Seeking comments and advice on replacing my electric heat pumps. They are roof top units, 2 of them on a duplex. One is the original installed in 1978, a Bard, and somehow managed to keep working until yesterday! I have usually posted a labor gig offer on Craigslist, someone would come out, replace parts and good to go for a year or two, for a few hundred bucks. I called a heavily advertised company this time, very professional, courteous. The tech tried very hard to get my tenants unit working, exchanging parts from my own unit to make it happen, or so it seemed. After 4 hours of switching panels between the two, he declared it wont work, and the sales guy shows up. No written estimate, and some pressure to buy it now, $9800 for a two ton electric heat pump, no duct work, 13 SEER, servicing a 950 sq. ft apartment. Two year bi-annual maintenance service included. I found somewhere the average replacement price is around $7500.
Not my line,but have been researching mini splits for a while,sounds like they are proud of their extended service,would do more checking. hthttp://www.thermospace.com/ductless_split/2-ton-mini-split.phptp://acunitsdirect.com/all-in-one-self-contained-package-units/package-unit-heat-pump/wall-mounted-heat-pump-package-units.html
Just had a new system put in yesterday. Lennox XP21 2 stage 3 ton heat pump, CBX32 Air handler, Icomfort t-stat, new line set, 20kw heater package, new disconnect, a few system sensors, a new return drop, new air handler box, and a new pad for heat pump. $7865.00. Heat pump is 19 seer
Well, I'm just screwed! I've had 7 companies bid it so far. All the bids are close to each other at around $8k, for one unit. One guy suggested I replace both units on the duplex, as the one still working is 15 years old, and approaching its life expectancy limits. Two new units, new duct work, new digital programmable thermostats, $7k each.
I think I got a fair deal. I got new duct work throughout the building, new curb mounted units. old units connected to ducts with a sheet metal elbow, hood, the connections leaked. New ducts passed the HERS testing under 5% leakage. Now, after spending so much money, I'll have to run the heater to make sure it works this winter!
