YAHP(Yet Another Heat Pump) Question/Issue

[Fallon]

Consumer appliances have a 10 year lifespan in this day & age. So as you start getting towards that age it's wise to start thinking replace vs. repair. Sometimes it's a leaky fitting or cheap part. But if it's any significant part, how close are the rest of the parts in the system to failure.

Manufacturers have gotten disturbingly good at economy engineering. They actually know what the most likely parts to fail are going to be & make sure they are barely beefy enough to make it through the warranty, then die around the 10 year mark.

 

[woody]

we had a similar situation with an old split unit the coil was leaking and the guy told me if he fixed the spot that was leaking the connection closest to it would probably start leaking and may turn into a domino effect so instead of repair just replace, then while checking out something's that I had noticed over time he said since my unit was 13 years old and not a heat pump I would be better off replacing the unit with a package unit do some duct work and save money in the long run. my house has never heated and cooled evenly some rooms would get more flow than others and adjusting the vents helped but now with the new unit and replacing some duct work all vents are open and I have been saving about 20 to 30 dollars a month on my power bill. plus with the warranty I can rest easy for a while. Like some others have said it is probably nearing the end of it's life cycle and will cost more in the long run and then you'll replace it anyway.

 

[LD1]

Just got a cost of $5,800 to replace the condenser and evaporator which seems high to me...

Later,
Dan

HArd to say if that is a good price, cause unless I missed it....I didnt see where you put the tonnage on there.

I was in the same boat at one of my rentals. Units are 20 years old. R-22. Had a unit not working properly and it wouldnt take a charge. (or if it was, it was not building pressure with pump running). The compressor was replaced 2 years prior by a company with a less than stellar reputation.

The compressor being replaced by the "company with less than stellar reputation" was before my ownership of the rental.

Have a friend in the HVAC business. So he is the one I had out trying to charge the unit. He said I'd be better off in the long run replacing with a new unit. As R22 is going to go away, and at this point, he is fearing potentially a damaged pump, and possibly blocked up valves or something. He said he could replace the pump, and start checking for blockages, but no telling how much stuff could have potentially been introduced into the lines when the previous pump failed.

He installed a 3-ton unit, all new lines, and a new A-coil and it was $2400. Dont remember the brand though, but remember it as being something I had heard of before and not junk. Carrier or maybe tempstar?

 

[RNeumann]

we had a similar situation with an old split unit the coil was leaking and the guy told me if he fixed the spot that was leaking the connection closest to it would probably start leaking and may turn into a domino effect so instead of repair just replace, then while checking out something's that I had noticed over time he said since my unit was 13 years old and not a heat pump I would be better off replacing the unit with a package unit do some duct work and save money in the long run. my house has never heated and cooled evenly some rooms would get more flow than others and adjusting the vents helped but now with the new unit and replacing some duct work all vents are open and I have been saving about 20 to 30 dollars a month on my power bill. plus with the warranty I can rest easy for a while. Like some others have said it is probably nearing the end of it's life cycle and will cost more in the long run and then you'll replace it anyway.

This is why replacing to increase efficiency isn't cost effective. At $30/mo it would take 193 months or more than 16 years to break even. Same goes for paying for "top of the line" in efficiency.

 

[woody]

This is why replacing to increase efficiency isn't cost effective. At $30/mo it would take 193 months or more than 16 years to break even. Same goes for paying for "top of the line" in efficiency.

I agree if efficiency is the only reason, but I would not consider replacing a unit that is in good working order for efficiency. now since the op is having issues with his present unit just like I did then there is more to add into the decision making.

 

[RNeumann]

Exactly my point- see post #5. Also reenforces the need to have a good tech/contractor/designer to prevent your first go around with hot and cold spots in the house.

 

[feasant]

check pricing here: Alpine Home Air Products: Contractor-grade furnaces, heaters, air conditioners and indoor-air quality products at wholesale prices.

 

[dmccarty]

HArd to say if that is a good price, cause unless I missed it....I didnt see where you put the tonnage on there.

...

He installed a 3-ton unit, all new lines, and a new A-coil and it was $2400. Dont remember the brand though, but remember it as being something I had heard of before and not junk. Carrier or maybe tempstar?

You did not miss the tonnage, the dummy OP forgot to post the info. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

Been a bit distracted since my parents were in the forecast path of Irma and had to leave. Their health is not so good and one is still recovering from heart surgery so having to leave the house was chaotic to say the least. The day they were too leave was going to be the hard bit since it was unlikely how far north they would get and if they would be able to get a hotel room. Thankfully, they were able to make it to the west coast of Florida, got much farther north than I expected, found fuel, AND managed to get a hotel room. :thumbsup: They were able to escape Florida the next day to get to relatives in Alabama.... :thumbsup: Course now they are still under the path of Irma. :shocked: At least it won't be so bad in 'bama, and if it is, they can head to our place. At least they are safe and their house should be which is more than many can say.

Anyway, it is a 3.5 ton unit. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

Thanks,
Dan

 

[dmccarty]

To everyone who has posted.

Thank you. Your posts are helpful.

We have been lucky weather wise since it has been cool and we don't need the HVAC. Looks like that weather pattern will hold this week though it might be getting to the mid 80's. As long as the humidity is not too bad we should be ok as we get some second opinions and make some decisions.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Sigarms]

<sigh>

I guess it is our turn.

Our 13-14 year old Goodman HVAC system has a leak. The HVAC guy was out today, and since our unit has the older refrigerant, we need to have a new condenser and evaporator. <sigh>

Long story short, the condenser unit is a good 65 foot run to the evaporator which is not efficient but there is not much we can do about it. Will adding more insulation around the refrigerant line help increase the system efficiency?

Thanks,
Dan

The only question I have is who told you 65' decreases the efficiency?

1 - 65' is a drop in the bucket per system capacity loss
2 - Don't know of anyone who can give you the AHRI efficiency rating of a 65' line set run.
3 - My one line set is 76', with a 24' vertical rise, been in for the last 8 years. No complaints on my end.

You're in NC. Code for line sets in NC is 1/2" insulation on the suction line, which is more than adequate IMO.

FYI, I'd charge $6,300 for a base 3.5 ton 14 SEER heat pump (new line set, pad, drain pan, whip, disconnect, primary and secondary float with with new pump), which would include a 10 year factory backed 10 year labor plan on the equipment (any ductwork modifications, pricing would go up). So, is $5,800 high? For the info you've given, I'd say no IM professionl opinion:laughing:

You can always find cheap, a little harder to find people who will take care of you.