[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Meyerro

Be sure they spec the appropriate size a/c unit. Oversized unit doesn't work efficiently.

Exactly right.

Bigger is not better, when deal with A/C Units. The appropriate size is critical to efficiency and longevity.

I'm suprised to hear some units in TV have gas furnaces. Absolutely no need for a gas furnace in this climate, in my opinion. A heat pump is way more efficient and provides cleaner heat. Why use 2 units, when 1 efficient unit will do the job?

[Remembergoldenrule]

Look at two stage system for more energy efficient in summer especially. Get quotes from 4 minimum and compare components like thermostat and other parts.
From AI
For Florida, a heat pump is generally a better choice than an AC and separate heater because it provides both heating and cooling in a single unit, making it a more versatile and potentially more energy-efficient option for the state's mild winters. While an air conditioner only cools, a heat pump works by reversing the cooling process to provide warmth when needed, and both systems have similar cooling performance and efficiency depend on their SEER rating.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

Exactly right.

Bigger is not better, when deal with A/C Units. The appropriate size is critical to efficiency and longevity.

I'm suprised to hear some units in TV have gas furnaces. Absolutely no need for a gas furnace in this climate, in my opinion. A heat pump is way more efficient and provides cleaner heat. Why use 2 units, when 1 efficient unit will do the job?

The homes with gas furnaces are generally older built at a time when heat pumps were not very efficient and cost effective as they are today. You would be foolish to build a new home in our area withour a heat pump today. Although we generally only need a little heat during the year you never know when we could get a cold snap one year so it's important to make sure you have a good system that works.

[HJBeck]

Get the highest seer rated unit you can afford. A 19 SEER unit will pay for itself in 6 years. But it’s important to get at least 10 year warranty (parts and labor). If they tell you that warranty isn’t available, get another installer. Get it in writing and don’t pay for anything until all the work is done.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

The lineset is the copper piping that runs under the concrete slab and connects the outside condenser coil to the inside evaporator coil.
HVAC contractors do not automatically replace the lineset when installing a new system, unless it is required by the manufacturer to issue a system warranty. This includes both Sunshine and Munn's when installing new Carrier systems.

It depends where you live in the Villages as to how the lineset is installed. In most homes south of 466 they are not run in the concrete slab but under the air handler and water heater base out to the side of the home. In many frame homes they are run in the attic.

The lineset is copper piping and can develop a leak just like your coil so although it's less likely, its always better to replace it when installing a new system.

[Rocksnap]

Heat pump in the way to go. We’ve been here one year in a new construction.
We stayed in a lifestyle villa with a single speed (basic) HVAC system. Which I didn’t like at all. The temp swings were to big, and it seemed like it did a terrible job at removing humidity.
During our design visit, we had 3 HVAC choices, I chose the second option. A variable speed system. All options were heat pumps.
So glad we choose this system.
Being variable speed, it’s so much more comfortable, as the fan can run slower and therefore does a great job keeping the humidity where I set it thru the wall thermostat.
And the variable speed fan is also much quieter than a single speed.
We visit our neighbors often, also in new construction of all different size houses and HVAC systems.
I have done a little ‘quiet’ research during these visits.
The reoccurring theme at the single speed system houses? Not comfortable! Big temp swings, it’s either to cold or to hot. And the humidity levels are higher.
It’s comical when I hear whomevers wife, ‘honey it’s hot (or cold) in here. Can you bump the setting…’
Again, all of us have brand new systems. So I must assume they are all designed/installed properly.
As for heat, last night was the first night this season where it was cold, down to 46. Also the first time the heat pump used heat.
Heat pumps are generally good down to about 38 degrees. Then ours will kick in with an electric assist.
Some heat pumps (Mitsubishi?) is rated for unassisted heat down to well below freezing, simply amazing!
If you haven’t noticed my choice yet, a variable speed heat pump! Your comfort will thank you.

