Well - it looks like it is time ...

[scooperhsd]

to start looking for replacement HVAC equipment.

Had the HVAC guy over this morning to check out the existing 25 Years old Air conditioner and 14 years old furnace. While the Air conditioner is still working for now, the outside unit is running a bit rough, and it is only a SEER8. Estimate to replace both was around $10,000 . He was saying this should get us around SEER14. We have been planning for this, so it isn't unexpected.

We will be having some other companies also give us some estimates on  a replacement system.

We still need to figure out what we want to do for the finished attic - it has an old Sears Kenmore A/C that uses 240V 25 amp breaker (but doesn't heat) - That isn't necessarily an immediate concern.

[Jess from VA]

I got a full furnace & AC upgrade a couple years ago.  It had been a good quality 1985 Carrier install (and lasted over 30 years).  I bought in 1992.

The AC was shot, the furnace was not.  They told me the furnace could go at any time (heat exchanger) and offered a good deal if I did them both.  I did both.

He laid out all the pros and cons of the best and most efficient systems (SEER).

It turns out the very top of the line efficiency systems lacked a good deal of reliability; and often needed periodic repairs.  So I picked Carrier/Bryant very good stuff, but NOT the highest energy efficient stuff. 

Needed only 4 ton for my small house; around $7500. 

[0leman]

We replaced our HVAC system two years ago with a Rheen system.  Gas furnace and AC unit.  It replaced an electric Heat pump that was installed 30 years ago.  The new system is 95% efficient.  I have kept Records of cost of electric and gas by the month and we have been saving $60 to $80 per month with new system. 

The guy, company, who installed the system warrants the system for 10 years plus there is a warranty from Rheen.  So far no complaints, house stays warmer during our winters. 

[carolinarider09]

As I said before I did do some studying to get my HVAC license so I could get some freon for my 1996 Ford Explorer.  Also used the information to help get a new system for my home.

I have also communicated with persons on the forum linked below.  They have given me, in hindsight, good advice.

https://hvac-talk.com/vbb/

I have a Bryant system.  I had another option when I built the house (also another well known name) but settled on the Bryant system because of the group that was doing the install.

They were local (well 15 miles away) and seemed to have a good track record.  Those are two things that are very, very important to me.  

I am not too much aware of all the brands and their benefits.  Bryant is one of course and Carrier is another.  

I have what was, at the time 12 years ago, the top of the line Bryant system.  The install was done by the HVAC company that I purchased it from.  I did set up the area.  I would do it a little different if I had to do if from scratch today.  

The same company installed one of those Bryant small inverter systems and I did not really monitor that one so, there are some issues with the location of lines under the house.

I have investigated installing a new system in the next few years due to age of my current system.  Seems they don't make them like they use to.  I would go with a top of the line Bryant system if I had to do it right now.

My system uses a Heat Pump system with Natural Gas as a backup for heating.  I do not know if the new inverter system can really operate below 20 degrees F but..... my single room inverter system heating and cooling the back porch works well.  Don't know if it has heat strips for heating in very cold conditions.

But, while brand is important, so is the company that will be doing the removal and installation.  

[scooperhsd]

We will probablly be putting in a 3 Ton ~14 SEER A/C and an approrpriately sized 90-95% NG furnace (much like what is currently there, except the current A/C is Seer 8 or so). This should cover the 1st floor (where we usually hangout) and the basement (it usually needs some heating help in the winter - have a 30K BTU spaceheater that more than covers that. The attic is the real question mark - currently old large window unit A/C with no heat up there - may consider one of the mini-split systems someday, but it is not a priority at the moment.

[carolinarider09]

I had forgotten the name of the HVAC unit on the back porch and its a "mini-split".   

The only issue, which can not be documented easily is, the mini-split is mounted over the doorway to the house so it's about 6 1/2 feet above the floor.  We have a ceiling fan that we can change rotation on to help move the air around.  And that is the issue.   With central HVAC units you have several supplies and one or two or maybe three returns (depending on the design).   

The return on the mini-split is right there so.....  something is needed to move the air around.   It seems to work will and we use it year round.  It's a Bryant unit.   

[da prez]

  Just my $.02 worth. We installed a furnace in the home we sold. We replaced three furnaces in our
 apartments.  Research quality and get a V E R Y clearly written warranty . Get it before the install.

                                   da prez

[scooperhsd]

Noted - So far - 2 estimates for around $10K - $11K , one more for Monday/tuesday next week. The one Today was much better done than the first, and it seems like  we are getting a better system.