float switch to make sure the evaporator drain pan will not cause the system to flood if the pan overflows? Have they told you if your thermostat has batteries that need to be replaced periodoically to prevent a system shut down when the batteries go dead? These are just some common reasons that cause HVAC systems to fail, but things that are usually not included in regular HVAC checkups. If you are paying Munn's to maintain your system, I would suggest that you ask Munn's about these items, and other items that could cause your system to fail.

Remembergoldenrule
03-26-2025, 06:17 AM
We had to unexpectedly buy a new unit in heat of summer. The unit was only 10 years old. The previous owner didn’t believe in routine maintenance and only poured cleaner down drain and changed the filter. There is more to maintenance like checking fluid levels. Anyways we got three quotes and with two stage unit by Rheme installed with SunKool. In hindsight we would also get quote from Costco and if better price sign up for routine maintenance with SunKool or Munns.

RogeRams
03-26-2025, 07:23 AM
Chuck Farrell’s heating and air conditioning One of the Besr

Ptmcbriz
03-26-2025, 07:59 AM
I have never paid a company to perform any maintenance on an HVAC system because I don't think there is anything a technician can do that will extend the life of the system. I change the filter and make sure the condensate drain is draining. Why would you pay an HVAC company $75 to $100 every 6 months to do a checkup on a system that has a 10 year warranty?

Because every house I’ve ever had I’ve always had the maintenance service and my last house it lasted over 25 years. They don’t just change a filter and make sure your drain is clear. They run diagnostics and tell if something isn’t running right and fix it before it gets to a breaking point. They completely remove the casing over the unit and do other things. Obviously money well spent considering my HVAC track records.

ithos
03-26-2025, 08:06 AM
Since a failed capacitor is a common cause for HVAC shutdown and can potentially damage the comressor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them every 5 years or so since they are relatively cheap.

For a few extra dollars, why not buy the best? USA Made capacitors.
Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors (https://amradmanufacturing.com/products/motor-run-capacitors/)

retiredguy123
03-26-2025, 10:40 AM
Since a failed capacitor is a common cause for HVAC shutdown and can potentially damage the comressor, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them every 5 years or so since they are relatively cheap.

For a few extra dollars, why not buy the best? USA Made capacitors.
Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors (https://amradmanufacturing.com/products/motor-run-capacitors/)
I agree. Many people are paying an HVAC company $75 to $100 every 6 months to maintain their HVAC system, so the maintenance company should be installing a new capacitor at least every 3 years or so, which would only cost the company about $20. But I have never seen a maintenance schedule that indicates that this is ever done as a preventative measure.

laryb
03-26-2025, 11:24 AM
I have heard of people doing this. Curious how many interior units do you have? Ceiling units or wall units or both? I am of course, assuming you’re talking about a multiple mini split type system as opposed to a Mitsubishi system that used your existing ductwork?

My BIL has a new build townhome in Seattle that is all Mitsubishi - 4 interior units, one large external.

Thanks
Can only speak for my AC, but my Mitsubishi AC is the whole house unit that uses the existing ductwork. We find it quieter than our original Carrier.

kkingston57
03-26-2025, 02:53 PM
Don't use Trane! I'm on my third service call in 4 years. Stopped cooling. Blown starting capacitor. $194 Stopped cooling. Compressor won't run. Out of Freon. $125 Leaking Cooling coil. $1000 Replace Cooling Coil. I have more than 1 Carrier HVAC system, just not here. 20 and 24 years old and NOT 1 Issue. Never touched after install. Trane=Junk.

And that Trane probably cost you 25% more

lpkruege1
03-26-2025, 06:27 PM
I am an owner in the Brownwood area - CARRIER PERFORM FJ5 2T R454 - FULL AC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT - Can anyone share with me who they have used and who they would recommend, and if you are willing to PM me and tell me how much you paid?

Nothing Runs like a Trane. Unless it's dead. Then it runs like a Trane.
Enough Said.

JohnN
03-26-2025, 06:30 PM
Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

retiredguy123
03-26-2025, 06:32 PM
Can only speak for my AC, but my Mitsubishi AC is the whole house unit that uses the existing ductwork. We find it quieter than our original Carrier.
You must have fantastic hearing. I have an original Carrier system installed by the builder, and I cannot hear it at all.

biker1
03-26-2025, 06:40 PM
Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

ithos
03-26-2025, 07:42 PM
Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

They are sold on Amazon. The most expensive one is 65$.
Sorry! Something went wrong! (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=goodman+capacitor)

JohnN
03-27-2025, 11:49 AM
Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

I'm like a doctor - see one, do one.
I don't quite trust myself to take it on.
We had the guy out there for the servide call already.
Good tip, though. thanks.

retiredguy123
03-27-2025, 12:12 PM
I'm like a doctor - see one, do one.
I don't quite trust myself to take it on.
We had the guy out there for the servide call already.
Good tip, though. thanks.
Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

Road-Runner
03-28-2025, 09:49 AM
Just replaced a capacitor. A direct replacement was $225. A USA made capacitor that the rep said should likely not ever give out was $340. We opted for the USA made, standard capacitors seem to go out often.

