[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

r.i.p.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by jrref

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

Tons??

Net cost??

[jrref]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

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]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

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]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

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]

Originally Posted by 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...

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]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.