A/C Heating units in TV

[dewilson58]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

[Ecuadog]

13 years.

[Bill14564]

Currently at 11 years and still counting.

[tophcfa]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

Ours didn’t die, but we replaced our 18+ year old unit last December (we knew we would be needing a new unit relatively soon anyways and wanted to get a replacement before the new coolant regulations and associated higher prices kicked in starting in 2025). Chuck Farrell installed a Champion A/C system with an ecobee smart thermostat. The new unit is absolutely great, it is very quiet and cools off the house almost instantly. It’s not a variable speed, but I’m still noticing less electricity usage. I’m not as happy with the thermostat, there is a steep learning curve with no user manual included. I like being able to monitor and control the thermostat remotely, but all the settings are difficult to adjust without a manual and the dam smart feature keeps overriding my settings. I finally figured out how to turn off all the dam smart features this morning, so now I’m back in control.

[jrref]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

Are you talking about a gas furnace and air conditioning system or a heat pump system?

Generally, heat pump systems that were installed by the builder last anywhere from 8-12 years and maybe 15 years. Remember, the builder put in the cheapest system available at the time. Newer systems should last longer. I know there will be Villagers saying their system is 30 years old and still going strong but what they don't realize is their system isn't efficient any more and are wasting money each month.

About price. When asked everyone comes up with X company for Y price and said it is the best. Remember, there are different levels of heat pump and furnace/AC systems. The typical single stage system will be the cheapest and the variable speed will be the most expensive. The variable speed will qualify for Federal Tax credits so the difference between the single stage and variable might not be too far apart. So, when comparing prices always compare what you are getting because I'll bet, in general, given the same exact equipment, most reliable companies will charge roughly the same for the system. As far as the new freon refrigerant, yes it will be a little more expensive initially but so will the older freon refrigerant at some point as it's phased out and harder to get. In fact, there will come a time where it will be a lot more expensive but fear not because unless your system has a leak, you should never need to add refrigerant. The newer systems are costing more because they are more efficient with the newer technology. But many here in the Villages don't know about or care about this stuff and only focus on cost so remember you get what you pay for. If you think your lifespan is only a couple years more then get the cheapest system you can find. If you think you still have some years left then get a better variable speed unit and be more comfortable for the remaining years here in the Villages. A good HVAC system is a huge plus if and when you ever sell your home. Just want to mention all those mini-split systems that everyone is installing are variable speed inverter systems with the same "fancy" parts that these newer variable speed heatpumps use.

[JohnN]

13+ years, Kalos says it's in very good shape "for it's age" and seems to work just great.
We're going to try for 15 and then start thinking about it.

[Packer Fan]

2 houses - 15 years and 11 years old. Chuck Farrel has serviced it every single year and the guy just told me the 15 year old system is in excellent shape, should go past 20, but you never know. This baloney about everything being the cheapest one put in by the builder is just that, Baloney. I asked him about the units in my homes (one is a rental), and he said they are good solid units.

[jrref]

2 houses - 15 years and 11 years old. Chuck Farrel has serviced it every single year and the guy just told me the 15 year old system is in excellent shape, should go past 20, but you never know. This baloney about everything being the cheapest one put in by the builder is just that, Baloney. I asked him about the units in my homes (one is a rental), and he said they are good solid units.

That's exactly what I mean. The builder did put in the most basic system available at the time. Luckily 15 SEER was the norm circa 2015-2016 so yes they are solid units. But they could have installed 2 stage units which would have been a lot more efficient, cheaper to run, and more appropriate to install in our hot Florida climate but were more expensive to install. Fortunately, if you purchase a new home from the builder you can get the basic single stage, multi stage ( I think its a 2 or 5 stage unit) or a variable speed unit. Just different cost to run each system. We are kind of lucky that electric here in Florida is relatively cheap or HVAC efficiency would be more of a concern. But how long will our electric stay relatively cheap?

[asianthree]

Replaced 8yo in a preowned. Stopped working and Chuck revived it twice, then 2 months later it died again.

New build at 10 months 4 days, blew a hole in compressor, need to be replaced under warranty.

[jrref]

Replaced 8yo in a preowned. Stopped working and Chuck revived it twice, then 2 months later it died again.

It all depends on how much it was used, if it was in a sunny or shade location, how many power surges it got and just luck. Most people don't realize an HVAC unit installed in a sunny location in a hot climate will have a shorter life span because the heat shortens the life span of the parts.

[Snakster66]

Bought our house in September and it has original unit, and still pumping (2005). I'm crossing fingers to squeeze out this summer and look to replace in "fall/winter". I believe the SEER on this unit is 12; far below current standards. And I think it is borderline too small. The last room in line (also my office) does not cool or heat well (depending on time of year); typically 4-5 degrees difference from everywhere else in the house. Time to lay this puppy to rest.

[asianthree]

It all depends on how much it was used, if it was in a sunny or shade location, how many power surges it got and just luck. Most people don't realize an HVAC unit installed in a sunny location in a hot climate will have a shorter life span because the heat shortens the life span of the parts.

