Dane,
What is your American Standard 13 seer going for these days?

And I agree about the time value of money and seer rating thoughts. It all depends on how long you plan to stay in your house.

Morning fellas...
07- In an attempt to keep this brief, as far as value is concerned we could talk ROI, upfront cost vs. 12 year savings, etc, for hours on end.
But as with most things value is in the eye of the beholder/consumer and defined by what someone is willing to pay for a certain product or service. That being said there are facts about our industry that shed some light on the value of higher SEER equipment whether it be 14, 16 or greater. Here a couple points to help answer your question.

1. With higher SEER comes higher EER which in Texas is our true indicator of energy savings.

2. Higher SEER doesn't just mean a higher number, it almost always means better quality equipment, components and warranty. From hail guards, to low/high pressure switches, protective features to advanced technology, and on and on.

The objective of any great contractor should not be to just add a job to the board or provide something that blows hot and cold air but to provide their customers with the best quality product at their highest level of service for an agreeable, reasonable price. The lowest available SEER equipment, with the lowest level of warranty and lowest quality rarely achieves that.

REO - I would prefer to not talk price on here.
But it really doesn't matter how long you stay in your home...13 SEER will be of very little or no value at resale, but with 16 SEER we regularly see customers achieve 75-80% ROI when selling their house within 5 years of system purchase. Shoot me a PM or anyone can further discuss things with me at

dane@classicheatandair.com

Thanks and Gig' Em

Dane, thanks for chatting over the phone and answering my questions. I appreciate your time.

You are very welcome REO, pleasure talking.
Everyone have a great weekend!

Dane: I'm confused by your comment on the 15 seer standard coming up next year. Most houses sold in the foreseeable future are going to have equipment below that standard. As I stated earlier in the thread, I replaced a 30 year unit in 2011 with a 17 seer. Neither of my next door neighbors have replaced either the inside or outside unit in well over a decade, and both replaced one but not the other when they did last have one replaced. I realize more energy efficiency would be a selling point, but homes are going to be sold for a long time with long since obsolete equipment. The last appraiser I spoke with said he doesn't care what the AC is as long as there is one. I don't think that's universal, but it is one view.

At any rate, I'm seeing upwards of $200 a month savings during the summer and much more comfort. I'm hopeful that your 80% roi figure is close.

Manufacturers will only be able to sell the higher efficiency equipment, dealers should be able to sell inventory that they have in stock.

It won't matter what's already in a house, just like now, there are old homes with equipment that wishes it could hit 8 SEER, but it can remain until no longer repairable.

88ags - my 7 year old lennox unit needs a new evaporator coil. If I was to have you guys quote a price, who do I ask for when I call? North Woodlands area. Thanks

Call and ask for either James or myself (Jim) 713-466-7555 is the office number. My mobile is 832-347-0807.

88agswin Sent you a PM

My wife and I might be buying a 1993 2900 sq ft 2 story house. We are currently in the option period and just finished inspections. We are trying to get the sellers to add more to closing costs to help replace 1 of the 2 original HVAC units (the blowers are newer).

If we all agree to the terms and we end up getting the house, what type of HVACs should we get? We would not have to replace them at the same time, but would we save some money on installation costs if we did them together?

Currently looking at the Lennox 17 SEERs, but I have very limited to no knowledge on HVACs. I do like efficiency and saving money on the electric bill. We plan to be in the home for at least 10 years.

Edit again: correction, the outside units are 3 ton each.

[This message has been edited by stridulent (edited 4/15/2014 11:42a).]

91- The new regional standard of 14 SEER (not 15) is for installing/replacing units post Jan, 1 2015. There will still be some 13 SEER in circulation until the inventory depletes and certainly all existing systems are grandfathered in.
As far as ROI or the value in having a high efficiency, under warranty, quality system when selling a home...it is the difference between being able to add $5000 to your asking price or being forced to give the buyer $5000 credit toward HVAC. Cheers on your monthly savings, we have hundreds of customers echoing the same thing, it is a great feeling.
Hope that answers your questions.

Thanks and Gig 'Em
Have a great day board!

BassAg....I sent a reply PM

Stridulent- do you have the indoor unit makes and models? I assume it is Lennox but wanted to ask. I've read it is best to match the systems to achieve the max utility savings assuming install is done in a professional manner. You can get a performance idea by going to https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/homeM.aspx and typing in your proposed matchup. Good luck on the negotiations. Also...check out two stage systems if you are really into energy savings but ill defer to the pros on this board. And you should save on install if doing both units together.

[This message has been edited by REOAggie (edited 4/14/2014 6:57p).]

I don't know the unit models, but we are going to try to get an HVAC guy out Tuesday or Wednesday to get an estimate on the costs.

Seller agreed to throw in some extra money for closing to cover AC replacement, but I don't think it will be quite enough to replace 1 of the units.

where are you located?

The house is in the Copperfield area, south of 290.

Are there still a decent amount of rebates and tax incentives for replacing old units with high efficiency ones?

Lennox = overpriced.

Check with Mike at Arctic Air. He's done numerous jobs for Aggies on this board and around Houston. Great guy, I met him a few weeks ago.

http://www.articairtx.com/

I am considering the need to have my A/C unit checked up. Anyone in the Dallas / Plano area have recommendations? I always get nervous about these as they can cost a decent amount and they always seem to tell you that you need a new A/C unit if it is beyond 8 years old. Just want someone I can trust.

Looking for an estimate to replace it or just tune up for summer?

Just tune up for the summer.