SoCal HVAC help needed...

[hawk1]

It looks like my condenser is on it's last leg. It's having trouble bringing the house down below 80/81 during the day. If I start it early it'll pull through the day no problem. If I start it when the house is at 85 or so, it'll run 7 or more hours and barely get the temp down to 80. The central air unit is every bit of 19 years old and NEVER been serviced. It was original to the house (2100 sqft 2 story) when I bought the house new and just built in 2/1992
I feel it's so inefficient that it's not worth putting money into it doing a service/recharge. I'm sure there are units much more efficient available.
Question is, where do I start? How does one go about getting a new condenser purchased and installed? Any Inland Empire Calgunners doing this work? This unit may limp through summer, would winter be a better time to purchase and have installed?

[maurice05]

You can try my guy hes here close to los angeles he will be installing my ac system in the next few weeks hopfully depending on my funds his name is
Ruben 626 252 4259 just tell him maurice in compton have you his number

[dodger fever]

Well I don't install but I do deliver carrier ac units to local ac companies. What part of inland empire are you at, maybe I can refer you to someone in your area

[rickster1269]

This is my Brothers business in Tustin. Give him a call tell him his bro Rick sent you.

http://www.randairemechanical.com/

[hawk1]

I'm in South Corona. I've received a couple PM's with phone numbers to call, but haven't had a chance to call them yet.
I need to do something, but can't seem to find a day free to schedule an appointment...

[dodger fever]

Try allison air bro they are in corona as well. The owners name is Steve,he will take care of all your needs. Just tell him Richard the carrier driver referred you

[hawk1]

Try allison air bro they are in corona as well. The owners name is Steve,he will take care of all your needs. Just tell him Richard the carrier driver referred you

Thanks.

In your other post you said you didn't install. Can/do you sell the condenser and I have an installer do the work?

[dodger fever]

I wish i could brother. They wont even sell me one, you need a contractors licsense

[hawk1]

I'm fairly certain I'm to the point of replacing this unit. My only concern is being oversold for stuff I won't/don't need.
Also, not sure if it's best to buy the highest SEER rating possible (more money) or a lessor SEER rated unit which is less upfront, but I'll then pay more in higher energy costs?..

[AAShooter]

I'm fairly certain I'm to the point of replacing this unit. My only concern is being oversold for stuff I won't/don't need.
Also, not sure if it's best to buy the highest SEER rating possible (more money) or a lessor SEER rated unit which is less upfront, but I'll then pay more in higher energy costs?..

See what rebates and incentives are available. I can't remember if there are any tax benefits still available this year.

[hawk1]

See what rebates and incentives are available. I can't remember if there are any tax benefits still available this year.

yeah, there's a couple if buy a unit that has a high (I think 14 or more) SEER rating. One from Edison and another from Uncle Sugar...

I'm guessing that the HVAC company will be getting premium prices because of the rebates available. Both together amount to around $2400 or there about.

[dodger fever]

Well a higher seer is more efficient but from what I've been told its only going to save you on average about 120-150 a year about 11bucks a month. So it seems to much to pay up front for that higher seer. The carrier warehouse in brea sometimes has a scratch and dent sale on condensers and alot of times they are half price. So whoever does your install have them look at that to save money,alot of times they are minor dents with nothing else wrong and come with warranty

[freonr22]

you will also need to replace your indoor coil (evaporator) due to the fact your new outdoor unit will be r410a refrigerant not r22. you may consider your furnace also.

What ever you decide. Consider requiring your Lic'd c20 hvac contractor perform an air balance report. I am Not talking about duct leakage pressure testing or house leakage, but this register in this room puts out 135cfm etc. total system cfm rated is 1400, supply is 1285 return is 1380 etc.....

you will end up with a better quality install, and a better quality company

[AAShooter]

you will also need to replace your indoor coil (evaporator) due to the fact your new outdoor unit will be r410a refrigerant not r22. you may consider your furnace also.

What ever you decide. Consider requiring your Lic'd c20 hvac contractor perform an air balance report. I am Not talking about duct leakage pressure testing or house leakage, but this register in this room puts out 135cfm etc. total system cfm rated is 1400, supply is 1285 return is 1380 etc.....

you will end up with a better quality install, and a better quality company

Sounds like a great suggestion but why does an air balance report get you a better install and contractor? I know for my situation, I am trying to figure out how to get better performance upstairs vs. downstairs.

[freonr22]

because they will put a certifiable right amount of air in the right place. ie, upstairs is hotter, I want to direct 65% of my capacity there... ok, I adjust dampers to send 65% of capacity there. oops, the ductwork cannot handle it, its too small... ok, we can only get 3/4 of what we need there with what we have.. ok, we need another 10" duct there. it will cost this much, ummm ok please do it, and you end up happy... the equipment to do air balancing costs maybe 2-3k, the work is maybe $300-1200 depending.. you end up with a proper performing system. I do not do this any more but happy to share if you need more detail. pm me for a ph number if your questions were not answered