Nope when original unit was installed, it was done improperly. Had no idea the previous owner had issues from the day of closing, with 47 service calls in 4 years. We found the file in the bottom of a cabinet drawer, 4 months after closing. Owner neglected to give that info.

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I would replace my system with a single stage compressor system. The extra cost for a variable speed system is not worth the initial higher cost (50 to 70 percent more), or the life cycle cost to operate it. It will be more difficult and more expensive to repair, because they are more complex, and there are fewer technicians who can repair them. If only larger companies can repair them, they can charge more because they have less competition. Also, when it comes to resale, I seriously doubt that a buyer will pay more for the house. I certainly would not. But the bottom line is that a variable speed system will not heat or cool your house any better, especially in Florida where most houses are single story, one zone HVAC, and it is consistently very hot every day in the summer. So, most of the time, you want the AC to be running at full speed. My opinion.

[Old Traveller]

18 years. It was still working, but I knew I was on borrowed time. Capacitors appear to malfunction every 5 years. Simple fix, but 3 days in a hot house in July is miserable. Our mini split in the lanai can cool half of the entire house while we wait for service. New A/C is much quieter and more fuel efficient. We can operate the thermostat remotely, or just keep an eye on it while out of town. The new filter is really efficient.

[blueash]

Original unit built in 2005. Never had routine maintenance. Once service call ever, after a lightning strike.

[Happydaz]

The variable units do not have capacitors. You won’t be replacing these all the time.
On another note, My father said he would never get a car with an AC as his method of opening the front vents and the rear windows worked just fine. He also said he would never buy a color TV. He ended buying both. I remember when you weren’t supposed to get a car with power windows as they always stopped working. Now all cars have them. It looks to me that variable speed heat pumps will eventually replace the single speed units. People resist and people protest but in the end they all adopt the new technology.

[dewilson58]

bought our house in september and it has original unit, and still pumping (2005). I'm crossing fingers to squeeze out this summer and look to replace in "fall/winter". I believe the seer on this unit is 12; far below current standards. And i think it is borderline too small. The last room in line (also my office) does not cool or heat well (depending on time of year); typically 4-5 degrees difference from everywhere else in the house. Time to lay this puppy to rest.

r.i.p.

[jrref]

The variable units do not have capacitors. You won’t be replacing these all the time.
On another note, My father said he would never get a car with an AC as his method of opening the front vents and the rear windows worked just fine. He also said he would never buy a color TV. He ended buying both. I remember when you weren’t supposed to get a car with power windows as they always stopped working. Now all cars have them. It looks to me that variable speed heat pumps will eventually replace the single speed units. People resist and people protest but in the end they all adopt the new technology.

Right, I just signed up for a Carrier Infinity system, 22 SEER. With all the instant rebates from Carrier and Sunshine plus the $2,000 Federal Tax credit the price was reduced by $4,500 and the total cost included 10 year full parts and labor. The included labor is important since this system is more complex to get you the efficiency and everything is covered so nothing to worry about. If the compressor goes bad in the 10 year period Carrier gives you a new outdoor condensor unit vs repairing it. They also include the surge protector for the system which is critical in preventing all the failures these systems had in the past. The same was true for the mini splits that everyone is installing. All in writing. With all the discounts the cost of the variable speed unit was very close to the single and 2 stage system where it didn't make sense to go with any of those. Also, checked, and no parts issues anymore with the new variable speed units. Parts are in stock just like with the older systems. And you are right because its a variable speed inverter system no start capacitor to fail every 5 years or so. To get this kind of deal you will have to probably go with a larger HVAC company since the smaller companies may not have the capability to service these variable speed units yet.

[dewilson58]

Right, I just signed up for a Carrier Infinity system, 22 SEER.

Tons??

Net cost??

[jrref]

Tons??

Net cost??
4 tons, 22 SEER top of the line Carrier Infinity system, $13.5K all in. As a comparison, back in 2015 in NY I paid a little under $10K for a 95% efficient gas furnace and 15 SEER single stage AC unit. I think it was 3 tons.

[barbara828]

original is 18 yrs. old.

[JMintzer]

I replaced the capacitor a year ago and had to have the blower motor replaced, earlier this year.

The tech said the rest of the unit looks fine...

The house was built in 2017...

[Nana2Teddy]

Ours didn’t die, but we replaced our 18+ year old unit last December (we knew we would be needing a new unit relatively soon anyways and wanted to get a replacement before the new coolant regulations and associated higher prices kicked in starting in 2025). Chuck Farrell installed a Champion A/C system with an ecobee smart thermostat. The new unit is absolutely great, it is very quiet and cools off the house almost instantly. It’s not a variable speed, but I’m still noticing less electricity usage. I’m not as happy with the thermostat, there is a steep learning curve with no user manual included. I like being able to monitor and control the thermostat remotely, but all the settings are difficult to adjust without a manual and the dam smart feature keeps overriding my settings. I finally figured out how to turn off all the dam smart features this morning, so now I’m back in control.
I love the ecobee thermostat, and the app works great remotely on my iPhone. For help learning about the ecobee watch YouTube videos.

