Looking to replace everything as if in a new build. Attic is foamed, so all of the estimates are 2 stage or variable.

Daikin FIT variable 3-ton $18,000
Trane XV variable 3-ton $21,000
Trane XR 2-stage 3-ton $20,300
Goodman 2-stage 3-ton $17,300
Amana variable 3-ton $37,000
Bryant Evolution variable 2-ton $20,300
Bryant 2-stage 3-ton $12,500


All except the last estimate are from semi to major companies. The last one is a 1 man operation. He said he doesn't do variable installs due to high maintenance.


Thoughts and recommendations?

Where are you located?

Rexter said:

---

Looking to replace everything as if in a new build. Attic is foamed, so all of the estimates are 2 stage or variable.

Daikin FIT variable 3-ton $18,000
Trane XV variable 3-ton $21,000
Trane XR 2-stage 3-ton $20,300
Goodman 2-stage 3-ton $17,300
Amana variable 3-ton $37,000
Bryant Evolution variable 2-ton $20,300
Bryant 2-stage 3-ton $12,500


All except the last estimate are from semi to major companies. The last one is a 1 man operation. He said he doesn't do variable installs due to high maintenance.


Thoughts and recommendations?

---

I can tell you that there is a way bigger gap than $700 in cost to the company for the Trane XR and XV. They are likely jacking up the price of the XR to get you to just upgrade to XV.

Goodman and Amana are the same thing. Why is there a $20k difference?

Located in CS. Everyone that has given an estimate has measured everything (foam depth, window sf, etc... one even wanted to know what the new flooring material would be). The high bid was from a company that sent out a "sales person" who measured everything and then had to do the presentation about everything. I won't be using them.

+1

RoyVal said:

---

I got a new 4 ton RUUD replacement, both condenser and evap unit with a new plenum and new whole home media cleaner and I want to say I paid like $10k a couple of years ago. I used a regional guy that does a lot of work in Galveston County. He probably runs 10-15 trucks so he's not a 1 man shop, but not a national brand.
All those prices you posted look too expensive to me.

---

A couple things about your anecdote and what the OP is posting about make your comparison completely irrelevant.

For the price you paid, your system is likely a single stage unit. All of the prices the OP posted are for 2 stage at minimum, or fully variable systems. Comparing single stage systems to a fully variable speed system is apples and oranges. A single speed is like a 2008 Honda Accord, and a fully variable system is alike a brand new Bentley. Sure, either one might drive you to the store and back, but they are going to completely different experiences. Also, the higher efficiency of the variable system means there is a theoretical point at which he will break even or start saving money in the long run because his electric bill will go down significantly.

Aside from that huge difference, the price you paid for literally ANYTHING a few years ago is now completely irrelevant. Even a comparable single speed system would still cost 30%-50% more now.

drummer0415 said:

---

RoyVal said:

---

I got a new 4 ton RUUD replacement, both condenser and evap unit with a new plenum and new whole home media cleaner and I want to say I paid like $10k a couple of years ago. I used a regional guy that does a lot of work in Galveston County. He probably runs 10-15 trucks so he's not a 1 man shop, but not a national brand.
All those prices you posted look too expensive to me.

---

A couple things about your anecdote and what the OP is posting about make your comparison completely irrelevant.

For the price you paid, your system is likely a single stage unit. All of the prices the OP posted are for 2 stage at minimum, or fully variable systems. Comparing single stage systems to a fully variable speed system is apples and oranges. A single speed is like a 2008 Honda Accord, and a fully variable system is alike a brand new Bentley. Sure, either one might drive you to the store and back, but they are going to completely different experiences. Also, the higher efficiency of the variable system means there is a theoretical point at which he will break even or start saving money in the long run because his electric bill will go down significantly.

Aside from that huge difference, the price you paid for literally ANYTHING a few years ago is now completely irrelevant. Even a comparable single speed system would still cost 30%-50% more now.

---

Also sounds like OP is getting all new duct work as well.

Without knowing anything about the installers I'd probably choose that Daikin variable unit....

Daikin has a 12 year warranty vs 10 with everyone else

Your Amana variable seems crazy high unless that is for 2 units.

Should be same-ish price as Daikin Fit since it's basically the exact same thing, but maybe the dealer only works with one or the other.

I just went through same process as you, had 2 whole new systems put in (foam attic as well). Went with Amana S Series - $31k all in for both units installed (and had to chance old Flue to get up to standard). 10 year parts and labor.

https://aeroseal.com/?utm_source=GMB

If you are inside their service zone, their services might save the new ductwork costs by sealing your present, leaky ducts ... think fix-a-flat but with a meter that measures leaks pre- post- treatment

What a range!

I'd say in the $15-20k range including duct work is a respectable price. But…price is only a small part of the equation and should be a secondary metric to choosing who to use.
I personally would stay away from Trane and Lennox. Daikin, Amana, Goodman are the same manufacturer. I'd take one of those before I'd take a Trane or Lennox.
If I knew who you were getting quotes from I could better refer you but I'll just say you need to do your homework. Did any of them perform a manual J or D, what is their history in hvac design, have they gotten any certifications in duct design, how long have they been in the industry, other employees do the install or a subcontractor? I'd rather have a properly installed Goodman than a poorly installed Ruud.
Let us know how it turns out and which way you decide to go.

Still absorbing all of this while I'm on 2 wheels in NW Arkansas.

Everyone but the 1-man did a manual J. One outfit used a program after that for the duct design.
They have been around 20+ years. The Daikin quote is from a co that did the same, and they've been around 15+ years.

I'll prolly make a decision at the end of the week.

Rather than repair some of ducts, I'm just going to replace everything.

I just replaced 3 units in my house with no duct work changes.

I got the top of the line condensers, furnaces, and normal coils, 2 4-ton and 1-3 ton. Added t-stats and air filtration to each system.

I wont say what manufacturer or installer, but lets say I have some inside info.
All that equipment cost the installer $18,609.58. They charged almost $70,000 for the job. It was a 2 day install with 2 crews there day 1 and 1 crew there day 2. Making margin of ~$50K before labor expenses.

Now I didn't pay since I got the equipment and install as a perk for my job with said company, but it should give you an idea on what the installer is paying.

Condensers $3,000-$3,500 (top of the line, variable speed)
Furnaces $1,000-$1,100 (2-stage, variable speed, top of the line)
Coils $315
T-Stat $315 (top of the line)
Filtration $750 (top of the line)

Not sure this helps you decide but want to give you some reference on costs.

Beauty of a free market; other companies can come in and charge less

I got a quote for a Daikin Fit 5 ton for around 13,500 back in April in Houston area.

Begs the question: is it better to proactively replace so you can get quotes on your schedule vs. Waiting for a failure and being under the gun in august.

Aggie71013 said:

---

Begs the question: is it better to proactively replace so you can get quotes on your schedule vs. Waiting for a failure and being under the gun in august.

---

I replaced mine mainly due to the new A2L requirements. I wanted a 410a system(s). I had 2 old systems that were on the last leg and failure was imminent within a few years.