[LonnyP]

Always seek additional bids. I suggest calling Cabral Heating and Air conditioning and give him an opportunity.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Rocksnap

Heat pump in the way to go. We’ve been here one year in a new construction.
We stayed in a lifestyle villa with a single speed (basic) HVAC system. Which I didn’t like at all. The temp swings were to big, and it seemed like it did a terrible job at removing humidity.
During our design visit, we had 3 HVAC choices, I chose the second option. A variable speed system. All options were heat pumps.
So glad we choose this system.
Being variable speed, it’s so much more comfortable, as the fan can run slower and therefore does a great job keeping the humidity where I set it thru the wall thermostat.
And the variable speed fan is also much quieter than a single speed.
We visit our neighbors often, also in new construction of all different size houses and HVAC systems.
I have done a little ‘quiet’ research during these visits.
The reoccurring theme at the single speed system houses? Not comfortable! Big temp swings, it’s either to cold or to hot. And the humidity levels are higher.
It’s comical when I hear whomevers wife, ‘honey it’s hot (or cold) in here. Can you bump the setting…’
Again, all of us have brand new systems. So I must assume they are all designed/installed properly.
As for heat, last night was the first night this season where it was cold, down to 46. Also the first time the heat pump used heat.
Heat pumps are generally good down to about 38 degrees. Then ours will kick in with an electric assist.
Some heat pumps (Mitsubishi?) is rated for unassisted heat down to well below freezing, simply amazing!
If you haven’t noticed my choice yet, a variable speed heat pump! Your comfort will thank you.

Just to add, the newer Carrier Infinity heat pump systems will heat all the way down to 0 degrees which means they will heat very efficiently and not be struggling in temps less than 40 degrees like the basic systems do in our area. Also, the chances of needing the aux electric assist heat is basically zero with these systems.

[jrref]

What you need to remember is:
1) For the most comfort, get a variable speed heat pump system like a Carrier Infinity Greenspeed. It's difficult to realize the comfort difference a variable speed system makes until you spend some time in a home that has one.
2) The federal energy tax credit expires this year so next year whatever you purchase, if it qualified for the credit, it will cost you $2K more net.
3) Always verify the size system you need. Many homes here in the Villages had an undersized system installed when built. Your HVAC rep should be able to install the correct size replacement unit. Never oversize.
4) Always get multiple quotes and compare the details. Model numbers of equipment. exactly what is to be replaced.
5) Look to see how much the 10 year labor warranty costs. Many companies charge a "reasonable" amout for this and if you don't want to ever worry about your HVAC system repairs since you can never anticipate what's going to happen or not, you may want to consider this coverage. This is especially relevant if you get a more complex system like a 2 speed or variable speed unit. With this coverage you won't need to care how much it can cost for a repair if needed.
6) Currently, most companies extend the parts and labor coverage to subsequent owners of your home meaning the HVAC is tied to the home not the homeowner. Before if you were the 2nd owner, the 10 year parts coverage was reduced to 5 years for example. So this may be something to check with the company you choose.
7) You get what you pay for. If one company comes in a lot cheaper than another for the same system here in the Villages there is always a reason. No one is giving you anything for free. So, make sure you compare the quotes in detail.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Those prices sound high to me. I would get three quotes for a 2-ton heat pump system from Munn's, Sunshine, and Chuck Farrell, NOT SunKool. I would prefer Munn's, so if their price is higher you may want to try to negotiate, and I would be willing to pay a little more to Munn's, but all 3 companies are acceptable. I have the same size courtyard villa, and 2 tons is large enough. Compare the same type of system for all 3 companies. The least expensive system is a single stage heat pump, which is the standard that the builder installs. Mine has been working fine for 10 years.

I prefer a heat pump because it can be set to heat and/or cool on the same day, which is often needed. Gas heating is more appropriate in colder climates.

