Any of you own HVAC company?

[dustingaunder]

Have a 13 sear 5 ton Ruud system with R-22 (2004) that has a leak in a u bend on the condenser. Got an estimate to fix for $1125, replace with R-22 unit for $3500, replace with 14 sear R-410a unit with new hard lines and txv/coil for $5300. Need some words of wisdom on what I should do. Or even a competitive estimate for the options above from OSA brethren.

[Viper16]

Unfortunately that is about right, and not too shabby of an installed price. Take half that price and that is what the contractor paid for the equipment. I do have a line of a/c systems but are only 13 SEER. R-22 refrigerant is not going to get any cheaper as they are trying to phase it out for R-410A, so if you go with an R-22 unit again, if it ever needs serviced it may cost more in the long run.

[dustingaunder]

That's the reason I'm leaning toward the R410a system. I don't want to spend 3500 on a new r22 unit and then get hosed on servicing for the rest of the time I own it.

[Slack]

These prices match the quotes I was receiving. I had a new package unit installed today.

I was originally quoted $4900 for the 3 ton unit installed. I decided to do some shopping online and found a couple of places out of Florida with some good AC deals. I found a comparable unit of the same brand (Goodman) for slightly less than $2000 delivered. The HVAC company gave me an installation quote of $1500. So total price installed of $3500 with a savings of $1400. I had to wait 10 days for the unit to be delivered (5-10 days estimates). The HVAC company had 2 guys there that had my old unit out and the new unit in and it took them 3 hours.

So I ended up saving $1400, but I still feel like I was raped as they effectively billed their guys out at $250 an hour. Their normal service rate is $80/hr. I think I have found my new line of business.

[Lurkerinthewoods]

One of my customers has started using this http://www2.dupont.com/ISCEON/en_US/...l#.UDVwiKNAx0Q.. It replaces the current R22 without the expense of getting another unit. I for one, believe there are way too many R22 units (got to be in the millions) for there not to be a reliable solution to replace the current R22. With a new administration in place after next January, I see there being some changes to this BS rule from the EPA. A federal appeals court has already thrown their overreaching Clean Air (kill coal) rules that are set to start soon.

Get with eaglerjs on the board.. He isn't in your area but he can tell you your best options..

[saddlebum]

most 13 seer ruud equipment has a 10 year parts warranty call shirleys j&b supply with your model and serial # to verify. 405) 670-1326

[tyromeo55]

2004 should still have quite a bit of life left in it (even for a newer Ruud) Why does the contractor not just pump down the unit and repair the leak? How big is the hole or is it in the joint? Id for sure check the warrantee status but if not let me know. I'd be willing to work out a trade to fix it

[gl55]

I don't know where get off my lawn is but if you are in the OKC area try calling Justin Shear. 405-410-7409. He installed a 4 ton Ruud R-22 system with a new Ruud furnace for me about 4 years ago. He did it for about $2500 less than the next lowest estimate. About 2 years after it was installed it developed a small leak in one of the capilary tubes on the A-coil. He was able to repair it after discovering that a new replacement A-coil was not available anywhere and didn't charge me for the repair either. I refer him all the time for HVAC work and he always saves people lots of money. You can tell him Glen refered you. I know my Ruud equipment has a 10 year warranty on the compressor but I think all the other parts are less.

[eaglerjs]

I would be very surprised if the leak could not be fixed! Give me a call 918 850 2665. I will be up until 11:30 tonight. Joe

[twoguns?]

These prices match the quotes I was receiving. I had a new package unit installed today.

I was originally quoted $4900 for the 3 ton unit installed. I decided to do some shopping online and found a couple of places out of Florida with some good AC deals. I found a comparable unit of the same brand (Goodman) for slightly less than $2000 delivered. The HVAC company gave me an installation quote of $1500. So total price installed of $3500 with a savings of $1400. I had to wait 10 days for the unit to be delivered (5-10 days estimates). The HVAC company had 2 guys there that had my old unit out and the new unit in and it took them 3 hours.

So I ended up saving $1400, but I still feel like I was raped as they effectively billed their guys out at $250 an hour. Their normal service rate is $80/hr. I think I have found my new line of business.

Who ended up doing it for you? At that price ....WOW

[Podman]

I would get a new 410a unit. They are much more efficient. I got a 13 seer installed for $3500 here in Claremore. It's a Rheem. R22 costs way too much and will probably get worse.

[dustingaunder]

I would be very surprised if the leak could not be fixed! Give me a call 918 850 2665. I will be up until 11:30 tonight. Joe

I'm sure it can, but at what cost? The repair estimate I got was over $1100. The compressor starting is very noisy and vibrates pretty violently. It has just never sound right since we've owned the house. I hesitate investing $1100 in a system that is not really efficient, and may only last a few more years. I'd love to get it cooling again without spending a ton of money on a new system, but I have to think about investing money in this system.

My unit is UAMC-060JAZ from what I can tell online is a 12 seer. Manufactured 06/2004.

I am definitely no expert and am definitely open to suggestions. I'm in somewhat of a rush because I'm not sleeping at night. I need it very cool to sleep well. I have considered getting a window unit for the bedroom to make sleeping bearable. Then I can take a little extra time to make up my mind.

[tyromeo55]

The repair cost is too high it should be a third of the number you were quoted. Your guy is too high. I'd find someone else to do the repair its going to get you going the soonest and when your ready you do the switch and sell the old unit on Craigslist

[dustingaunder]

I'd pay $300 to have it fixed and recharged. That's a no brainer.

It is leaking where a u bend goes through a piece of sheet metal on the inside.

[tyromeo55]

Well let me know if you can't find someone to do it and I'll come up there Friday evening or Saturday morning. Depending on the gasoline it would take to make the drive I'd be closer to 400