It seems like there are quite a bit of knowledgeable people on here not concerned about selling me a system so I will outline my system and ask what to do.

1998 2bdrm (1,100 sqft )condo 2nd story in vegas and ac bills gets high (around $300) split system

Problem is AC compressor rattling even though home warranty replaced compressor outside. Worried about it going out and wanted to replace with more efficient instead of fix again.

Here is the system (sorry for being long but complicated)

3 ton split system (so I'm told) with the water heater heating the unit. Very bad because to upgrade you need special air handler that hooks up to water heater or ditch water heater all together.


Got a quote for $2000 OTD from a friend of friend to replace compressor with 13 seer 3 ton compressor and some kind of expansion valve in air handler to account for new compressor (carrier). I know this isn't a bad price and he has replaced my friends unit doing a great job. AC places in town were quoting 4K plus for compressor replacement.

Does this sound like a good deal?

OR

Is it more beneficial to replace air handler at same time with more efficient seer and ditch hot water heating system? I don't see putting in another hot water system because it is too unique and expensive plus it never gets too cold in vegas.

In addition there are two more separate issue that I would like to resolve but don't know what the best options are. The condo air system is sealed and doesn't pull any air from outside. Inside air gets stale especially in main bedroom and it also doesn't get cold enough. A larger vent duct for main bedroom? Or do I also need a return duct in there since the only return duct is in hallway?

Is there an effective way to pull in fresh air or am I kind of stuck with that?


I GREATLY appreciate the responses.

You could have your friend install a new air handler with electric strip heat instead of the hooking to the water heater for heat. This way you will have a small electric strip heater to take care of the lite heat loads in the winter. Also by changing the inside unit you will get one that matches the efficiency of the new outdoor unit and that is always desirable and it will help lower your cooling bills.

$300 in the summer in vegas in not bad, believe it or not. Personally I don't like the term friend of a friend of a friend. That is always a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately uou are in prime time in vegas for repairs so prices are higher. If you could hold out until winter I would than get quotes. They will be cheaper than since the companies need the work.
Also I would have 3 hvac companies come out and give estimates. Most will do this free of charge. Than you can get all of your questions answered by someone who can actually see what is going on there.