Can I ask who replaced your standard capacitors? It sounds like they replaced more than one? Just want to have this info if/when my company wants to replace ours.

Thanks for sharing

ithos
03-28-2025, 10:52 AM
Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

This video might help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8nDBZo6XyE

JMintzer
03-28-2025, 04:42 PM
Start capacitors can be bought for about $15-20 on-line. It is trivial to replace them yourself; about 10 minutes. You should short across the 3 terminals with a screw driver. Most of the time is spent removing the cover plate. Pull the quick disconnect ;-) I replace mine every 3 years.

If yoiu've never replaced one, it can be a bit daunting.

Ours crapped out on a Friday afternoon last July.

Sunshine Air Conditioning was able to hava a tech at my house within a few hours. He showed me how to replace the Capacitor, and told me which one to but to have on hand if it happens agasin/

I figured I paid for the repair AND for the lesson on how to fix it the next time it happens...

Topspinmo
03-28-2025, 04:56 PM
And that Trane probably cost you 25% more



Funny I looked at my 22 year old trane and my new carrier, seems to have all same common parts. Older Trane compositors are around 20 bucks. Mine lasted as long as I was in house 10 years, the air handler coil finely spring small leak. I could have just kept charging it up every few months, but that wasn’t cost effective due to price of older Freon. If some having all that trouble I say it was the installers or repair gouging?

JohnN
03-28-2025, 06:50 PM
Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

Exactly right. I have many talents, but that's not in my wheelhouse.

biker1
03-28-2025, 08:32 PM
It is not rocket surgery. Pull the quick disconnect. Pull off the panel. Short across the 3 terminals. Replace it. Put back the quick disconnect. Have a beer. There are Youtube videos to show you the way.

Exactly right. I have many talents, but that's not in my wheelhouse.

MarshBendLover
03-29-2025, 08:24 AM
It is not rocket surgery. Pull the quick disconnect. Pull off the panel. Short across the 3 terminals. Replace it. Put back the quick disconnect. Have a beer. There are Youtube videos to show you the way.

Make sure that beer at the end was not the last one in the case you had just started earlier in the day, or the easy job really did become rocket science or brain surgery..........ZAP! "Honey, all the power in the house just went out.....honey? honey? Why are you sleeping next to the ac unit......

biker1
03-29-2025, 10:09 AM
One of the easiest DIY things around your home - even a caveman could do it. However, if you prefer to pay someone 20-30x the cost of the part then ....

Make sure that beer at the end was not the last one in the case you had just started earlier in the day, or the easy job really did become rocket science or brain surgery..........ZAP! "Honey, all the power in the house just went out.....honey? honey? Why are you sleeping next to the ac unit......

ithos
03-30-2025, 10:35 AM
New Refrigerant Standards Will Upset the HVAC Market
https://atcservice.com/new-refrigerant-standards-will-upset-the-hvac-market/#:~:text=With%20R410A%20equipment%2C%20we%20are,ch ange%20out%20the%20refrigerant%20tubing.

Time is running out if you want to replace a system with 410A. If you change refrigerants you will most likely have to replace the lineset which may require ripping down drywall.

I am hoping that in a few years, less radical options will become available. I doubt it though because there is much more profit sticking with the status quo. But if they make it too expensive then a mini split system may be the better choice.

If you do choose a conventional evaporator coil, I recommend that it have a rust inhibitor coating applied to it before installation. Also if possible, choose one that has both tube sheets accessible to increase the likelihood that a leak can be repaired.

JohnN
03-30-2025, 12:34 PM
Correct. It is easy if you know how. If you don't, let the HVAC technician do it. You could get electrocuted.

Ouch. I'm going to have my wife change it out!! :clap2:

laryb
03-30-2025, 01:45 PM
You must have fantastic hearing. I have an original Carrier system installed by the builder, and I cannot hear it at all.
No, I don't have fantastic hearing. Just might be that my air handler inlet is in the hallway, and the air handler itself is inside the house, not in the garage. I don't have any reason exaggerate.

idlewild
04-30-2025, 06:31 PM
For the new homes with Carriers, what capacitor would you recommend? Definitely getting a Made in USA one, but I need to know the dual capacitance MFD too, right? 70/5?

ithos
04-30-2025, 06:37 PM
For the new homes with Carriers, what capacitor would you recommend? Definitely getting a Made in USA one, but I need to know the dual capacitance MFD too, right? 70/5?
This video will explain everything:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8nDBZo6XyE

It will be the same type as the one that will be replaced. There shold be information on the existing capacitor.

