Log in

View Full Version : Integrating 2 separate systems--A/C and heat


Abenaki06
Aug 22, 2008, 01:20 PM
Older house: 1964; older system 25 years; home is 2700 square feet. Add on room has separate A/C and heat unit on roof for 300 sq ft. Remainder of home on furnace/AC unit on ground. (2400 sq ft) Second floor on half of the home.

1. How much SEER should I get to integrate the two?
2. How much should I expect to pay?
3. Is it expected to have new ducting in the price?
4. How much haggling is realistic?
5. What are the common pitfalls of the newbie to systems replacement?
6. What other factors should I consider?

P.S. The system still works, but I am told it is very inefficient.

hvac1000
Aug 22, 2008, 03:35 PM
1. How much SEER should I get to integrate the two?


Keep the system separate. This way you will have zone control and save big bucks on the duct work.


2. How much should I expect to pay?

No way to answer that question since fees and different all across the country. Call for local bids to get an accurate price.


3. Is it expected to have new ducting in the price?


As stated before save your $$$ and keep the systems separate.

4. How much haggling is realistic?

With a true professional company there is little or no room because they will not cheapen your job but other companies will give you a break on the price but trust me you will get what you pay for and no more.

5. What are the common pitfalls of the newbie to systems replacement?

Failure to get 2 or 3 estimates and checking references of the companies biding.

6. What other factors should I consider?

How much you really want to pay to save money on your utility because that is what it is all about. Sometimes it can take 10-15 years to pay off through utility savings for various reasons. If you finance you pay interest and if you pay cash you loose interest and investment opportunity.


NOTE: You might want to combine that small unit on the roof with the system closer to that area if not to big of an expense.