[Nana2Teddy]

Who is Chuck Farrell? Have heard of many HVAC companies in TV, but have never heard of Chuck Farrell. We’re looking for a new HVAC guy, so would he be a good choice?

[Switter]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

I had a carrier. The gas furnace lasted 21 years. I replaced both units but the AC was still working. I like the new carrier unit but can't stand that it has a proprietary filter. It doesn't fit standard 16 x 25 air filters. I have to order them off of Amazon or an authorized carrier dealer.

[Bill14564]

I replaced the capacitor a year ago and had to have the blower motor replaced, earlier this year.

The tech said the rest of the unit looks fine...

The house was built in 2017...

We are about two years ahead of you on both those repairs. Ours was built in 2014.

[JTW]

I have been trying to contact Chuck Farrell’s Air Conditioning for 3 weeks now and have left numerous voicemails with no response. Are they still in business or has their contact info changed? I’ve used them for 15 years and this has never happened!

[lpkruege1]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

My Trane AC unit has cost me close to $1500 in repairs after 4 years of operation.
The DeSantis tech told me my 4 year old copper lines were rusting and needed to be replaced. He could route them through the attic for $400. Scam or lie? The issue the evaporator coil failed, the starter capacitor failed. DeSantis was $300 more expensive to replace the evaporator coil then Air FX would have charged. Buy a Carrier and use Air FX.

[lpkruege1]

Who is Chuck Farrell? Have heard of many HVAC companies in TV, but have never heard of Chuck Farrell. We’re looking for a new HVAC guy, so would he be a good choice?

I had a really great experience with Air FX out of Inverness, FL,
They were less expensive for the same quoted work as DeSantis. By $300.

[John Sarubbi]

Our died after 12 years and SunKool replaced it and did a great job.

[Peazoup]

13 years

[Topspinmo]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

22 years air handler coil had small Freon leak, gas heat side worked just fine.

[biker1]

My original Carrier system is still fine after 11+ years. One of my neighbors just replaced their original Carrier system with a Rheem system with a two-speed compressor for about $9500 including new lineset and 10 year parts and labor warranty. Three tons, I believe. They used Sunkool or Sunshine ??

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

[H-ned]

2 houses - 13 years and 12 years old. Munn’s has annually serviced both Carrier units for many years. I remain hopeful they last a few years longer and don’t die at the same time, but you never know. I recently asked about the units in my homes (one is a rental), and Munn’s said they are good solid units.

[Villagesgal]

Ours lasted 18 years before it died. Maintained regularly. Love the new unit, more seers, bill dropped by 40 per month in the summer.

[jrref]

My original Carrier system is still fine after 11+ years. One of my neighbors just replaced their original Carrier system with a Rheem system with a two-speed compressor for about $9500 including new lineset and 10 year parts and labor warranty. Three tons, I believe. They used Sunkool or Sunshine ??

Be aware there are different tiers of HVAC companies. There is Premier, Mid-tier and builder grade. Premier is the best quality and the most expensive and Mid-tier in-between and builder grade the cheapest and worst quality. All will work well but the Premier systems statistically will last the longest with the least amount of problems. So, there will be differences in cost depending on the brand you choose and you usually get what you pay for.

Your post implies a good cheaper price for the Rheem compared to the Carrier system but Rheem is a Mid-tier vs Carrier a Premier system so, I'm not surprised it was cheaper.

Lots of people use Goodman as well looking to save money but then have to replace it sooner so be aware of what you are buying and not just the cost.

Again, Its not to say that Rheem or Goodman are not good systems. They will work well but will probably not have the same service life as the better brands.

[tophcfa]

Who is Chuck Farrell? Have heard of many HVAC companies in TV, but have never heard of Chuck Farrell. We’re looking for a new HVAC guy, so would he be a good choice?

Great honestly run company that we were luck to hire many years ago. They don’t want to get too big and are no longer taking new customers.

[joshgun]

My condenser went at 7 years. Part under warranty but labor was $3,000. Sun Kool

[Holpat39]

Bought my home in 2003. Still have the original A/C. 22 years old and just now having to have repairs more often. Still working perfectly but will replace this year due to age and resale factors.

[ithos]

The biggest cause of failure in hvac systems is a bad compressor. For some reason the contractors always talk the customer into buying a whole new system. On my block people have been spending 9 to 12k.

If it is a compressure failure than no need to replace the whole condenser. Just replace the compressor. With parts and labor it shouldn't cost more than $2500. Everything else on the condenser unit is relatively cheap to fix and is an easy DIY repair. There are many YouTube videos that explain how.

But to extend the life of compressor for many more years, add a soft start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs

[johnsre]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

I replaced my Trane unit this spring. It was 20 years old. It didn't die, I just felt it didn't seem as efficient as it should be during this winter. It's only been two months and going from winter to summer, so can't speak to bills yet.

