From: t@toddh.net (Todd H.)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Fair price for hvac install 103 yr old house?
Date: 30 Mar 2007 16:27:28 -0500

ktyler123@yahoo.com writes:
> I'vs received only one bid so far- but I'm wondering if this is the
> ballpark I'm looking at. I want to install a/c and have a warmer house
> in winter (It's quite chilly- long-underwear-wearing type, and we pay
> appx $400 a month our heat bill nat gas) I have a 100 btu furnace and
> existing ductwork, but need to purchase (according to contractor) an a/
> c unit for the downstairs, a heat pump for the attic, an air handler
> for the attic, 2 coils, two thermostats, upgrade my electric to 200,
> relocate 1 return and add one in the upstairs hall. The attic is
> easily accessible as is the crawl space. He quoted me appx. 15,000!
> for Trane units and the whole shebang. The house is 2100 sf, 9'
> ceilings, 103 yr old but fully insulated.   Thanks, Kris


2 AC units, a furnace, a heat pump, add some ductwork, upgraded
electric service.  Back of napkin, yeah, sounds a bit high and maybe
the guy doesn't want the job all the that badly, or just charges a
lot. I'd encourage you getting additional bids, like in any job.  

A single furnace and AC with 0 electrical, plumbing or duct changes
can run ya $6k depending on what you get, so just keep that in mind.
The electric service upgrade alone is not anything to sneeze at as a
cost contributor.  Your situation sounds a lot more complicted than
that and no one here can see what your place is set up like.  

But do shop around.  Try a Rheem or Ruud dealer next--they have decent
reliability as brands too.  

Best Regards, 
--
Todd H.  
http://toddh.net/