[lc485]

I just bought my home last month. I was told to have my AC serviced as it was really old. I found out that the Air handler/coil/heat pump (interior portion of the unit) is over 20 years old. The outside fan is 8 years old. The price I was quoted for the interior unit to be replaced is $2,035.00, all in, labor, etc. He spoke of needing permits and not having to pay tax on the unit. The compatible unit he quoted is a "Norraine" 2.5 ton. Is this fair? I can't find the unit online. And can my uncle buy this with his contractor ID? He does this kind of work but he is from out of state and might not be licensed. I'm in Tampa FL. Thanks a bunch.

[twinkiedooter]

Did you mean Nordyne? It's a big company. You didn't say how large an area this unit has to cool.

[lc485]

That's interesting that it is probably Nordyne. The guy wrote the word as I spelled it so I thought he would know. It's 1,305 Sf cooled and heated. It's both heat and air. Has a heat pump.

[twinkiedooter]

The price sounds about right for the unit if it has a heat pump. I'd shop around and get several different manufacturer's models to choose from. In Florida I had an outside heating and cooling system that I had to have replaced entirely. It did not have a heat pump with the unit. It cost me around 2K for unit and installation back in 1994. It was a 3 ton unit. My home was 26X80.

I'd contact the local building dept to see if you have to have a permit for this unit. Also ask about your uncle installing it. When I had the replacement unit installed I didn't have to get a permit for it (or the contractor got one and never told me).