I agree with you. Heat pumps are much better now than they were ten years ago: smaller and much quieter—nearly silent from five feet away. Even in places like Pennsylvania and Colorado, heat pumps are now efficient enough to work simply with the heat pump technology instead of extra heating coils coming on. I live in a 1200 sq ft house here. I keep the windows closed, and my thermostat is set at 74° 24/7 all summer and at 72° all winter. In the winter it rarely runs in the day but does as necessary in the night. Don’t believe the guy who says his heater has been on ten times in ten years. He probably also rolls in snow and is a member of the polar bear club. (Grinning). My electric bill runs between $85 and $150, and that includes recharging my car in the garage (which costs me about two cents a mile).

I didn’t buy the highest efficiency model of heat pump, but the one next to it. I think I paid around $14,000. But my electric build dropped quite a bit, with a break even on costs in about five years.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by jrref

It depends where you live in the Villages as to how the lineset is installed. In most homes south of 466 they are not run in the concrete slab but under the air handler and water heater base out to the side of the home. In many frame homes they are run in the attic.

The lineset is copper piping and can develop a leak just like your coil so although it's less likely, its always better to replace it when installing a new system.

It may be better to replace the lineset, but if the manufacturer doesn't require it to be replaced to issue a 10 year warranty, I don't think the contractor will do it unless you pay extra for it. And, regardless of where it is located, it will not be cheap. Both Sunshine and Munn's say that they do not automatically replace the lineset. Carrier does not usually require a new lineset. I had two large Carrier systems replaced in Virginia and they did not replace the lineset.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

It may be better to replace the lineset, but if the manufacturer doesn't require it to be replaced to issue a 10 year warranty, I don't think the contractor will do it unless you pay extra for it. And, regardless of where it is located, it will not be cheap. Both Sunshine and Munn's say that they do not automatically replace the lineset. Carrier does not usually require a new lineset. I had two large Carrier systems replaced in Virginia and they did not replace the lineset.

I hear what you are saying but in all the installs that Sunshine did here when mine and my neighbors got a new Carrier Infinity Greenspeed systems in Osceola Hill and Fenney, Sunshine replaced the lineset and everything else when they installed our new system without asking.

Maybe in areas where the original lineset is in the concrete slab it's an extra cost because to replace it they would need to run it up into the attic then down the side of the home for example?

Regardless, the point I'm making is when getting a new system, you want as much changed out to new as possible. I'm focusing on the lineset because it's a failure point that can be a costly repair. If you re-use the old lineset it has to be cleaned properly and it possibly can develop a leak as it ages. I understand, if it's originally installed in the concrete slab it may be an extra cost to repace it but not everyone has this situation.

[opinionist]

With a heat pump, I can set it and forget it. In three years, I have experienced two failures: a failed Temperature Control Valve and a failed blower, both during the hot months. I have a SunKool system no more than five years old.

[coleprice]

Those prices sound high. Get multiple quotes for the appropriate (same) sized unit for your home. We replaced our HVAC with a TRANE unit from DeSantis and we're happy with it. Good Luck!

[BruceMortensen]

Originally Posted by drmatt1098

It looks like my air-conditioner is ready to be replaced. I contacted Sun Kool and Sunshine A/C for quotes on replacing my system in my 1100 sqft P/V. Sunshine gave me quotes for 4 different systems ranging from $14,000 to $7900. All of them are based on a 2 ton A/C capacity built by Carrier.
Sun Kool also gave me four different options based on a 2.5 ton cooling capacity. Three of the options were a conventional Carrier A/C unit and the forth option was heat pump based, eliminating the gas furnace. The heat pump option was more expensive at $9500 and the least expensive was a non-Carrier configuration at $7452.
I don't have any experience with a heat pump system. Can anyone relate their experience with heat pump technology in their PV?

I would call Marc Anthony AC at 3525040522. I had a 4 ton system put in for much less than your quotes. Smaller operation but an honest gentleman. I bet a buck that he beats your other quotes. He knows his stuff.