Thanks

Dear Pros,

I would like to thank you for all the useful comments. I had the quote for 10K for one system {($7400.00 for the upstairs unit, a TRANE XL13i, 10 yr warrenty, variable speed, and then another 3K$ for duct work, 17.5K$ for both units}.
I took your advice and scouted around a bit for a few more quotes. After looking over the references I went with a fellow that started his own business after being employed in a larger outfit. He installed (2) Goodman/Janitrol systems (R22), 13 SEER, and the air handlers (variable speed), did the ductwork (returns in each BR upstairs, repaired insulation, ran metal over the longer flex lengths where needed upstairs and down) for $9600.00. The air hander is a 10 yr unconditional warranty with lifetime on some of the parts and the compressor/pump are under a lifetime warranty.
The systems look sharp and the house is very cold.
Sure beats 18K

I have one last question: should I purchase a yearly service contract for the annual amount of $250.00? I can obviously change the filters and check drain lines myself, I have gauges and the freon - which I do not expect to deal with. I am weary of making sure the fins are cleaned properly as I have read this can be an issue.


Thanks

 

[quark]

You can do fin cleaning with pressurized water jets. You won't have much problems with AHUs(occassional belt tightening etc. can be done easily) but just take care of compressor side. 250USD seems to be not too high(even in my monetary units). Have the contract for one year and see what problems you get and how they solve. By this, you will get some experience.

Regards,

 

[KenRad]

The new units have very little required in the way of regular maintenance. All of your fans are probably direct drive with sealed bearings, so there will be no lubrication or belt maintenance. If you change your air filters regularly and use filters that are a little bit better than the fiber mesh ones that sell for less than $1, you should be able to go for years without coil cleaning on your indoor coils. The outdoor coil can be vacuumed or rinsed with a hose when needed.

For the first 3-5 years, you shouldn't need to do more than filter changes and drain pan/drain line checking and occasional cleaning. I would hold off on a maintenance contract at least that long. This assumes the installation wss done properly. Keep a close eye on the operation of the systems for the first few months, while the installation labor is still under warranty. The air handlers should have auxiliary drain pans under them, and they should stay dry.

---KenRad

 

[lilliput1]

Read the fine print on the warranties if you can refuse the service contract & what parts are excluded from the warranty. Note some warranties are particular to a certain model so make sure it pertains to your model. If you are knowledgeable about electricity, reading circuit diagrams ,know safe procedures, have the time to annually clean the unit coils, flush the drain pan, clean out the condensate drain piping & regularly replace the filter you should be able to do without a service contract. Make sure you complain right away if something is amiss before the end of the warranty period. Use intermittent fan operation. I had a GE motor that seized up after 4.5 yers. It was self lubricated but it did not have fans at the rotors to cool the bearing & I operated it continuous summer & winter.