Air Conditioner Died

Elkhntr

Senior Member
After 20 yrs of faithfull service it finally gasp and rolled over. Any suggestions in the Snellville area. Who's done good, who's done bad??
 

Walkie Takie

Senior Member
a/c units

feel your pain
got one almost dead //////////
just called CLIMATEC to get a quote on a 3 ton unit
good luck w/t
 

LYNN

Senior Member
Knight htg and AC is

a good company to deal with. They keep up to date. Tim or Joel - tell ' em Lynn refferred you if you want to.
 
J

JR

Guest
Service 1st HVAC out of Buford/Cumming area. John Strauss (sp?)! Great guy, family owned/operated. Honest guy.
 

RATTLER

Senior Member
heres a great guy one of my best friend since high school
comfort zone heating aand air
678-986 0980
wayne buras
 

slightly grayling

Senior Member
I am

in the middle of doing the same thing. I took 4 bids and I don't claim to be an expert, but I learned alot in the process. The good vendors are VERY good and work hard at assessing your needs, but it is a jungle out there. One of the bids was from the big orange home store installer......the rep showed up w/o busineess card or product information. Recommended a size and unit without so much as a hard look at my current system..I sent him packing. Then I got bids from 2 Trane dealers and 1 American Standard dealer. The trick is getting apples to apples comparisons. That means same/equivalent models, seer rating AND tonnage. A reputable installer will measure your house/windows and take into account how much you will lose from heat sinks (whole house fans, attic stairs, etc...) and run a J load (sp?) calculation. What I found is some will quote a price for a certain XYZ Seer rating and model then sell you on tightening up your system (at a cost to you....sealing duct work, stair zippers etc....) the set you up with a lower tonnage system......now that is fine and well and probably a very good idea, but the lower tonnage should mean a reduction in cost but....some will try to hold to the original estimate. As a test I asked one vendor the cost of going up on tonnage within the same model and seer rating.....he stated a cost increase. All will guarantee if the system they install isn't cooling properly they will upgrade at no cost......but how will you know? Like me you have a 20+ year old system that is an energy hog. By comparison, most any 13 seer unit will be a vast improvement, but how will you know if it is working too hard to keep up? Just some things to think about, I hope it helps. Hopefully someone here is in the business and they can provide better insight.
-SG
 

dawg2

AWOL ADMINISTRATOR
in the middle of doing the same thing. I took 4 bids and I don't claim to be an expert, but I learned alot in the process. The good vendors are VERY good and work hard at assessing your needs, but it is a jungle out there. One of the bids was from the big orange home store installer......the rep showed up w/o busineess card or product information. Recommended a size and unit without so much as a hard look at my current system..I sent him packing. Then I got bids from 2 Trane dealers and 1 American Standard dealer. The trick is getting apples to apples comparisons. That means same/equivalent models, seer rating AND tonnage. A reputable installer will measure your house/windows and take into account how much you will lose from heat sinks (whole house fans, attic stairs, etc...) and run a J load (sp?) calculation. What I found is some will quote a price for a certain XYZ Seer rating and model then sell you on tightening up your system (at a cost to you....sealing duct work, stair zippers etc....) the set you up with a lower tonnage system......now that is fine and well and probably a very good idea, but the lower tonnage should mean a reduction in cost but....some will try to hold to the original estimate. As a test I asked one vendor the cost of going up on tonnage within the same model and seer rating.....he stated a cost increase. All will guarantee if the system they install isn't cooling properly they will upgrade at no cost......but how will you know? Like me you have a 20+ year old system that is an energy hog. By comparison, most any 13 seer unit will be a vast improvement, but how will you know if it is working too hard to keep up? Just some things to think about, I hope it helps. Hopefully someone here is in the business and they can provide better insight.
-SG


FYI: American Standard OWNS Trane, they are the exact same equipment, different labels. The load calculation is called a "Manual J." Most companies don't have a clue how to do them: and there is a 99% probability that the guy who comes out doesn't either, because he is a commissioned salesman, not a licensed individual.



SEER 13 is the new federal standard for the minimum SEER rating. If your AC just went out, go ahead and go with the 410A refrigerant. R-22 equipment will no longer be made after 2010 (replacement parts will be) and most manufacturers are starting the transition now.
 

slightly grayling

Senior Member
Yes, that is what I determined....the only difference between the Trane and American Standard is the top and shell of the Trane has a bit more sound proofing. I found the AS a bettter value overall.
-SG
FYI: American Standard OWNS Trane, they are the exact same equipment, different labels. The load calculation is called a "Manual J." Most companies don't have a clue how to do them: and there is a 99% probability that the guy who comes out doesn't either, because he is a commissioned salesman, not a licensed individual.



SEER 13 is the new federal standard for the minimum SEER rating. If your AC just went out, go ahead and go with the 410A refrigerant. R-22 equipment will no longer be made after 2010 (replacement parts will be) and most manufacturers are starting the transition now.
 
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