Hi,

We just received our 4th quote tonight for replacement of our AC system which hasn't worked properly since we bought our home 7 years ago. Our home was built in 1996. The outside unit looks to be original; whereas, the inside has a 2004 manufacturer's date. 2 of the 4 contractors are suggesting Bryant, 1 is quoting York and tonight's contractor seems to really like Amana; but, gave us numbers on Bryant as well at my request. We have a 2,700 sf home with a bonus room upstairs, dual zone with Honeywell TruZone panel. Truzone was put in by us in 2010. With the exception of today, most of the companies spent 30-45 minutes inspecting our house before providing us a quote. The contractor (owner) that came today was here almost 3 hours. As a side note: the company that installed our air handler wouldn't even come out when we called the 1st year we moved in, said they don't service dual zones, really?

Here are the quotes:

Company A: Material and labor to remove existing 5 ton Heat Pump System and install a new hi-efficiency Bryant Heat Pump System. Install new programmable thermostat, auxiliary drain pan with 2 safety condensate float switches, 10 kW heat strip. Flush the existing refrigerant lines to adapt to the new 410A refrigerant application. Ten year warranty on all parts by the manufacturer and one year warranty on the labor. Note: Damper system to be set with dampers open and disconnected. Use one thermostat to control the new system. Doesn't include permit or any electrical work, if needed

13 Seer Rated equipment $5,485.00 213cna060/Fb4cnf060t

15 Seer Rated equipment $6,990.00 215bna060/Fx40nf061t

Company B: Adapt ductwork for new air handler, install 4" filtration system, remove zone application and install thermostat in central location, 1 free year of preventative maintenance. 10 year warranty on parts / 1 year on labor. Includes permit.

13 Seer 5-ton HP system. York YHJD60/AHR60 10 kW Comfort Control: thermostat $7,414

14 Seer 5-ton HP system. York YHJD60/AHE60 10kW
Comfort Control: thermostat $7,754

14 Seer 5-ton HP system. Carrier 25HCB360/FV4CNB006
10kW Comfort Control: thermidistat $8,610 after rebate

Company C: Installation of new 5 ton air to air heat pump system: Condenser, Air handler with 10kw heaters, (2) digital thermostats, and drain pan with condensate float switch. Tie into existing refrigerant lines (cleaned), condensate line, electrical, and duct system.

Option 1: Carrier / Bryant 15 SEER 410A refrigerant:������������������..��. $6,282.00
Condenser 215BNA060, Air Handler FX4DNF061 (Digital programmable thermostat)
Option 2: Carrier / Bryant 13 SEER 410A refrigerant:������������������..��. $5,301.00
Condenser 213CNA060, Air Handler FB4CNA060
Additional Option: Install Honeywell 2 zone True zone system in future:�����������.. $978.00

Note: Manufactures warranty of 10 years parts and one year labor for OWNER-OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS when equipment is registered within 30 days of installation otherwise manufactures warranty is 5 years parts and one year labor.

Company D (applied discounts from our local utility company as he is a preferred contractor in addition to Angie's List and for cash on delivery to be paid after the work has been completed):

Option 1: 5 ton Amana Heat Pump ASZ140601 15 Seer 10kW. CHPF4860D6 & MBVC2000. 5 ton Amana Variable Speed/Horizontal. Dual flood switch, flush & pressure test liquid line, flush & pressure test suction line, clean & clear, reuse existing 2 zones, new plenum w/20" feed supply duct, new plenum w/20" feed return duct, new platform horizontal kit, sanitize ducts, seal ducts, extend 10" duct to 2nd zone, modify air handler placement to correct air flow issues, concrete a/c pad with anchors. 10 years warranty on parts (condenser & a/h only), 2 years on labor (condenser & a/h only), 5 years on new ductwork and limited lifetime condenser replace for compressor failure. $6,226 (includes permit & taxes) CoD

Option 2: Same install with Bryant 14.5 SEER system. Only difference in warranty is that Bryant doesn't offer the limited lifetime on condenser replacement. 215BNA06000/FV4CNB006T00 $6,556 (includes permit & taxes) CoD

We really liked Company D as he went into the attic with my husband and checked the ductwork & dampers as requested. I wasn't home at the time; but, my husband said he spent over 40 minutes calculating air flow and placement of our air handler. He said that was our biggest issue as there was not enough clearance for the returns, etc. This is similar to what Company C told me yesterday; however, he was not as detailed and he only walked into our attic to look at the ductwork whereas Company D actually moved around & checked. Ductwork wasn't sealed at all in certain places and 1 damper fell off. Hubby likes the Amana because of the limited lifetime warranty; however, I see alot of negative reviews on this brand and am a little leery. We have been without AC for over 1 week and it is starting to get unbearable due to the humidity. The first three were referrals from family & friends with only 2 having minimal reviews. The last one was obtained thru our local utility provider and found on Angie's List. He has over 400 reviews and is branching into my area from central Florida. Some of the reviews are from customers in my area.

Any feedback on above is appreciated. Thank you!

This post was edited by snsn on Fri, May 16, 14 at 7:29