[birdawg]

12 years had Sun Kool change it 3.5 ton new model 10 year parts and labor 9254 $

[biker1]

I'm not implying anything. Just trying to answer the OP's question with a point on the curve.

Regarding brand quality, here is a summary of my last 4 houses:

Current house in The Villages: Carrier system, 11+ years old. Condenser fan blade was unbalanced and was replaced under warranty, otherwise OK.

Previous home: Carrier Infinity (2 speed Bristol compressor) with 4 zones. In 10 years there were 3 compress failures, an evaporator coil leak, a condenser coil leak, 3 defrost board failures, and the user interface failed. All covered under warranty.

Previous to that home: 2 Rheem systems. No issues in the 10 years we had the house.

Previous to that home: Carrier system, evaporator coil leak after 4 years.

Quality is a crap shoot.

Be aware there are different tiers of HVAC companies. There is Premier, Mid-tier and builder grade. Premier is the best quality and the most expensive and Mid-tier in-between and builder grade the cheapest and worst quality. All will work well but the Premier systems statistically will last the longest with the least amount of problems. So, there will be differences in cost depending on the brand you choose and you usually get what you pay for.

Your post implies a good cheaper price for the Rheem compared to the Carrier system but Rheem is a Mid-tier vs Carrier a Premier system so, I'm not surprised it was cheaper.

Lots of people use Goodman as well looking to save money but then have to replace it sooner so be aware of what you are buying and not just the cost.

Again, Its not to say that Rheem or Goodman are not good systems. They will work well but will probably not have the same service life as the better brands.

[retiredguy123]

The biggest cause of failure in hvac systems is a bad compressor. For some reason the contractors always talk the customer into buying a whole new system. On my block people have been spending 9 to 12k.

If it is a compressure failure than no need to replace the whole condenser. Just replace the compressor. With parts and labor it shouldn't cost more than $2500. Everything else on the condenser unit is relatively cheap to fix and is an easy DIY repair. There are many YouTube videos that explain how.

But to extend the life of compressor for many more years, add a soft start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs
If the system is more than 10 years old, I would replace the entire system, including the inside air handler. If you just replace the compressor, you will still need to replace and recharge the refrigerant. It is a huge job. You will get a warranty on the compressor but it will not be as long or as comprehensive an entire system warranty. And many compressor failures are caused by something other than a defective compressor, so you may have a problem enforcing the compressor warranty. For example, suppose the evaporator coil leaks and causes the compressor to fail? I would hate to pay $2,500 or more for a new compressor and have it fail within a few months with no enforceable warranty.

[jrref]

I'm not implying anything. Just trying to answer the OP's question with a point on the curve.

Regarding brand quality, here is a summary of my last 4 houses:

Current house in The Villages: Carrier system, 11+ years old. Evaporator fan blade was unbalanced and was replaced under warranty, otherwise OK.

Previous home: Carrier Infinity (2 speed Bristol compressor) with 4 zones. In 10 years there were 3 compress failures, an evaporator coil leak, a condenser coil leak, 3 defrost board failures, and the user interface failed. All covered under warranty.

Previous to that home: 2 Rheem systems. No issues in the 10 years we had the house.

Previous to that home: Carrier system, evaporator coil leak after 4 years.

Quality is a crap shoot.

There are always exceptions. I had a neighbor in NY, got a Goodman to save money. Five years later, compessor failure. Had another neighbor has Rheem/Rhudd system. Worked fairly well just very noisy. Couldn't get that resolved, just needed to live with it. In my townhome development we had American Standard very few failures all the way to 15 years. Here in the Villages most Carrier single stage units are working 10+ years with little to no failures and that's a lot of systems. There are so many variables that can affect how long your system lasts but the point was the premium tier brands, generally should last the longest and be the most trouble free compared to the cheaper lower tier brands since the tend to use cheaper components that aren't designed to last as long and that's why there are less expensive.

When the Carrier Infinity systems first came out, like yours, they did have a lot of issues, but over time the system has changed dramatically for the better and there are much less issues. It's a fairly robust system now.

[bobmarc]

Had a Trane from original home here....many problems and finally went after 14 years. Replaced it with a Goodman and have found my electric bills are way down.

[LucyP]

I replaced at 15 years old. It didn’t die but bill was going up. I used John’s AC out of Ocala. Please get 3 or 4 quotes.
Type of units different in your $$$ purchase.I purchase middle. A sister to a main brand.

[cahvillage]

My A/C lasted 20 years. All the other A/C companies were telling people that their A/C needed to be replaced. Anyone in my neighborhood who had Chucki Farrell's A/C Company were able to keep their A/C's for nearly 20 years. That tells me something about honesty.



SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??[/QUOTE]

[cahvillage]

Around 10 years, there were a lot of people that were told that they needed a new A/C. Depending who you hire to maintain your A/C will depend on how long you have it. None of Chuck Farrells customers didn't need to change their A/C's at 10 or 12 years.

