I live in Northeast, NJ (about 15 miles outside of N.Y.C) Summers are usually in the 80' and 90's range with the high humidity. I was given a proposal from a reputable AC and Heating company to install a Lennox XC-15-036 condensing unit and CBX32MV-036 variable speed air handler, 3 ton, 15 SEER and R410A refrigerant. The air handler will be installed in the attic crawl space which has 12 inches of cellulose insulation blown in. All new duct work will also be installed. (There is no existing ductwork) I live in a ranch house 1800 sq feet built in the 1950's. A Manual J calculation was done. The cost is $10,636 I will receive a total of $800 back in rebates. My question is ... is this price in the ballpark??? I'm also awaiting to hear from 3 other companies for their estimates.

Thanks for any info provided.

Coolbluone

What do you have for heat?

The price seems on the high side but of course this is NYC area.

Several questions.

What is your electric rate?

How do you heat your home?

The reason I ask these questions is that you might consider changing from an AC to a HP system and use the HP on those days when your main source of heating is not required. Just a thought if it makes economic sense.

Not a big fan of Lennox. The XC15 is very quiet and this may be important to you. Here are the ARI performance numbers.

1329499 Active OEM XC15 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC15-036-230* CBX32MV-036*+TDR 35000 12.50 15.00 CEE Tier 2 (light by 1000 BTUs)

I would also ask for a quote on the Lennox XC14 and suggest you get a quote from a Carrier dealer on their Performance 15 model and from a Trane/AmStd dealer on the XL15i and Allegiance 15. They have very good numbers in both AC and heat pump models.

IMO

To answer your questions...

1) The proposal includes an emergency drain pan to be installed under the air handler with 2 separate condensate drains to go to the roof gutter.

2) Install a Lennox digital programmable thermostat

3) Install a sheet metal duct system ...supply trunk to be acoustically lined and wrapped with foil insulation with a rigid damper control, grills and diffusers for each supply and one central return with grill

Other important information....... install all necessary electrical wiring, copper refrigerant lines to be installed to leader pipe
In terms of heat I have baseboard heat. We replaced our 27 year old boiler (previous owner) with a Well Mclain hot water boiler 84% efficient which I really like.

Last, I'm going to call on Monday to double check that everything is included as stated in the proposal. Also I'm waiting to hear from 3 other companies with their proposals. I'll keep you posted

Thanks, Coolbluone

Thanks for the post.... to answer your questions

1) The electric rate in my area is .095 cents per KWH

2) I have baseboard heat and just replace my 27 year old hot water boiler with a WEll Mclain 84% efficient which is running very well.

3) I did get a proposal for a Lennox ACX13-036 3 ton and air handler CBX32M-036 13 seer for $9400 (Everything included... ductwork, electrical, drain pan, copper refrigerant lines, digital thermostat Any thoughts on this model?

Last, I am waiting to hear from 3 other companies who will have proposals.

Thanks, Coolbluone

I PERSONALLY like TRANE. Let us know about the other quotes. Your proposal sounds good thus far.

what is the fuel source for your boiler and how much do you pay?

with a low electric rate like yours, I would definitely change from an AC system to a heat pump system. you will have a real payback for the price difference! A hp system will handle your home's heating needs when a boiler is not necessary except for those very cold days plus you get the AC for the summer mths.

see link below for fuel comparison calculator.

IMO

The fuel source I use is natural gas and I usually pay $200-$250 a month in the winter months and well under $100 as low as $20 to $30 month in summer months. I was told by my utility compnay I use below average for electric and gas. I'm still waiting to hear about the other proposals. They should be sometime this week.

Thanks again.... Coolbluone

do yourself a favor and look into a high eff heat pump system over just a high eff AC system. Ask your dealers.

the best decision you will make concerning HVAC.

Crunch your numbers into the attached fuel comparison calculator. they tell the truth and will make you smile.

IMO