A/C Heating units in TV
 

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

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

13 years.

Currently at 11 years and still counting.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

r.i.p.

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.

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.

original is 18 yrs. old.

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...

I love the ecobee thermostat, and the app works great remotely on my iPhone. For help learning about the ecobee watch YouTube videos.

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 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.

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

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!

Nothing runs like a Trane! Unless it's dead.
 

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.

Check out Air FX
 

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.

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

13 years

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

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 ??

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.

18 years
 

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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