[biker1]

Too general of a statement. It isn't clear that a builder grade Carrier system will be more reliable than the high-end system from another brand. BTW, the Carrier Infinity failures were never really an issue. They were all covered under warranty and parts were always available the next day. With their zoning system, the temperatures across the house were always even. The 2 piston Bristol compressor was eventually replaced with a Copeland scroll and I suspect that was an improvement although the 66% or 100% compressor speed was not as ideal as the 50% or 100% speed of the Bristol.

There are always exceptions. I had a neighbor in NY, got a Goodman to save money. Five years later, compessor failure. Had another neighbor has Rheem/Rhudd system. Worked fairly well just very noisy. Couldn't get that resolved, just needed to live with it. In my townhome development we had American Standard very few failures all the way to 15 years. Here in the Villages most Carrier single stage units are working 10+ years with little to no failures and that's a lot of systems. There are so many variables that can affect how long your system lasts but the point was the premium tier brands, generally should last the longest and be the most trouble free compared to the cheaper lower tier brands since the tend to use cheaper components that aren't designed to last as long and that's why there are less expensive.

When the Carrier Infinity systems first came out, like yours, they did have a lot of issues, but over time the system has changed dramatically for the better and there are much less issues. It's a fairly robust system now.

[Keninches]

Ours was 22 years old, the original. Just decided to replace it. Munns serviced ours,so went with a Carrier. Works great cools Fast.

[jrref]

Too general of a statement. It isn't clear that a builder grade Carrier system will be more reliable than the high-end system from another brand. BTW, the Carrier Infinity failures were never really an issue. They were all covered under warranty and parts were always available the next day. With their zoning system, the temperatures across the house were always even. The 2 piston Bristol compressor was eventually replaced with a Copeland scroll and I suspect that was an improvement although the 66% or 100% compressor speed was not as ideal as the 50% or 100% speed of the Bristol.

What I was pointing out there are different levels or tiers of equipment that you can buy which are at different cost points and because how they are made may have different lifespans than equipment in other tiers. I don't believe many know this and when a HVAC person suggests a cheaper alternative, the customer needs to understand what they are buying and why it is cheaper. The comment on how well the builder grade Carrier systems have lasted here in the Villages is a testiment to Carrier's design and build quality.

[biker1]

You missed the point. I would take a high-end version of a brand you look down on over a builder grade Carrier. All brands have many different price points. I doubt there is much difference between brands at the same price point. The quality of the installation is probably more important than the brand. I can't speak for all houses in The Villages but the Carrier system installed in my house was actually not the builder grade system.

What I was pointing out there are different levels or tiers of equipment that you can buy which are at different cost points and because how they are made may have different lifespans than equipment in other tiers. I don't believe many know this and when a HVAC person suggests a cheaper alternative, the customer needs to understand what they are buying and why it is cheaper. The comment on how well the builder grade Carrier systems have lasted here in the Villages is a testiment to Carrier's design and build quality.

[Nana2Teddy]

Great honestly run company that we were luck to hire many years ago. They don’t want to get too big and are no longer taking new customers.
Okay, thank you.

[natjos]

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

Ours was 25 years old. However they don't make them like that any more.

[44Apple]

Replaced a 12 year old unit with a new a/c unit in 2016. It developed a coil leak last fall and that part of the total unit had to be replaced. Had to pay for labor but not the coil unit.

[New Englander]

While visiting a friend, he told me they just had a new A/C system installed. I asked to take a look at it, expecting to see a new Carrier A/C. I was shocked to see a Mitsubishi. It looks similar to the mini-splits people have to cool their lanais, but much larger. I don't know anything about them. Are they considered good?

[ithos]

Always ensure new evaporators have corrosion protection before installation.

Many manufacturers offer pre-coated coils or optional protective coatings. Common types include:
Epoxy coatings: Thin, durable layer that resists moisture and chemicals.
Polyurethane coatings: Excellent for marine or coastal environments with salt exposure.
Phenolic coatings: Provide good protection against acid and salt corrosion.
Electro-fin or Heresite coatings: High-performance coatings for harsh environments.

Or have the installer apply protection.

Common Types of Corrosion to Watch For
Formicary Corrosion: Tiny pinholes in copper caused by organic acids; not visible to the naked eye.
Galvanic Corrosion: Happens when dissimilar metals contact each other in the presence of moisture.
Pitting Corrosion: Localized, intense corrosion forming pits or holes, often due to chemical exposure.

[ithos]

If the system is more than 10 years old, I would replace the entire system, including the inside air handler. If you just replace the compressor, you will still need to replace and recharge the refrigerant. It is a huge job. You will get a warranty on the compressor but it will not be as long or as comprehensive an entire system warranty. And many compressor failures are caused by something other than a defective compressor, so you may have a problem enforcing the compressor warranty. For example, suppose the evaporator coil leaks and causes the compressor to fail? I would hate to pay $2,500 or more for a new compressor and have it fail within a few months with no enforceable warranty.

