HVAC Ballpark Replacement?

Sun Tzu · 01-09-2011, 09:38 PM

Hey all,

So, I know we have a fair number of home owners here, which means a good portion of you probably have had to service/replace an HVAC unit. I'm considering buying a house that has a 32 year old (yes, 32 years) HVAC package unit mounted on the roof. I have poked around online looking at replacement costs, and I see anywhere from $4k - $10k, and I have no idea what differences would determine whether ours would be close to 4 or 10. It's a "package" unit that runs on gas. Any and all help in regards specifically to how much it might cost to replace it, and whatever is involved in getting that done is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

General Mike · 01-09-2011, 09:55 PM

My father replaced the AC unit in our house shortly before he passed away. This was 17 years ago and I believe it was around 6,000 then.

Swaggs · 01-09-2011, 10:03 PM

We replaced our air handler for about $2500 and the exterior pump was about the same (we didn't need to replace it, fortunately). They were both ground units. I have heard that roof/attic units can run considerably more, so I would guess you would be at the higher end of your range.

stevew · 01-09-2011, 11:42 PM

Can't you like call a local professional and tell him you're looking to replace it. And get an estimate? Would seem to be the easiest way to approach this.

CU Tiger · 01-09-2011, 11:45 PM

You would need to know the size of the unit to narrow down the range.
What is the square footage of the home you can guestimate tonnage pretty safely based on that.

IF its 30+ years old its probably time to look at ducts as well, and your ai handler should be considered, too. A new air handler can save big bucks on the power bill..if the AH is also 30 years old Id replace it just as a matter of cost savings.

Unfortunately you are in CA which means your labor will be 3-4x many other areas. I think you are staring $10k in the face and maybe more, perhaps significantly more.

Mustang · 01-10-2011, 12:58 AM

Geez... we did ours several years ago and it was like $2500 for an outside until. Granted, I'm in WI so, I don't need a huge unit.

Hmm... I typed that last line without thinking, reread it and started to laugh. I'll leave it there.

Sun Tzu · 01-10-2011, 09:36 AM

The house is 1752 square feet, built in 1978. Since I don't own the house yet, I assumed it's not really feasible to get an accurate quote/bid from a Contractor...

JPhillips · 01-10-2011, 09:59 AM

Have you done an inspection yet? I'd ask for the replacement info s part of the home inspection. It would be good to have that number as you finalize the purchase.

Sun Tzu · 01-10-2011, 10:04 AM

The inspection was a week ago today, and other than the age of the unit (it still works fine) there were no other major issues. My Realtor recommended getting a Home Warranty which I guess runs around $350 - $400 per year, and if the HVAC unit goes out in that time, they replace it. I would assume that labor and duct work is all included, but I'm not entirely sure.

cuervo72 · 01-10-2011, 10:20 AM

HVAC Ballpark...that's where the Padres play, right? Yeah, definitely needs to be replaced.

Noop · 01-10-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

Geez... we did ours several years ago and it was like $2500 for an outside until. Granted, I'm in WI so, I don't need a huge unit.

Hmm... I typed that last line without thinking, reread it and started to laugh. I'll leave it there.

She says that to make you feel goo about yourself.

Rizon · 01-10-2011, 10:22 AM

Bought a house with no AC/central air and a 60 year old wall heater (that was broken). To add an AC unit (outside) and a heating unit (garage) cost us $6000. This was for both systems and labor. I think it was a 93 or 95% AFUE heating unit, which is where we saw the price difference in quotes we got.

Suburban Rhythm · 01-10-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuervo72

HVAC Ballpark...that's where the Padres play, right? Yeah, definitely needs to be replaced.

I kept seeing this thread and was thinking along similar lines...

*He needs to replace an HVAC system at a ballpark? Did I miss the thread on FOFC collectively bought a ballpark??*

01-09-2011, 10:03 PM	#3
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	We replaced our air handler for about $2500 and the exterior pump was about the same (we didn't need to replace it, fortunately). They were both ground units. I have heard that roof/attic units can run considerably more, so I would guess you would be at the higher end of your range. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers? Last edited by Swaggs : 01-10-2011 at 01:02 PM.

01-10-2011, 12:58 AM	#6
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	Geez... we did ours several years ago and it was like $2500 for an outside until. Granted, I'm in WI so, I don't need a huge unit. Hmm... I typed that last line without thinking, reread it and started to laugh. I'll leave it there. __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

01-10-2011, 09:36 AM	#7
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	The house is 1752 square feet, built in 1978. Since I don't own the house yet, I assumed it's not really feasible to get an accurate quote/bid from a Contractor... __________________ I'm still here. Don't touch my fucking bacon. Last edited by Sun Tzu : 01-10-2011 at 09:51 AM.

01-10-2011, 09:59 AM	#8
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Have you done an inspection yet? I'd ask for the replacement info s part of the home inspection. It would be good to have that number as you finalize the purchase. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

01-10-2011, 10:04 AM	#9
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	The inspection was a week ago today, and other than the age of the unit (it still works fine) there were no other major issues. My Realtor recommended getting a Home Warranty which I guess runs around $350 - $400 per year, and if the HVAC unit goes out in that time, they replace it. I would assume that labor and duct work is all included, but I'm not entirely sure. __________________ I'm still here. Don't touch my fucking bacon.

01-09-2011, 09:55 PM	#2
General Mike Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The State of Rutgers	My father replaced the AC unit in our house shortly before he passed away. This was 17 years ago and I believe it was around 6,000 then.

01-09-2011, 11:42 PM	#4
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Can't you like call a local professional and tell him you're looking to replace it. And get an estimate? Would seem to be the easiest way to approach this.

01-09-2011, 11:45 PM	#5
CU Tiger Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Backwoods, SC	You would need to know the size of the unit to narrow down the range. What is the square footage of the home you can guestimate tonnage pretty safely based on that. IF its 30+ years old its probably time to look at ducts as well, and your ai handler should be considered, too. A new air handler can save big bucks on the power bill..if the AH is also 30 years old Id replace it just as a matter of cost savings. Unfortunately you are in CA which means your labor will be 3-4x many other areas. I think you are staring $10k in the face and maybe more, perhaps significantly more.

01-10-2011, 10:20 AM	#10
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	HVAC Ballpark...that's where the Padres play, right? Yeah, definitely needs to be replaced. __________________ null

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