need advice before purchasing new airconditioning system

[mcveigh]

I need a new compressor, and air handler. currently have 1.5 ton for each. the outside one leaks frean and is about 11 yrs old, the airhandler is 28 yrs old and filthy. the house(duplex) is about 970sqft
I have 3 estimates so far.
the cheapest being 2500, the most expensive being 4000
low end has only 5 yr warranty, I can go a little better and get 10yr warranty for 3300-3500

A friend of my dad's says he can put one in w/ the airhandler outside, I think it's a commercial unit. I think this may be inefficient??? he can do it for about 2800.

I live in tampa bay FL BTW.


can anyone affer their input good or bad???

 

[Gyrene]

Go with the 10-year warranty. It's a little bit more now, but it will save you alot in the long run. Air handlers normally do not go outside, as the outside temperatures and conditions can greatly affect the air. Especially living in FL, I would not recommend putting an air handler outside. What I don't understand is, are you saying you have a 1.5 ton unit, or a 3 ton unit? I'm assuming a 1.5 ton, because a 3-ton unit would be way to heavy for that space.

 

[Mday]

read the brochure, compare EER and estimated cost of operation (these are fairly accurate, though not always). go with 10 yr warranty.

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: Mday
read the brochure, compare EER and estimated cost of operation (these are fairly accurate, though not always). go with 10 yr warranty.

what brochure?
well it seems like the 10 yr is the way to go.
I am looking at getting a 2 ton system BTW several people ahave told me to estimate 1/2 ton 250sqft.

 

[Nyical]

Originally posted by: dtyn
Go with the 10-year warranty. It's a little bit more now, but it will save you alot in the long run. Air handlers normally do not go outside, as the outside temperatures and conditions can greatly affect the air. Especially living in FL, I would not recommend putting an air handler outside. What I don't understand is, are you saying you have a 1.5 ton unit, or a 3 ton unit? I'm assuming a 1.5 ton, because a 3-ton unit would be way to heavy for that space.