If the package price comes with a big discount then you should consider it. I would get quotes on both options and then make the call. The new condensers are significantly larger and replacing a compressor is much easier than it used to be.

[retiredguy123]

If the package price comes with a big discount then you should consider it. I would get quotes on both options and then make the call. The new condensers are significantly larger and replacing a compressor is much easier than it used to be.
My next door neighbor is a snowbird and she once asked me to oversee the installation of a new compressor that was under a parts only warranty. It took two guys from Munn's about 8 hours to install a new compressor in her condenser unit. The labor charge was $900.

[jrref]

My next door neighbor is a snowbird and she once asked me to oversee the installation of a new compressor that was under a parts only warranty. It took two guys from Munn's about 8 hours to install a new compressor in her condenser unit. The labor charge was $900.

Seems cheap at approximately $100/hr for 2 guys, but OK.

[retiredguy123]

Seems cheap at approximately $100/hr for 2 guys, but OK.
I agree that it seemed cheap to me too. But that is what they charged.

[ithos]

My next door neighbor is a snowbird and she once asked me to oversee the installation of a new compressor that was under a parts only warranty. It took two guys from Munn's about 8 hours to install a new compressor in her condenser unit. The labor charge was $900.

That must have been for a seasoned tech and a helper. Not a bad price. Every case is different so doesn't hurt to price out both options.

[kilowatt]

21 years and still going

[dewilson58]

21 years and still going

Here in TV?? :bigbow:

[Craig Vernon]

Since it seems we are neighbors now. : ) We are both in the same spot 13 years original Carrier unit still working when I left and only one neighbor replaced so far that I spoke with. Whoever said Carrier is cheapest unit builder could've installed is completely wrong. I have worked on heating and ac equipment for years but Ohio is a different animal. Following post.

[jrref]

Since it seems we are neighbors now. : ) We are both in the same spot 13 years original Carrier unit still working when I left and only one neighbor replaced so far that I spoke with. Whoever said Carrier is cheapest unit builder could've installed is completely wrong. I have worked on heating and ac equipment for years but Ohio is a different animal. Following post.

What I think was said is the builder installed the basic single stage Carrier system. You are correct. Although its basic, it's a very good system.

I'm not sure when this started but in the new builds, if you do your own build vs a spec home, you have the option of a single stage, multi-stage or variable speed inverter system. Of course at different price points. I have some friends who moved to Middleton and built and all opted for the Variable speed inverter system.

[ithos]

Since it seems we are neighbors now. : ) We are both in the same spot 13 years original Carrier unit still working when I left and only one neighbor replaced so far that I spoke with. Whoever said Carrier is cheapest unit builder could've installed is completely wrong. I have worked on heating and ac equipment for years but Ohio is a different animal. Following post.

Since R410A is being phased out to save the world, are you familiar enough to make recommendations to a homeowner whose HVAC needs to be replaced. Try and get another 410A system if they can find one?

And what modifications will be needed to make the transition to the next generationof refrigerants? I understand they are mildly flammable. Will the linesets have to be replaced?

This is what I found:

Lineset Is In Good Condition
No kinks, corrosion, or wear. Old or damaged copper tubing can leak with mildly flammable refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.

Proper Flushing or Replacement of Oil and Residue
R-410A uses POE oil, while R-454B and R-32 may use different blends. The line must be thoroughly flushed with approved cleaning agents to remove any old oil or contaminants. Some manufacturers require triple evacuation and filter drier installation.

Manufacturer Approval
Some OEMs (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, etc.) may allow reuse of R-410A linesets with specific procedures. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guide.

[jrref]

Since R410A is being phased out to save the world, are you familiar enough to make recommendations to a homeowner whose HVAC needs to be replaced. Try and get another 410A system if they can find one?

And what modifications will be needed to make the transition to the next generationof refrigerants? I understand they are mildly flammable. Will the linesets have to be replaced?

This is what I found:

Lineset Is In Good Condition
No kinks, corrosion, or wear. Old or damaged copper tubing can leak with mildly flammable refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.

Proper Flushing or Replacement of Oil and Residue
R-410A uses POE oil, while R-454B and R-32 may use different blends. The line must be thoroughly flushed with approved cleaning agents to remove any old oil or contaminants. Some manufacturers require triple evacuation and filter drier installation.

Manufacturer Approval
Some OEMs (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, etc.) may allow reuse of R-410A linesets with specific procedures. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guide.

So, R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf just as R410A is a blend of R-32 and R-125. Both R-454B, R-32 and R410A are mildly flamable. What mildly flamable means is if there is a leak and you hold a flame at the leak it will ignite but when the flame is removed the ignition will stop. So, unless you are holding a match around your HVAC equipment that's leaking badly there is nothing to worry about. And if there is a leak it's not going to blow your house up because there is not enough freon in your HVAC to do that. R-32 has been used overseas for over a decade so it's what they call "battle hardened". R-454B has been extensively tested so no one expects any surprises.

