Replacing A/C and Furnace

[becrisgreg]

If anyone is considering replacing their AC system, do it before January. They are taking the SEER rating up another notch and AC systems will be more expensive. The rule out of R-22 has been pushed up and will be phased out by January.

Interesting...
I wasn't aware of this. We replaced our furnace last fall, and decided to wait on the AC. We were thinking perhaps next summer.
We just had a baby last week, so this year's extra funds have been used up.

The original post is correct, but not for the reasons listed. There is no additional government mandate of SEER ratings. A few years ago the goverment installed rules forcing the minimum SEER rating of A/C and Heat Pumps from 10 to 13. In Iowa most minimum SEER installed are 14 due to utility rebates. SEER is one measure of energy efficeincy of AC/Heat Pumps. Not 100% accurate as 2 stage equipment has to be rated on high speed, which it only runs a small % in that stage. 13 SEER is 30% more efficeint than 10 SEER.

What the government is mandating in January is a change in the refrigerant used from r-22 to r-410a also trademarked Puron, by Carrier, Bryant and Payne equipment. This change has been phased in over the last several years, and for the most part is at pricing parity. You may be able to find some r-22 units on "closeout" for deals, but the cost of repair in the future should dicatate you installing a 410 unit.

Why you should buy AC/Heat Pump in 2009 is financial. Most of the major manufactures. (Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Trane) are offerining major incentives, and for the right system with qualifying efficiencies you can get up to 30% of the value of your equipment in a tax credit, but is capped at $1,500 and needs to be installed in 2009. This is on top of utility rebates.

Any reputable contractor will be able to show you all of this. Some of the right systems are essential "free" with only having to pay for installation. Note if you install a geothermal system there is no cap and the tax credit doesn't expire until 2015.

 

[belmond64]

I think that he talked me out of the electricmagnetic air cleaner because of the extra cost involved.

 

[retzmountn]

I think that he talked me out of the electricmagnetic air cleaner because of the extra cost involved.

Don't waste your money on the electromagnetic air cleaner - overrated!

We've had experience with Lozier's at our home & business. They would be someone we would highly recommend for a quote. :yes:

 

[CyinCo]

install an evaporative cooling system in your house along with your ac installation and your power bill will be lower.you have to have your house insulated properly to take advantage of the lowering of your power requirements of your air conditioning if you use eveaporative cooling.

uhhhhh....I wouldn't do that in Iowa. Colorado, yes. But not in Iowa.

 

[DaddyMac]

I don't know if it's been mentioned - but if your using forced air heating, I'd really consider getting a humidfier as part of the system. I didn't and wish I had.

Other than that - I used Wycoff in WDM, but I don't think that'll do you any good in Ames.

 

[CyinCo]

The original post is correct, but not for the reasons listed. There is no additional government mandate of SEER ratings. A few years ago the goverment installed rules forcing the minimum SEER rating of A/C and Heat Pumps from 10 to 13. In Iowa most minimum SEER installed are 14 due to utility rebates. SEER is one measure of energy efficeincy of AC/Heat Pumps. Not 100% accurate as 2 stage equipment has to be rated on high speed, which it only runs a small % in that stage. 13 SEER is 30% more efficeint than 10 SEER.

What the government is mandating in January is a change in the refrigerant used from r-22 to r-410a also trademarked Puron, by Carrier, Bryant and Payne equipment. This change has been phased in over the last several years, and for the most part is at pricing parity. You may be able to find some r-22 units on "closeout" for deals, but the cost of repair in the future should dicatate you installing a 410 unit.

Why you should buy AC/Heat Pump in 2009 is financial. Most of the major manufactures. (Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Trane) are offerining major incentives, and for the right system with qualifying efficiencies you can get up to 30% of the value of your equipment in a tax credit, but is capped at $1,500 and needs to be installed in 2009. This is on top of utility rebates.

Any reputable contractor will be able to show you all of this. Some of the right systems are essential "free" with only having to pay for installation. Note if you install a geothermal system there is no cap and the tax credit doesn't expire until 2015.

Professionally, I cannot stand the term SEER. The term SEER causes a lot of confusion. It isn't a "real" efficiency. It is a Performance based efficiency that is quantified by seasonal testing. What I don't like about SEER is it really should vary by location (weather) and even load (24 hour facility versus a house for example) but the same SEER rating is used all over. A more accurate efficiency rating is EER or COP. While it doesn't define the seasonal performance it is a real property for the equipment in the same way as the combustion efficiency of a furnace.

 

[NebrClone]

Utilities in NE will do energy audits and they have rebate programs if you put in a heat pump.

 

[bugs4cy]

I don't know if it's been mentioned - but if your using forced air heating, I'd really consider getting a humidfier as part of the system. I didn't and wish I had.

The humidifier option is AWESOME! I guess old age is catching up with me, because each winter I managed to shed more skin than the last. For me, the ultra-dry heat is not near as comfortable as heat with ~30% humidity. No more winter nosebleeds. And, no more filling the humidifier twice a day! :yes:

 

[cycloner29]

Thanks again. I am waiting on bids yet from Neighbor's and Ames Heating and Cooling.