Motor-Run Capacitors – The Leading Manufacturer of Motor-Run Capacitors (https://amradmanufacturing.com/products/motor-run-capacitors/)
On Amazon.

kevinm55
05-19-2025, 09:57 AM
All - I am in the process of researching a potential HVAC replacement and would welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding any recent experiences. This would be in a 2BR/2BA that has the original Trane XR80 Air Handler. Any real world quote or pricing information would also be very, very appreciated!! Thank you!

retiredguy123
05-19-2025, 10:06 AM
All - I am in the process of researching a potential HVAC replacement and would welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding any recent experiences. This would be in a 2BR/2BA that has the original Trane XR80 Air Handler. Any real world quote or pricing information would also be very, very appreciated!! Thank you!
I would buy a single speed Carrier system from Munn's. They are the best at servicing the 5-year labor and 10-year parts warranty. You mat get a lower price from another company and/or manufacturer, but they may not be as prompt when you need a warranty repair.

ithos
05-19-2025, 11:03 AM
All - I am in the process of researching a potential HVAC replacement and would welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding any recent experiences. This would be in a 2BR/2BA that has the original Trane XR80 Air Handler. Any real world quote or pricing information would also be very, very appreciated!! Thank you!

What is the reason you want to replace it?

ithos
05-19-2025, 11:13 AM
All - I am in the process of researching a potential HVAC replacement and would welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding any recent experiences. This would be in a 2BR/2BA that has the original Trane XR80 Air Handler. Any real world quote or pricing information would also be very, very appreciated!! Thank you!

Systems using R410A are no longer being manufactured. You may have trouble finding AHUs and condenensers to replace your system. If you can't then it may be very expensive since the linesets may have to be replaced as well.

If you provide more details, there may be a less expensive option.

kevinm55
05-19-2025, 01:49 PM
What is the reason you want to replace it?

It is 21 years old and I am interested in purchasing equipment that still uses the 410A refrigerant. I have heard that the newer type may be problematic/expensive to source.

ithos
05-19-2025, 02:12 PM
It is 21 years old and I am interested in purchasing equipment that still uses the 410A refrigerant. I have heard that the newer type may be problematic/expensive to source.

I would avoid the new refrigerant if at all possible. I would start calling around to see if any company can procure a 410A system and install it. You might not have alot of options.

I have considered replacing my compressor since there are many identical
models available on eBay.It would be cheaper than replacing the whole condenser. Finding an evaporator may be more of a challenge.

Purchasing the compressor and evaporator from different vendors would not be easy since there are a number of parameters that have to be compatible.

Others may have better suggestions.

Lottoguy
05-19-2025, 07:42 PM
Give Chuck Farrel a call. He’s reasonable and will give you a good price.

Topspinmo
05-19-2025, 09:48 PM
It is 21 years old and I am interested in purchasing equipment that still uses the 410A refrigerant. I have heard that the newer type may be problematic/expensive to source.

I have similar size house, has mine replaced almost two years ago with simple carrier unit installed by Mumms. They replaced everything except ducting. Cost was around 8500. Rebuilt handler platform. My old trane was working fine but sprung small from leak which he to be serviced every 5 months or so and getting worse. Was cost effective spending 400 bucks every 4nor 5 months.

kevinm55
05-27-2025, 07:42 AM
Thanks all for your helpful responses. I have been in touch with Chuck Farrell and think I am leaning towards a Champion unit made by Johnson Controls. Appreciate the feedback - STAY COOL this summer!!

retiredguy123
05-27-2025, 08:07 AM
Thanks all for your helpful responses. I have been in touch with Chuck Farrell and think I am leaning towards a Champion unit made by Johnson Controls. Appreciate the feedback - STAY COOL this summer!!
I am curious. Have you received a quote from Munn's for a comparable Carrier system? I would consider both systems and contractors as being high quality. But, because both systems come with a 10-year warranty, I would be more interested in the reliability of the warranty service and availability of parts. Because Carrier is a much more common system in The Villages and Munn's is one of the largest Carrier dealers, I would want to use them unless the cost is way higher than the smaller company and less recognized system brand. I would even be willing to pay somewhat more for the Carrier system, if necessary. Just my opinion.