As far as getting a old unit that used R410A, I don't think anyone is allowed to sell that after January 1, 2025 so it's probably not an option. Although the newer R-454B and R-32 systems are about 5% more expensive than the R410A systems they are slightly more efficient so the added expense may be a wash when you consider the energy savings.

I just purchased a new Carrier Infinity system that uses R-454B and they are replacing the line set. From what I understand, that's not an option. Given copper doesn't last forever I would think replacing the lineset is something you want to do otherwise you might have a leak down the line with reusing the old line set.

There is a lot of misinformation out there on the new freon used in the new HVAC equipment creating a lot of fear so, it's best to do more research on the subject to get the facts not believe the media.

At the end of the day freon has been changed for decades over and over so this time is no different and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it.

[OBRight]

We got 16 years out of ours and replaced it last fall.

[ithos]

We got 16 years out of ours and replaced it last fall.

I am just curious. Were these failures a bad compressor or a leak/rusty evaporator?

[ithos]

So, R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf just as R410A is a blend of R-32 and R-125. Both R-454B, R-32 and R410A are mildly flamable. What mildly flamable means is if there is a leak and you hold a flame at the leak it will ignite but when the flame is removed the ignition will stop. So, unless you are holding a match around your HVAC equipment that's leaking badly there is nothing to worry about. And if there is a leak it's not going to blow your house up because there is not enough freon in your HVAC to do that. R-32 has been used overseas for over a decade so it's what they call "battle hardened". R-454B has been extensively tested so no one expects any surprises.

As far as getting a old unit that used R410A, I don't think anyone is allowed to sell that after January 1, 2025 so it's probably not an option. Although the newer R-454B and R-32 systems are about 5% more expensive than the R410A systems they are slightly more efficient so the added expense may be a wash when you consider the energy savings.

I just purchased a new Carrier Infinity system that uses R-454B and they are replacing the line set. From what I understand, that's not an option. Given copper doesn't last forever I would think replacing the lineset is something you want to do otherwise you might have a leak down the line with reusing the old line set.

There is a lot of misinformation out there on the new freon used in the new HVAC equipment creating a lot of fear so, it's best to do more research on the subject to get the facts not believe the media.

At the end of the day freon has been changed for decades over and over so this time is no different and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it.

Thank you for the response. Very good information. I forgot or never knew that R410A was regarded as flammable. But I researched it and it is considered "non-flammable" where R454b is considered Low flammability.
🔥 Flammability Precaution Differences:
Precaution Area R-410A (A1 - Non-Flammable) R-454B (A2L - Low Flammability)

I also found some more info:
R-454B: Pros, Cons, & Comparisons to R-410A | Super Radiator Coils (https://www.superradiatorcoils.com/blog/r-454b-pros-cons-comparisons-to-r-410a)

EPA has imposed a deadline of January 1, 2025, after which the manufacture and import of many types of self-contained R-410A systems is prohibited. Consequently, unit manufacturers have been evaluating and deciding on a replacement since the phasedown’s announcement, with several of the largest domestic manufacturers settling on R-454B.

Our test data indicates that R-454B coils will require 10 – 20% additional heat transfer surface to meet the same capacity as and R-410A design.
R410A will be available for many years to come. They are only stopping the manufacturing of R410A equipment and recovered R410A will be mostly recycled. But R410A will experience gradual inflation and may become very expensive in a decade or two.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

That's exactly what I mean. The builder did put in the most basic system available at the time. Luckily 15 SEER was the norm circa 2015-2016 so yes they are solid units. But they could have installed 2 stage units which would have been a lot more efficient, cheaper to run, and more appropriate to install in our hot Florida climate but were more expensive to install. Fortunately, if you purchase a new home from the builder you can get the basic single stage, multi stage ( I think it's a 2 or 5 stage unit) or a variable speed unit. Just different cost to run each system. We are kind of lucky that electric here in Florida is relatively cheap or HVAC efficiency would be more of a concern. But how long will our electric stay relatively cheap?

We did a custom build and opted NOT for the cheapest unit, but the next model up for the humidity monitoring, if I remember correctly. But given today's more spec house type of operations and pricing environment, I would expect the cheapest unit would be installed.

Most A/C units have a standard life of 15 years, though that is an average and can vary by mfg and model. It is not a guarantee, and your A/C will work until it doesn't.

Access Denied (https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/lifestyle/how-long-do-appliances-last/)

though the following link does not have A/Cs, the link shows the decrease in expected lifespan from 10 years ago
Home Appliance Life Expectancy Chart | Mr. Appliance (https://www.mrappliance.com/expert-tips/appliance-life-guide/)

So, for A/Cs, over 15 years, you are starting to live on borrowed time, and the best time to replace the unit is in the winter, so that you don't have a summer time emergency, especially when one might be away

good luck to us!

