Hi
I have already asked you guys about what to buy in past but Im still waiting because old system is still working after replacing motor in furnace and filling gas in AC last summer and winter.
So yesterday I talked to my neighbour. I have 2bedroom townhouse, he has 3bedroom townhouse. Same street, same building. When I asked for estimate I was told $4000-5000 for AC+furnace combo. I was promised better cooling and heating especially if they do some 2way fazing(i hope i remember right). Then 1 thermostat would control ground level and second one would control bedrooms on top. We have huge problem with heating and cooling bedrooms. I bought portable AC for master bedroom.
Now my neighbour said he have just replaced ac and furnace with duct cleaning. All for $7000 but he chose this deal because of some 2way compressor which works for 10min and then stops and only fan works to circulate cool air for longer time. Anyway he said his bill is around $35 for all last few months. I understand he replaced it this year.
I pay $100-150 per month for summer time. I wonder how his heating bill will look like in next winter.
What do you think about his deal? Is it true? Can bills drop this much ? Is it possible that he doesnt complain about 2nd floor ?
I would like to know more. It sounds too good to be true.

 

I'm guessing he has no idea what he is talking about. Does he mean a 2 stage compressor?

 

Yeah. He know basically nothing. 2stage is probably that he meant. Basically he was talking about some really great efficiency. Im really curious about this low bill for electricity for home with basement, 3 bedrooms and 1500 sqft...

 

A/C wasn't needed much for the last few months so how can you compare bills ?

There are no miracle high efficiency systems. If you are now paying $100 a month for electric.... it could be reduced to $80-85 a month. It won't be cut in half.

A two stage system runs with the compressor in high or low speed or has two smaller compressors. If a compressor isn't running.... no cooling is being done.

From your description and two thermostats you are talking about creating a two zone system. That system could add on up to $1000 on top of an A/C-furnace combo depending on the duct work changes needed.

 

Im in IL. We are using AC since 2 months.
My other friend said that my neighbour has his bill so low because Comed/Nicor probably gave him rebate for buying new equipment and instead of real check they give him $50 crefit every month. This would be funny if it is true...
Regarding 2zone system. When I asked for estimate i was told that my situation is perfect because i have unfinished basement and access to ducts. They askedfor around $6000 for ac furnace and duct work.
One more question. Im thinking about selling this house. My wife want now to rent it. House,ac and furnace has now 17yrs.
I understand that i have to replace ac and furnace combo because it is too hard to live with this one and livibg and sleeping in our 2 bedrooms on second level is just like livibg on desert. If we really move out then i will just fix it and wont buy new. But... If we rent it then i need to replace it probably next year before movibg out. What would you guys do ifyou dont mind asking...
Would you replace with something same/regular whatever contractors sugest the cheapest or would you put something better and add this 2 zone system?
I know it wont be for me but... I hate fact that we have to use second ac (says it is for 3000sq ft) in window to cool down bedrooms.... That is why my ac bill is $100(bow) to $160( August Sept). Let me know what you think...

 

What I think, is replacing the hvac equipment will due little to nothing to fix a duct problem. It sounds like the duct system is poorly designed and/or laid out.
The equipment and duct are two separate systems, that require each other's presence to work.
You would need to either zone the house or add a separate system.

 

Ok
How do you think the bills will be? Compare regular ac/ furnace with zoning to 2 ACs?

 

Multiple systems are done for comfort, not low bills.
Zoning could have lower energy use then multiple systems but you need proper duct. Which it doesn't sound like you have.
Installed, sized or commissioned wrong and the new unit isn't going to save anything on energy bills.
No unit is going to be a miracle energy saver.

 

another neighbour replaced AC. This one has exactly same building as mine. He said he replaced ac and some pipes for $3200 next day after he called for quote 2 companies. When I asked for price and details he also said that now upstairs is so much better and he doesnt use second ac in window. I just received new bill for electricity $120. It is crazy. His new ac is silent. You hacmve to go near it to hear anything. Im jelous but i wonder why he didnt do duct work and why price is high. Last time I asked just for ac it was $2000. I forgot to ask if coil near furnace was also replaced or is it part of furnace.

 

I'm not sure of what your neighbor had, what he bought or how it was installed. But I can say with full certainty that new equipment will not fix duct issues.
Pricing is hard to comment on as it's very regional. But that price would barely, if even, cover just the equipment around here let alone labor.
I'm not sure if your post is intended to be a question or not

 

Read here for installation information

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/...vac-brands.htm

http://efficientcomfort.net/assets/d...ty_Control.pdf

http://efficientcomfort.net/assets/d...ent_Sizing.pdf

http://efficientcomfort.net/assets/d...s_Properly.pdf

http://efficientcomfort.net/assets/d...ign_Issues.pdf

 

All replies are welcome.
I will try to get model number for this AC.
Imho he should pay $2000-2500 with labor.
I simply wonder why his contractor didnt do any duct work.