our central a/c is blowing cool at best and we need a new unit. We had our power company come out and look at it. He came in and said that it is dead. Our a/c unit is over 40 years old and it should have been replaced ten years ago... we moved in... ten years ago. We know nothing about central air. I read a little about it but I need HELP. We are in a 2nd floor condo,2 bedrooms each bedroom has 2 windows the kitchen has 1 window and the living room has 3 windows and 1 large window 41X45. My mother in law has offered to buy the new a/c unit... I don't like her and she does not like me but I still want to get her a good deal someone. She is looking into going to Lowe's or Home Depot. My wife said her mom found 1 for $2,500 then she asked about size. So we are on hold until I get a reply from a pro. Thank you for taking your time to read this

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The store where your disliked mother-in-law buys the unit should make the recommendation, and it will be based on other factors. I have central air, but I prefer to run a bedroom conditioner at night.

In my area the person comes to your house when central air is involved and he/she recommends the appropriate size.

Ask the salesperson for a written recommendation.

AC tonnage/BTU is based on square footage, solar load, window size and placement, insulation and other factors. You just can't say what will be needed. $2500 just for the AC could be a good price depending on SEER and other factors. How do you heat the condo? Is this straight AC with a gas or electric heater or a heat pump? If this is a 40 year old gas heater, spend the money for a total system change. We need more info before giving you some ideas.

"MA," when it was my turn to replace my unit I didn't know whether to go through a chain or call an independent.

Do you have thoughts on that?

AC tonnage/BTU is based on square footage, solar load, window size and placement, insulation and other factors. You just can't say what will be needed. $2500 just for the AC could be a good price depending on SEER and other factors. How do you heat the condo? Is this straight AC with a gas or electric heater or a heat pump? If this is a 40 year old gas heater, spend the money for a total system change. We need more info before giving you some ideas. We have decided to replace both. I found better deals on eBay for new unites with 10 year warranties.

We have decided to replace both. I found better deals on ebay for new unites with 10 year warranties.

When you buy a central air system off the internet (electronic purchase) there is no warranty, Goodman brand unit's state it on their website. Im not 100% sure on other brands though.