HVAC new AC and Furnace, which Company?

[WV Mountaineer]

I'm in San Diego, about 13 miles inland. Don't need much heat, don't need much AC, except from July to mid Sept, especially late August/early September could be 100F!!!

I looked at google reviews and got proposals from 5 companies. After meeting with 5 representatives, I decided I want a basic condenser AC and gas furnace and new duct work, 6 ducts. The house is 38 years old with original furnace, no AC, and no roof solar. I figured more efficient and more expensive AC and furnace heat pump systems will take me over 10 years to break even on cost. So, basic is for me.

In San Diego the HVAC business appears EXTREMELY CUT THROAT and if I'm not careful I'll get royally screwed!!

First company to come out, One hour heating and Air Francise representatives were super nice, tried to get real cozy with me. One guy was a hunter other lived close to me. They quoted $29,000 for a hybrid AC, heat pump and furnace with $2,000 "manager" special! $27,000. They tried to pressure me to do the work two days later for $18,000, dropped their price "to keep their crews busy" and it's not summer yet. I told the guy, if I was stupid I could have paid you $9,000 for more profit, I don't want to hire you, you have no morals or ethics!!!

After getting more proposals, I realized I just wanted a simple system. Basic AC, and furnace single stage and new duct work. Got prices down to $13k.

One hour heating and air rep said the company that quoted my $13k is terrible, they just throw it all together and are "owned by Russians". That's why they are rock bottom.

Can anyone give me advise on picking a company and what to look out for? Hep me please. LOL Bill

Good luck. In my experience, HVAC guys are generally pretty dang erratic. Most don’t finish their contracted work. Those that do half ass it. Most don’t understand how to set up a system. They just show up and throw the material in. Most don’t properly tape. They are just horrible on average.


Now, the good guys pay attention to details. Their work is professional. And, they rarely have issues. When they do it’s equipment related. And, they are worth every penny you pay.


I’d advise you to find a reputable guy and tell him your goals. Follow his suggestions. And, don’t compare his prices. He’s not the jack legs you’ve tried dealing with. Don’t expect him to charge the same either.



I’m a licensed general contractor. I’ve dealt with all kinds. YMMV but, it doesn’t sound like it. So, I’d advise you find a good one. Go talk to home improvement vendors. They’ll know who you should be looking for.

 

[NDGuy]

I can't believe the cost of HVAC now.

In 2019 my first home, I put in a new A/C and converted to a gas furnace at the same time and it cost me $4200...now same unit same installer $10,600.

This chit isn't sustainable.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Worth noting I was an early adopter of the carrier multi speed / green speed systems. Burned up a few compressors before we figured out that ANY surge would / could fry the compressor. I have surge protectors on the disconnects for both inside and out now. I think its pretty important that high quality surge protectors like you reccomended are used.

Not saying that surge protectors aren't useful. Pointing out that cheap ones aren't

The one listed doesn't exactly register as high end IMO

 

[Jpsmith1]

I can't believe the cost of HVAC now.

In 2019 my first home, I put in a new A/C and converted to a gas furnace at the same time and it cost me $4200...now same unit same installer $10,600.

This chit isn't sustainable.

First unit I installed in 2000 when we first got married cost me $600. I'm in the industry so I got wholesale.

It's gonna get worse. A LOT worse with all the tariffs and the various refrigerants that are phasing out all at the same time. Expect further 40-100% increases in just equipment pricing. Labor prices will likewise increase. These increases are being announced by suppliers and manufacturers right now within the business.

Couple years and a basic installation gonna cost $20k

 

[NDGuy]

Couple years and a basic installation gonna cost $20k

Sounds like I better buy now

 

[Jpsmith1]

Sounds like I better buy now

A 2019 install should just be "hitting it's stride" install bugs worked out, not enough run time to actually wear out and break.

I think my "scratch and dent" install is about that age and I've had to replace a caoacitor, I think. Barring someone hitting it with a lawnmower or something else similarly catastrophic, I don't expect to do much more than basic maintenance for another 7-10 years.

Ya got time to save

 

[NDGuy]

A 2019 install should just be "hitting it's stride" install bugs worked out, not enough run time to actually wear out and break.

I think my "scratch and dent" install is about that age and I've had to replace a caoacitor, I think. Barring someone hitting it with a lawnmower or something else similarly catastrophic, I don't expect to do much more than basic maintenance for another 7-10 years.

Ya got time to save

That was my first house mine I’m in now have 15-20 year old units, that’s why I had it quoted when I moved in.

 

[Jpsmith1]

That was my first house mine I’m in now have 15-20 year old units, that’s why I had it quoted when I moved in.

Ah. Fair. At 15-20 years old, it's probably time to consider replacement.

Says the man with a furnace in the basement from the 1990s..... lol

 

[Actionsqueak]

Construction Project Manager here, also based in CA. Whoever you go with, be sure that they have the cost of air sealing and testing the ducts included in your price. If you pull permits and do everything by the book, they will need to seal and test every duct to meet a maximum air leakage standard for energy code (title 24) code compliance.

Other than that, ask for a couple of references and pick the person who seems the most trustworthy and upfront about the process, cost, and benefits/drawbacks of each system.