[jrref]

Thank you for the response. Very good information. I forgot or never knew that R410A was regarded as flammable. But I researched it and it is considered "non-flammable" where R454b is considered Low flammability.
������ Flammability Precaution Differences:
Precaution Area R-410A (A1 - Non-Flammable) R-454B (A2L - Low Flammability)

I also found some more info:
R-454B: Pros, Cons, & Comparisons to R-410A | Super Radiator Coils (https://www.superradiatorcoils.com/blog/r-454b-pros-cons-comparisons-to-r-410a)

EPA has imposed a deadline of January 1, 2025, after which the manufacture and import of many types of self-contained R-410A systems is prohibited. Consequently, unit manufacturers have been evaluating and deciding on a replacement since the phasedown’s announcement, with several of the largest domestic manufacturers settling on R-454B.

Our test data indicates that R-454B coils will require 10 – 20% additional heat transfer surface to meet the same capacity as and R-410A design.
R410A will be available for many years to come. They are only stopping the manufacturing of R410A equipment and recovered R410A will be mostly recycled. But R410A will experience gradual inflation and may become very expensive in a decade or two.

Thanks for the correction on 410A. I also found out that even if R454B is leaking, if the air is moving, it won't ignite if an ignition source is presented so it should be safe. R454B is a mixture of R-32 which has been used for years overseas and R1234yf which is currently used in our cars so not much new except for the mixture.

This whole subject on "new freon" I think is a little overblown since as I mentioned we have gone through this many times. And yes, over time, again we don't know how long, R410A will get expensive since it's not manufactured any longer. We will have to wait and see what happens.

If you need to or are planning on replacing your HVAC system I wouldn't stress over the new freon formulation since first there isn't much difference and second there is nothing any of us can do about it. What we do know is over the next couple of years these systems will continue to incease in price for a multitude of reasons.

[jrref]

We did a custom build and opted NOT for the cheapest unit, but the next model up for the humidity monitoring, if I remember correctly. But given today's more spec house type of operations and pricing environment, I would expect the cheapest unit would be installed.

Most A/C units have a standard life of 15 years, though that is an average and can vary by mfg and model. It is not a guarantee, and your A/C will work until it doesn't.

Access Denied (https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/lifestyle/how-long-do-appliances-last/)

though the following link does not have A/Cs, the link shows the decrease in expected lifespan from 10 years ago
Home Appliance Life Expectancy Chart | Mr. Appliance (https://www.mrappliance.com/expert-tips/appliance-life-guide/)

So, for A/Cs, over 15 years, you are starting to live on borrowed time, and the best time to replace the unit is in the winter, so that you don't have a summer time emergency, especially when one might be away

good luck to us!

From my unscientific survey the HVAC units installed here in the Villages by the builder lasts anywhere from 8-15 years although some have lasted longer. Small numbers will fail at 8 to 10 years and as you go further up in time, more fail. I guess if you keep replacing parts or even the compressor it can last a longer time but at some point it's not going to be running efficiently as it wears out over time. Like any home maintenance item you need to evaluate your needs and plan accordingly. Unfortunately, I'll bet most here in the Villages never pay any attention to their HVAC system, as I've seen by the many preventable failures my neighbors have had, until it stops running. Then they go "crazy" because they can't live without A/C here in Florida then they start complaining about the HVAC company that won't drop everything and come fix their unit.:thumbup:

[retiredguy123]

If you cannot stand the possibility that you may be without air conditioning for a few days, you can buy a floor standing portable unit that will keep your bedroom cool if the AC unit fails. Some of them also provide heat. These are available from Amazon for less than $500 or so. These units use a 4 to 6 inch flexible duct that fits though the window, and they are allowed by The Villages.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

From my unscientific survey the HVAC units installed here in the Villages by the builder lasts anywhere from 8-15 years although some have lasted longer. Small numbers will fail at 8 to 10 years and as you go further up in time, more fail. I guess if you keep replacing parts or even the compressor it can last a longer time but at some point it's not going to be running efficiently as it wears out over time. Like any home maintenance item you need to evaluate your needs and plan accordingly. Unfortunately, I'll bet most here in the Villages never pay any attention to their HVAC system, as I've seen by the many preventable failures my neighbors have had, until it stops running. Then they go "crazy" because they can't live without A/C here in Florida then they start complaining about the HVAC company that won't drop everything and come fix their unit.:thumbup:

maintenance expense, that periodic spend which one can't see why to make the spend. . hindsight bias, don't fix what's not broken. . "works until it doesn't" is not a good strategy when most "doesn't" is never at a good time. Ask lots of the companies run by consultants to maximize return. . same thought process with less executive courses down south, and expecting a golf community not to golf, so northern executive courses got trashed, requiring much higher maintenance expense. . and some large dollar costs.

We had an A/C unprotected weather part fail the day before we were supposed to leave for the summer. :cus: Poor $%^&*() design, and SunKool did come the same day to replace. We were lucky by one day. . I hate relying on luck, though better lucky than good.

A really good financial planning model incorporates big item replacement costs, such as cars, roofs, a/c, kitchen appliances, . . requires alot of detail, and yes, assumptions. . . which is why I also spend extra $ on expensive vehicle maintenance for best longevity. . even though all vehicles are future junk