I've have been getting quotes for the last week on an entire new system, which is good, because it died yesterday evening. The outside condenser is locked up. I will decide on a quote and system ASAP, but I'm at their mercy on when they can do the install.

It was 85 degrees in the house when we woke up this morning, so I am dreading what the temp will be when we get home this evening. I was planning on buying a few tower fans for the places we spend the most time (living room, bedroom, bathroom, etc.).

My question is, what is the best thing to do in the meantime, until I can get a new system installed? Does anyone else have any other ideas of things we can do to try and stay comfortable?


I also have a few questions about the quotes I have gotten. One company came out, did a heat load calc and spec'd a Rheem 5-ton, 16 SEER, 2-stage system. Another did not do a heat load calc, but spec'd a Lennox 4-ton, 18 SEER, 2-stage system. The house is ~2500 sq. ft. and is zoned (upstairs and downstairs) with a single condenser. My question is, with the difference in SEER rating, is the 4-ton going to be adequately sized to do the job? I ask because it will save me ~$2000...

If you need more info, please ask...

Also, if you have any recommendations for HVAC installers in the Austin area, please let me know.

I use Aircom and have always been happy with them. Their # is (512) 249-8555

Jeff at Tall Guy A/C did mine. I've been extremely happy with the work he did as well as his availability. 5128199864

I would have thought the 18 would be more....

The newer theory is that you would rather be slightly undersized and let the unit run more continuously and start and stop less. There are a lot of variables and it is REALLY hard to say what is right and wrong online, and sometimes even seeing the house.

Not much help, but I would call the other guys recced here and see what they offered.

I am West Texas contractor. QUICK FIX - I would see if I could get a dry/nitrogen Comfortmaker R22 unit, where the inside unit would not have to be changed immediately. Those are sold by Morrison Supply. Rheem/Ruud units suck, in my service opinion, because of the amount of debris they suck up in the condensing unit. They run a low rpm fan motor with a high pitch blade. It is like a stinking vacuum cleaner. Higher SEER ratings do not mean sh*t to the homeowner. They do translate to lower energy costs to operate. Higher AFUE ratings on a gas furnace mean less gas consumption.

I haven't noticed any issues with stuff getting sucked up in my ac.

Isn't it all all about the volume of air? Low speed and high blade pitch would move the same amount of air as high speed and low pitch.

They make smaller lower profile units with double row condenser coils to meet their efficiency needs. They are more susceptible to debris between rows of coils. They move more air than a standard unit with a single coil row. Maybe they have changed, but the 3 year old and older equipment always have dirty condenser coils and high head pressures. The ones I see in grassy yards are the worst.

I see. I have one of their 16 SEER units but it's not a low profile unit. I've been very happy with the performance, but only time will tell about the reliability. So far so good.

quote:

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One company came out, did a heat load calc and spec'd a Rheem 5-ton, 16 SEER, 2-stage system. Another did not do a heat load calc, but spec'd a Lennox 4-ton, 18 SEER, 2-stage system. The house is ~2500 sq. ft. and is zoned (upstairs and downstairs) with a single condenser. My question is, with the difference in SEER rating, is the 4-ton going to be adequately sized to do the job? I ask because it will save me ~$2000...

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Do you mind sharing what they quoted you for both options?

Weird there is 2K difference between 4 and 5 ton?

The markup on A/C an installing them is typically 100% from what I've seen.

The difference between the two systems should be between $400 to $800. The rest is a little pencil whipping, unless the 5T needs a larger lineset, a large amount of duct work repairs or the contractor is putting in some user-friendly add ons. Such as a high end thermostat, filter base or additional labor warranty. To adequately judge the two estimates, you need a scope of work and list of major components. I will usually be higher on estimates, because I add those items, like filter bases and a case of filters. They save me unpaid callouts. It is hard to charge for a service call when you have installed a $7,500 unit in a home, because their a-coil is dirty. Why, because they do not know how to open a unit and change a filter. Those things same both of us the misery.